How to Beat BANGERS in Pickleball (Hard-Hitting Players)

[@chess]

make 'em blunder

[@EnhancePickleball]

💯

[@sbinsdca]

Easier said than done when they're great at driving the ball low over the net.

[@blockchainbaboon7617]

The crossover I didn’t know I needed

[@alexarizala542]

L

[@stanktofuu]

holy hell

[@barrydawg7544]

Great Video... seems that when you play with bangers you pick up their bad banger habits. Mixing it up and dropping a shot in the kitchen slows the game down to where patience is the winner. I'm a 3.5 player but also found that playing with 4.0 and up players helps me so much more in learning how to play those in that area. The sad part is PB gets Klicky and the upper players don't want to play with those that want to play up. It kind of PO's them when this 70-year-old guy actually plays as hard as them. Once you establish your skill then the 4.0's and up will invite you to play in their group. I actually enjoy helping beginners and those who are not up to my level so they can get better. Remember people.. we all started out bad, so give people a break and stop segrating all the time. Invite and teach. Dylan Fraizer from Missouri is ranked 6th in the world pro tour. I am a member of the Show Me Pickle Ball Club in Columbia MO, where Dylan is also a member. When he is in town it's not uncommon to see Dylan at our public courts either giving a lesson or just playing with anyone. Now THAT is CLASS. thanks again for your video....

[@yasim9435]

Nice, however this video shows no such strategy . None of the shots are drops, so hard drive are mitigated with hard blocks

[@RichMalley]

Credit where credit is due: this video massively changed my game for the better. The main reason for that is that it convinced me to stop trying to be a banger myself. I took all of the "bang" out of my game with incredible results. My unforced error rate went way down which gives my opponents much more opportunity to make unforced errors themselves. The techniques for keeping your opponents in the back court have also paid immediate dividends. Much appreciated.

[@thorazine0076]

As a new player I am noticing that, just take the errors and pop ups out. consistency is key

[@TheMary0831]

One of the people I play was a banger. He has stopped that behavior, and now his game is MUCH better. For starters, he's not 100% predictable.

[@brianlane9534]

Rule number one. Make them hit it back.

[@cmevans]

I watch a lot of pickleball videos. This one is very high on the list of time well-spent. Thanks!!

[@BingeInc]

Watching this as a banger hoping to learn how to beat people trying to beat bangers

[@jonathanthornton9413]

Silly banger!

[@scottfromTheMill6993]

Preach!

[@PositiveVibes-b7m]

Don’t be a banger, that’s not how you move up levels-I used to be you also lol

[@Jrixi]

Same

[@saskdad115]

Let me help. Hit the ball back over the net

[@BauerHouse]

great summary video. This strategy is becoming more popular as the game gain popularity, so the counter offensive is useful

[@EnhancePickleball]

Indeed it is!

[@danskiludvik8358]

Excellent video, great material well explained. As a 4.0, trying to move up I am running into more and more players who are not only bangers, but much better at it than the bangers I was playing at the 3.5 and lower 4.0 levels, and, frankly, I've been struggling a bit against them. With some practice, this should help. Thank you for posting this.

[@EnhancePickleball]

Glad to help & good luck! Thanks for watching.

[@LaurzeeMc]

Thanks for all your great advice and info Connor! We apprecite you!

[@EnhancePickleball]

Always!

[@iimxf5778]

Thanks for the coaching. Appreciate it! 🙏👍

[@Nrahotep]

Thank you. you covered everything i needed to work on.gratitude.

[@MJ-gw8mn]

Excellent instructional video discussing issues that I've had with bangers. Thank you!

[@PositiveVibes-b7m]

Honestly, one of the best videos I’ve seen tocounter bangers

[@emlaurenzana]

Straight forward, easy to understand coaching!

[@cliffs4008]

Great video! It's neat wearing small circle size pink on top and bottom of shirt, shorts and back of shoes

[@jeffphillips7345]

I also feel like a deep return on the serve massively effects what happens with the remainder of the point. A short return makes it hard to get to the net and gives the banger that forward leaning mid court shot that they want.

[@Gadzs_]

Good stuff. Wish my backhand looked like that

[@brianlane9534]

😆 I just replayed that about 4 times in a row. Those backhand blocks are what I need to work on. I can hit them flat, but I need to work on putting some stuff on it.

[@texasslingleadsomtingwong8751]

New to the game as of last night . It's my kind of game. My three sons loved it as well .

