Tips for beating a power paddle opponent in pickleball

Power in pickleball can be overwhelming, especially when it's backed by a paddle designed for power.

If you’ve found yourself across the net from a player armed with a power paddle and a relentless offensive game, you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news: power alone doesn’t win games. Smart, consistent, and mentally tough players can flip the script.

Here’s how to counter and conquer power paddle players with strategy, not just strength.

Focus on consistency and precise shot placement

Power players thrive on fast-paced exchanges but often sacrifice consistency for force. Instead of trying to match their pace, slow the game down and play with precision.

Target their feet with low, deep returns and well-placed dinks.
Vary your angles to move them out of position — power shots are harder to execute when your opponent is on the run.
Extend the rally — many power players make unforced errors when tasked with hitting a fourth, fifth, or sixth ball in a row.

Think of yourself as a tactician. Every extra shot you make your opponent hit increases your odds of a mistake.

Reset instead of trying to out-hit your opponent

Trying to win a firefight against a power paddle as a finesse player is often a fool's errand. Instead, change the tempo.

Master the reset shot — dropping the ball into the kitchen from mid-court or transition zone neutralizes your opponent's pace and resets the point.
Use soft blocks to stave off hard drives. This takes speed off the ball and forces your opponent into the kitchen.
Avoid hitting high volleys (unless you’re in the perfect position) — otherwise, you're feeding their strength.

Resets frustrate power players because they can’t hit through you. And that gives you the mental edge.

Take control of the net — don’t surrender it

Power players love keep opponents in the transition zone or at the baseline. They have the upper hand in drive-and-crash tactics. The antidote? Get to the kitchen — and stay there.

Use deep returns of serve to buy time to get to the net.
Hold your ground with well-placed dinks and resets once you’re at the net. It forces your opponent to earn their power opportunities.
Counterattack selectively — if your opponent pops a ball up, make it count. Target the sidelines or tricky areas of the body to defend, such as the armpit or hip.

The net is where your control and finesse shine. Once you dominate that space, you can dictate the rally.

Stay mentally tough and play defense with pride

It’s easy to get rattled when an opponent hits winners at will. But emotional discipline is your secret weapon.

Stay calm after being passed or overpowered — it’s going to happen, but one shot doesn’t decide a game.
Stick to your game plan — If an opponent is rapidly firing, don’t panic. Control players who get overwhelmed often start overhitting, causing loose errors.
Turn defense into offense — resetting a fast drive or speed-up can shift momentum and rattle even the most aggressive players.

Defensive excellence is often the difference between surviving and thriving against high-octane players. Celebrate every good reset like it’s a winner ... but wait until the point is over.

Use your opponent's power against them

Power players often give you more pace than you need. So use it.

Block volleys instead of swinging — the pace is already there, so guide the ball to the open court.
Redirect with angles — let their speed work against their court positioning.
Counter with off-speed shots — a sudden drop or dink can throw off their timing and rhythm.

This keeps your opponent guessing and prevents them from falling into a comfortable attack rhythm.