At JOOLA, we know that the journey from intermediate to advanced pickleball player isn’t just about hitting harder—it’s about playing smarter. That’s why we’ve put together a list of essential tips designed to help you sharpen your skills, improve your shot placement, help you pick the right pickleball paddle and dominate the court with confidence. Let’s dive into the key strategies that will elevate your game and make every point count.

1. Improve Court Positioning & Footwork

Many intermediate players focus on hitting good shots but overlook where they are on the court. Proper positioning can make a huge difference in both offense and defense.

• Stay close to the Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Line after serving or returning, as this is the strongest position for controlling the game.
  
  
• Move as a unit with your partner in doubles—maintaining proper spacing and avoiding large gaps.
  
  
• Work on quick lateral movements and split-step timing to react faster to opponents’ shots.
  
  
• Get a good pair of pickleball shoes to reduce the possibility of injury and extend your play even longer.

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2. Master the Mental Game & Patience

At the intermediate level, many players make mistakes because they rush points or get frustrated instead of playing smart.

• Learn to reset the rally instead of always going for a winner—well-placed dinks and resets can force errors from your opponent.
  
  
• Stay mentally composed and avoid unforced errors by focusing on consistency rather than power.
  
  
• Recognize patterns in your opponents’ play and anticipate their shots instead of just reacting.

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3. Make Your Drills More Game-Like

Simply practicing repetitive drills isn’t enough—you need to simulate real game situations to improve decision-making and adaptability.

• Add pressure to your drills. For example, in dinking drills, set a rule where if you pop the ball too high, your opponent can attack.
  
  
• Practice with a purpose. Instead of just hitting balls, track your accuracy, count successful shots in a row, or set challenges like "10 perfect third-shot drops before switching."
  
  
• Mix in match play drills. Play mini-games where you can only score off a specific shot (e.g., volleys or drops) to reinforce key skills.
  
  

4. Develop Advanced Shot Selection Strategies

Intermediate players often know different shots but struggle with when and why to use them.

• Disguise your shots. Try to make your drop shots, dinks, and drives look similar to keep opponents guessing.
  
  
• Work on deceptive placement. Instead of always aiming for open spaces, hit behind your opponent when they’re moving or aim at their feet to force weak returns.
  
  
• Adjust based on your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. If they struggle with low balls, use more soft shots; if they’re slow at the net, speed up the game.

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5. Upgrade Your Paddle Based on Your Playstyle

Instead of just buying a new pickleball paddle for "better performance," choose one that suits your specific playing style and needs:

• Professional: For highly skilled intermediate players looking to elevate their game, JOOLA’s professional paddles offer advanced technology and precision. The Perseus shape provides extra reach and power for aggressive play, while the Scorpeus shape balances control and versatility, making it easier to refine shot accuracy and consistency.
  
  
• Performance: Designed specifically for intermediate players looking to improve, performance paddles enhance spin, control, and maneuverability. The Radius shape features JOOLA’s Aero-Curve Design, reducing drag for faster swings and better handling, helping players develop a well-rounded game.
  
  
• Recreational: For casual intermediate players who want a solid balance of control and power, JOOLA’s recreational paddles provide user-friendly designs with quality performance. The Essentials line offers a great blend of durability and playability, while the Britto series adds an artistic flair without sacrificing function, making every game enjoyable.