[@deanakonda]

Thanks for the great pointers! I encounter quite a few bangers, mainly being new at PB. Some hit hard almost every contact with the ball. At a glance, it looks like they are great players, but a lot of the times they hit the net too and rarely dink. One thing that is good for me, being a beginner advanced, is that I am getting better at intercepting and/or actually returning those balls... whether into the court or not! LOL - Sometimes, I am glad I hit the ball somewhere, while I am learning how to control and aim better. So, yeah, your videos are awesome! ♥

[@EnhancePickleball]

Remember to follow us on instagram for quick daily tips! @enhancepickleball

[@Scott-sm9nm]

Excellent examples at the end to cap it off.

[@betty6457]

I liked watching the different stances to improve my game. I do tend to bang but not all the time.

[@smm2476]

Thank you for this, I play someone regularly like this and it’s so frustrating! Hopefully I can master your technique.

[@yasim9435]

Thank you for the video. In this demonstration none of the shots were made into kitchen , all shots were either drives of hard block shots aiming deep into court. The team playing against bangers returned serve with a slice shot landing not too deep, inviting banger test to move up. Was it intentional for just this demo? Would not topspin return give you same time to move up but keep opponents out of kitchen? Anyway this demo shows that game never converge to drops and this is way different than in other videos

[@jonathanthornton9413]

Nice video! sound advice! I was limp wristing the other day and playing horrible. will firm it up!

[@NelsenGChess]

i don't know anything about this sport so i didn't know i was a "banger" lol. i still like the play style but ill keep these strategies in mind so that i know what mistakes not to make playing AS a banger. good video

[@martinkelly6164]

do you have a video on hand/grip position when at kitchen? great video's! thank U

[@timbranson1386]

Great info! Do you have a video on how to address bangers specifically when you're serving? I'm guessing a really good 3rd shot drop would help (if you have one). Other ideas? Anyway. thanks, Awesome info!!

[@hpu8137]

To me also a banger, be patient to reset the ball. If a banger returns your serve and it’s tough to do the 3rd shot drop, you can counter banger and see how his 4th shot is. Maybe do the 5th shot drop or 7th shot drop.

[@realjackeal]

Thank you for this video. Will work on beating the bangers!

[@EnhancePickleball]

You bet!

[@Steve_K2]

I'm a 2.0 player at best, and fear that all the advice in the world won't do me much good if I don't have the reflexes to react quickly enough to hard-hit balls. That said, this video had lots of advice useful for us recreational players.

[@tomsherwood3390]

Steve: You can develop reflexes hitting against a wall

[@th7642]

Thank you for this info🙏🏽

[@EnhancePickleball]

💪

[@waywaybeyond]

I hope you're making profits from these vids, because they're valuable for the pball community, especially neos

[@mefieger]

By far the very best video on how to play and beat bangers. Well done. Thanks!

[@AnnMitt]

Incredibly helpful video!!!!

[@EnhancePickleball]

Glad you think so!

[@tommysmoothsiconolfi9401]

I keep getting intimidated by bangers Hard top spin drives. Meanwhile i bet if i step away most of the shots are out. I will try this buddy. Thank you .

[@EnhancePickleball]

Go for it!

[@Bytowngal81]

Sometimes I try to use a block, but the ball pops way up. I'm sure that my paddle position is correct. Is it possible that bangers are also using spin?

[@anniezohar5415]

Great strategies and instructions. Playing later today. Will try it out. Thanks!

[@EnhancePickleball]

Good luck!

[@Agent77X]

Works at pro level!😊

[@blakefeeeman2786]

Nice summary, I am trying my best to play less of a banger type game, as I get smoked against higher level competition. BTW, how much weight is on your paddle???

[@StuffTested]

Great video and I'll keep these strategies more focusing in my mind! I have a suggestion too. If the Bangers reach the front court, try to throw in some dinks. It prevents Bangers from being able to hit them with power to land on the court, especially at that ~3.0 level.

[@latuya8388]

Good video 👍🏼

[@justinsmith2530]

Great video

[@leonardovu997]

Great video! What sunglasses are you sporting?!

[@86309]

Do you change grip for the backhand block to continental from eastern forehand ?

[@erikjensen6874]

Great video! I hope my opponents don't watch this video as I love hitting it hard. I lose a few points to unforced errors. But I figure that hard shots give them less time to react and it has a bit of an intimidation factor. So it is usually worth it.

