How to Win Against Bangers
It can be difficult to win against bangers unless you understand the weaknesses of that style of play. Bangers are players that hit or bang the ball hard at you (typically from the baseline). I usually see this style of play from former tennis players and it can a very effective strategy to use unless your opponent is ready for it.
Common Mistakes when Playing Against Bangers
The most common mistake I see players make is playing ball that would land out of bounds. When you play someone that puts a lot of velocity on the ball understand that many of the balls in the upper chest and head area will sail out of bounds unless there is a ton of topspin on the ball. If you are volleying a ball that is above your shoulders you are keeping the point alive when most of the time that ball will land out and the closer the banger is to the net when they strike the ball the more topspin the shot will need to have any change of staying in bounds.
The other mistake we see a lot when playing against a banger is returning their shot deep with pace. You have essentially given them another chance to bang away at you. Since your opponent is typically deep when they bang at you the first time your are setting them up for another shot by giving it right back to them.
How to Play and Win Against Bangers
The first thing I try to do is fight that urge to volley back the shoulder hight and higher balls. Many of those shots are so tempting to hit because they are right in that sweet spot where you want to put it away but by letting those sail out the banger is going to have to perfect low balls over the net or adjust their strategy. The second technique I like to use is changing up the pace of my shots. By softly deflecting a missile coming at you so that it take all their power off the ball and just drops it over the net or even just over the kitchen you often leave your opponent scrambling to recover. Remember bangers typically like t stay back and bang the ball.
Here is a great video we found that talks about this block shot and even breaks it down to how to grip the paddle. Check it out!
Video Learner – Playing Against Bangers
we found this video on youtube from Pickleball Kitchen. they have a lot of great content there
So I really enjoyed that and i like how indepth it goes. For more pickleball skills check our blog