Why the First Four Shots Are Everything

Pickleball is often described as a game of patience and precision, especially once the dink battles begin. But the truth is, most points are already won or lost before the fifth shot. The first four shots—serve, return, third shot, and fourth shot—determine who gets to control the pace, position, and pressure of the rally.

At higher levels, these early exchanges are treated with surgical intent. Each shot is designed not just to land in bounds, but to set up a specific advantage: time, positioning, or forced error. Recreational players, however, tend to treat the first four shots as merely functional. They serve to start the point. They return to get it back in play. That mindset puts them on the back foot before the rally even begins.

Shot 1: The Serve

The serve is your first opportunity to gain initiative. At lower levels, it’s just a formality. At higher levels, it’s a weapon that applies pressure, pushes your opponent back, and narrows their return options.

Keys to a great serve:

• Depth: Deep serves push your opponent toward the baseline, giving you more time to react to the return.
• Spin: Topspin or slice can throw off timing and make the return unpredictable.
• Placement: Aim for corners or body shots to force awkward footwork.

Most importantly, a strong serve gives you a chance to predict the return. Players under pressure are more likely to return to the middle or crosscourt, which you can anticipate.

Shot 2: The Return of Serve

This is arguably the most important shot in the game. A deep, well-placed return allows you to move to the kitchen and neutralize the serving team’s advantage.

Primary goals:

• Get it deep: Aim within 3 feet of the baseline.
• Buy time: A high, loopy return gives you more time to approach the NVZ.
• Target the backhand: This often produces weaker third shots.

Poor returns (short or rushed) make it easier for the server to hit a strong third shot and approach the kitchen line with confidence. A good return is a positioning tool, not a rally starter.

Shot 3: The Third Shot (Drop or Drive)

This shot defines the serving team’s fate in the rally. It’s where you either neutralize the returning team’s positional advantage or lose the point outright.

Option A: Third Shot Drop

• Used when the return is deep and you’re forced to stay back.
• Objective: Land the ball softly in the kitchen, allowing your team to move forward.
• Risks: Pop-ups, hitting into the net, or landing too short.

Option B: Third Shot Drive

• Used when the return is short or if you want to apply pressure.
• Objective: Force a weak fourth shot that you can attack or drop on the next shot.
• Risks: Giving your opponent a high volley or making an unforced error.

Good players tailor their third shot to the quality of the return. Great players have both options ready and can disguise them until the last moment.

Shot 4: The Fourth Shot (Volley or Block)

The returning team’s job here is to hold the line and deny the serving team access to the kitchen. A well-executed fourth shot can maintain your advantage—or give it away.

Common fourth shot options:

• Block volley: Used against drives. Keep it low and controlled to deny forward movement.
• Aggressive counter: If the drive is weak or high, attack with purpose.
• Dink or reset: If the drop is good, respond with a soft shot that keeps the point neutral.

The fourth shot is the first true “defensive read” of the point. It requires quick reaction, tactical awareness, and shot variety. If you win the fourth shot, you usually win the net.

Common Patterns and How to Exploit Them

Many rallies repeat the same basic script:

• Deep serve → deep return → third shot drop → dink exchange.
• Or: hard serve → short return → third shot drive → fourth shot block.

If you can recognize and anticipate these sequences, you can adjust your tactics early and shift momentum. For example:

• Anticipate a middle return and poach early on the third shot.
• Prepare to counter a third shot drive with a compact paddle and split step timing.
• Use a return with more arc to give you time to approach and hold the line.

This is where tracking performance becomes essential. With Paddles.ai, you can tag first-four-shot sequences and measure outcomes over time:

• Are you winning more rallies when you drive third shots?
• Do you win more points when your returns land deep and centered?
• Are fourth shot errors costing you net control?

This kind of data insight is almost impossible to gather without tracking tools. But once you have it, you can shape your training and decision-making with precision.

Training the First Four Shots

You don’t need to play full games to work on these exchanges. Try these focused drills:

1. Serve + Predict Drill

• Serve to a specific target.
• Call out where you expect the return to go before it’s hit.
• Reinforces serve placement and pattern recognition.

2. Return + Run Drill

• Return a deep serve.
• Immediately sprint to the NVZ and hold a balanced position.
• Teaches return timing and court transition.

3. Third Shot Combo Drill

• Practice alternating drop and drive based on different returns.
• Focus on decision-making and execution under pressure.

4. Fourth Shot Wall Drill

• Use a wall or partner to simulate drives.
• Practice soft blocks and resets into the kitchen.
• Builds touch and defensive consistency.

Final Thoughts

Pickleball isn’t won on the 10th shot—it’s usually won by the fourth. The players and teams who dominate these early exchanges control the point’s direction, neutralize their opponent’s strengths, and create more attackable opportunities. The key is intention. Every shot in the first four should have a clear purpose: gain space, gain time, or deny momentum..