[@danielbonca7591]

I love your videos they are very helpful and I wanted to ask what is the best way to clean a project 003 paddle ? And is the face carbon fiber or a hybrid ? Thank you for all the tips and tricks man you the best

[@frank88ster]

Thank you. Great tips. I reckon, WE make bangers LOOK GOOD. How?? Well, firstly avoid 'feeding them' waist high forehand side balls. They relish these returns as they will slam you again and again till either they make mistakes hitting the net or you getting hit ( nesty Nelson) or popping up a ball they can slam again. I found the best (IMHO) is 1) Avoid shots to bangers, but to weaker of the two 2) Direct to backhand of both opponents 3) Lower your stance and watch for balls going out, 3) Just block shots with soft hand, yes, no motion just absorb shot and let balls drop into NVZ,( especially sideways), this frustrates bangers as you're not 'playing their game'. 4) If your reaction time is quicker, punish them back to their feet and if reaction time is poor, take a step back to compensate for response time.

[@frank88ster]

There is another killer return spot, it is a drop at nvz,to either left or right depending on where opponents are standing. I gave up smashing against a player that just softly deflect a net drop away from me every time and won the point. I gave up driving to him but to his partner or try third shot drops instead.

[@EK-gf7yu]

Your Videos are the best

[@SultanKhan66]

Terrific video thank you!

[@EnhancePickleball]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zandemen]

Interested in hearing your reason for not hitting directly at the feet. That's exactly where I target, and often hit their feet or get the 5 hole goal. My reasoning; if you hit to either side they can set up and hit either forehand or backhand with no lateral movement, if you hit at their feet they have to pick a side so a very slight delay, and then move, a longer delay. They have less time to set up, requiring a shorter backswing or they still try to make the big back swing and hammer it, but their error rate goes way up. Or, they don't move and hit a half-volley off their toes, which has very poor mechanics and does not allow them to speed it up much.

[@chipmcbride7138]

Oh no....sounds like you are a dreaded "banger"...hitting at their feet before they can react....

[@jdkforchrist]

You seem really comfortable and confident at the NVL. Does that confidence just come with repetition? Or are there little things your mind is hyper focusing on to slow things down?

[@christopherprosser7505]

A lot of it is seeing more balls (repetition). Besides that, the importance of a good ready position with paddle up and out front can't be overstated. Finally, from my own experience, there is a bit of a mental aspect to it as well. I find whenever I expect an attack and cower (shifting weight or even sometimes moving back, point of contact closer to body instead of out front), I hit bad shots and lose the point. If I simply decide to stand my ground and block the next shot I often surprise myself at what I can get back. Just trust yourself that you can deal with the pace and don't let messing up (no matter how many times you do it) shake your confidence. Eventually you'll get it.

[@929mmr]

@@christopherprosser7505 It's good advise. I am a guy so the only parts of my body I want to protect are my eyes and my package because those are the only parts that can hurt me. I have been hit everywhere else and nothing produces more than a slight sting. I get a little annoyed by guys that turn away from smashes because I know a lot of frail thin girls that stick in there and dig those same smashes. You can also often tell where they are going to hit it by the way the set up. I sometimes return shots I hardly even see just by guessing and sticking the paddle out. Blind luck but doesn't happen if I turn away from the shot. Except for the eyes, getting hit by pickleballs just isn't that bad.

[@christopherprosser7505]

@@929mmr I agree with what you are saying but there are certain instances where turning away makes sense. If all players are at the kitchen and your opponent is getting ready to smash a high pop-up where you don't have time to back up and make space, the chances of returning it are pretty tiny. In this case, the correct ready position to return it would be paddle very low so if your opponent mis-hits you won't be able to protect your eyes. I'd rather just lose the point than risk a visit to the ER. You can see Ben and Collin Johns turn their backs on a popup on match point of the match they recently lost to Smith/Young.

[@skidz8426]

@@christopherprosser7505 I never back up or turn away and I get a lot of smashes back, a lot. I see a lot of people lob the ball and it's pretty good lob and they back up preparing for the smash. I run to the kitchen line where ever I am. you can not smash a ball from the base line past 2 people at the kitchen. the ball is just going to lose all speed. try it with a partner. on skinny court stand at the base line serve the ball over head past your partner. they'll easily hit it back. try it with 2 people I teach people if the lob is past half court move up, you now put pressure on you're opponents and a lot of time they hit the ball in the net. you hit a short lob you're in trouble and theirs not much you're going to be able to do anyway moving back is losing the point. there's always a chance to return the ball if you're actively in the point. I will say there is a time to move back but usually it's a couple of steps. if you ever played baseball, it's a pretty weird thing this ball is coming at your face and you're just ok with it. watching it as inches closer and closer till bam catch it with you're mitt same thing with Frisbee, trust in your instincts. you will be amazed at what you can do. I will say if you have eye problems or injuries or something that slows you down be mindful of that.

[@ddsosman]

Please summary video everytime....so help full Thank you.

[@EnhancePickleball]

Noted. Thanks for watching!

[@ThomasLundyRealtor]

Not gonna lie, that saw made me so nervous when you were cutting it. I've had my first pair of KS2 for a year before they started to separate from the bottom, I wore them daily. So I decided to get another for some reason, haha! I just like the look I guess. Thanks for the video. I know they won't last that long but at least I know what I'm getting.

[@kerrysiler6800]

Mmm, great advice but not letting the ball bounce on 3rd hit is a problem that i have occasionally (to anxious to get up front) im new, just started playing.

[@sbinsdca]

Good players are able to drive the ball hard and low then take pace off and either drop or dink as well. Bangers that hit the ball hard on every shot rarely make it above 4.0 because of unforced errors. To get to levels of 4.5+ you need to be able to both drive the ball from the baseline and move it around in the short court. Roll volley skills on both sides from mid court forward are also required.

[@diggler2002]

Good video. The banger takes a big swing so you need to take time away from them.

[@Johnxtennis]

great video, just saying as a tennis coach, I ain't paying 500 bucks for the pickle ball coach course

[@kabnis2022]

Great video! Can you do a forehand drive video in the future? Feel with your tennis background, you could really highlight how to do a good forehand drive groundstroke.

[@EnhancePickleball]

Absolutely, will get to work on that. Thanks for watching

[@vernonsimmons4578]

Good stuff

[@shannapiatt2694]

My husband and I are bangers. We don't mean to be but have only been playing since October and have an extensive tennis background. We have won all the tournaments we have entered at 3.5 but know we need to have a better soft game to move to 4.0 to 4.5. Any videos to help us transition to an all around game? We struggle dropping it but can dink, volley, and serve well. Also, it seems that our opponents don't want to meet us after the match at the net.

[@davidkeith1921]

Sounds like you’re sand baggers

[@sbinsdca]

Practice a ton and mix in play with lower level players, specifically focusing on drops and dinks to win points.

[@Abbiedupre7]

@@davidkeith1921sounds like you don’t like tennis players are going to take over the sport

[@Diegocurt73]

⁠@@davidkeith1921 very much agree! Sounds like this player and their partner are beating up on players with less talent, what. Disgrace and is shameful. Otherwise, they’d be watching this video to learn how to broaden their game because their banging isn’t working.

[@929mmr]

You need to spend some time coaching the couple in the background at the 6:19 mark. Interesting that your two short shots in your game produced a winner and a pop up that you turned into a winner. Former tennis players tend to be good at just deadening the drive into the kitchen forcing the bangers to sprint up to the kitchen and either pop one up kind of like 13:15 mark or force them into a dinking game which is where I like volleys against bangers to end up. Dropping my opponents baseline drive softly into the kitchen is a skill I would like to have especially against older bigger, less mobile bangers. Any instructions on how to master that?

[@richardsaglimbene6947]

Great video, but no resets or dinks as part of the strategy? I find that bangers drive a lot of their shots into the net or way out after a good dink. Maybe thats in the standard strategy.

[@garrettwhite5032]

It seems like a couple times that you were late to the kitchen on your return, it was bc you hit it with more pace and shorter to your opponent, reducing the amount of time you have to get to your spot. In that situation, are you better off taking speed off of it and hitting something deep to your opponent to keep them back and to give you more time?

[@Frostylyxxx]

Playing with bangers is fun. The back and forths are fun

[@DavidSchilter]

Nice one! I also like to volley deep against these peeps but it'd be cool to absorb the power and hit a short drop volley too, taking advantage of them being near the baseline. Is that possible? Maybe I need a less 'poppy' paddle...

[@christopherprosser7505]

It is absolutely possible but I think it's a much more difficult shot.

[@curtzimmerman]

Good advice. However, in my experience the banger also a good player will hit the bang but they don’t stay back so hitting it back to their feet doesn’t work. They are aggressive. Hit the drive and then move forward so when I return it they are ready to drive the second one even harder for the win.

[@shanec4441]

Targeting the backhand and feet with those shots is always preferred

[@TheMary0831]

Had a very accurate banger the other night. He just plowed through everyone. He drove the ball super hard from the back mostly but I wasn't able to deal with it.

[@TheMary0831]

That guy in your video isn't much of a banger compared to some of the maniacs I see out there - lol

[@stacysmith5760]

What paddle do you use, and would it be ok for a new player?

[@inmemoryofjustinibarra3555]

Are the rules the ball has to bounce on each side after serve?

[@tomrushing7703]

Yes, 2 bounce rule.

[@kennethsmiley1256]

Thanks!

[@EnhancePickleball]

You bet!

[@sw33tm3]

I’m afraid of being at the net with bangers because some are so aggressive. Any advice on that?

[@carolynlamar8079]

Thank you

[@matthewl8997]

“Rule number 1”…. (Holds up two fingers 😂). Good video brother

[@longtimelo]

Haha. It's like diet and exercise. We all know 'what' to do, we just can't get ourselves to do it. When playing bangers I instinctively start driving every shot too. I wish I had a reliable strategy for reminding myself to slow it down.....to be more proactive and less reactive.

[@michaelg7904]

It's always been to one's advantage to get to the net. Once you're at the net, the court opens up for you, giving you the greatest chance of keeping your return in. The trick is to control one's natural desire to forcibly resist and use their force against them by drop shots, aka dinks.

[@gmarte12]

i just realized i'm a banger. all the stuff above are good. but some bangers are former or current tennis player and are good at "banging" so some of the techniques above doesn't apply

[@jimramsey1312]

What are your thoughts on a drop-volley, or a sharply-angled shorter volley, like you did "accidentally" at 11:35? p.s., the added graphics are great !

[@skidz8426]

I just commented on this video, but that's actually how you beat true bangers people who hit the ball hard every time. those people are going to be really bad at the net.

[@gk-qf9hv]

Now it is only "bangers" who are winning. LOL

[@markscheuerman7962]

I played tennis so being a "banger" was my first reaction. Is it wrong to hit hard and deep shots every now and then? I know not every shot and you gotta volley sometes. Just wanna make sure there is a time and place for those "banger" shots

[@bravadious1]

Watching this video realising that I am a banger

[@cstkch6909]

Most new players are

[@joydip4476]

Same here 😂

[@nicholasdisabatino1697]

Is that a San Diego court?

[@robertl1244]

12:20 ish, your partner steps into kitchen. Good video. I do see myself mid court too much.. or as I like to call it, dead man's zone!

[@myname3330]

Banger is the way to go. Especially in singles. Just be prepared to move your feet to get in good postion to hit returns off your shoelaces. This is the same advice youd give against someone baselining in tennis. But really its...how good a baseliner are they lol

[@vernonsimmons4578]

Thanks

[@sbk1198]

Lot of banging going on in this video. This would make for a great drinking game...watch this video and take a drink whenever you hear the word "banger" lol

[@gameplaynation4280]

These example players and shots are too unrealistic for me to actually apply this

[@jimstaub2308]

Great info. Those welders glasses you are wearing , not so great. 😂

[@mahgismom]

Mean

[@Michaelmontana08]

Banging definitely works if you have the right skills to control your bang. It is very hard to defend. Overall, they win more than they lose.

[@kushbd]

One thing I love about pickleball - If you just bang, even if you do it well, you can become decent, but your potential is pretty limited.

[@Abbiedupre7]

It’s the future, no way around it.

[@CocoNut2018]

The thing is, a banger will also uses a strategy that will force the opposing player to hit up the ball through deep and low ball. Once the ball is digged up, the banger will go for power again.

[@charlesfisher3983]

It's wild to me that tennis is so against the "pusher" and pickleball is so against the "banger" (aka opposite of a pusher)

[@teegees]

Is it bad to just aim for your opponent’s body so that it’s harder for them to hit the ball back?

[@Amordil]

@12:29 the guy on the left his feet were in the kitchen when he was volleying so isn’t it the other teams point?

[@damonblythe1343]

I don't think it is whether you are a banger or not, but more how effective your shots are. If you are a consistent banger you can rule the court in my opinion. Also try to have a balanced game so that you can play the soft volleys as well.

[@mwest3583]

ponk ... ponk .. ponk .. thrilling.

[@jwoodfin1]

Bangers and mash!!

[@cstkch6909]

There are definitely high level bangers. I'd say Quang Duong is one of them. He's hitting 100% 80% of the time and he's great at it. Of course he's an anomaly though

[@jillsharaga6580]

Use banger defence in Singles?

[@tonywalsh3707]

Why not at their feet? You say to target to the R or L, but it seems aiming at the bangers feet would work as well?