What Is the One-Two Pattern?

In Pickleball, most players think in terms of individual shots: a third shot drop, a speed-up, a lob. But what separates high-level players from the rest is their ability to think in patterns—sequences of shots that build off each other with intentional timing and placement. One of the most effective and underused is what’s known as the “One-Two Pattern.”

The One-Two Pattern is a deliberate pairing of two shots designed to first create imbalance (the "one") and then exploit it (the "two"). Rather than going for the winner on the first opportunity, this tactic delays the attack by one shot, making it higher percentage and far more effective. It’s especially useful in dink exchanges, transition resets, and counterattack situations where timing and spacing are everything.

Why the First Opportunity Isn’t Always the Best

It’s tempting to attack the moment a ball looks attackable—but that instinct leads to mistakes. The One-Two Pattern instead prioritizes setup. The first shot doesn't aim to win the point but to destabilize your opponent:

• Pulling them wide
• Forcing a stretch
• Drawing them off balance
• Changing their court position
• Exposing their partner

Only after that disruption do you attack—when their paddle is down, their stance is compromised, or the middle is wide open.

Components of the One-Two Pattern

To execute this strategy consistently, you need to understand its core components:

1. The Setup Shot (One)
This shot should:

• Target movement or positioning weaknesses
• Be controlled and placed, not rushed
• Be high-percentage (e.g. crosscourt dink, push volley, or deep return)

2. The Finisher (Two)
This shot:

• Comes after your opponent reacts to the first
• Capitalizes on the opening their reaction created
• Should be decisive but not reckless

Examples of the One-Two Pattern in Action

Crosscourt Dink + Middle Flick

• One: Dink wide crosscourt repeatedly to stretch your opponent
• Two: Once they lean or slide too far, flick the ball quickly into the middle seam

Deep Return + Poach

• One: Hit a deep return to the backhand, forcing a high third shot
• Two: Partner anticipates the middle ball and poaches the volley before it drops

Push Volley + Roll Topspin

• One: Volley with pace to the backhand shoulder while they’re off the NVZ
• Two: If they block it high or floaty, roll a topspin forehand into the sideline gap

This isn’t about complexity—it’s about timing. You’re not reacting to the ball, you’re predicting and setting up a predictable next ball.

Benefits of the One-Two Pattern

Using this approach gives you several competitive advantages:

• More control over the pace of play
• Higher shot confidence since you’ve pre-planned the attack
• Fewer unforced errors from rushed or impulsive shots
• Greater disruption of your opponents’ rhythm
• Improved court positioning before attacking

You’ll find yourself “working the point” rather than swinging for the fences.

How to Practice the One-Two Pattern

1. Dink + Attack Drill

• Practice two-shot sequences: 3 dinks wide → 1 middle attack
• Focus on reading the opponent’s balance before attacking

2. Return + Crash Drill

• Partner feeds a serve, you return deep
• Immediately transition and poach the next soft ball
• Train coordination and anticipation

3. Live Rally Target Drill

• Play out rallies but score points only if you hit a winner after a planned setup shot
• Reinforces discipline and reward from delayed aggression

4. Mirror Partner Recognition Drill

• One partner creates a setup situation (stretch, slow shot)
• The other partner calls out the “two” shot before hitting it
• Builds visual cues and communication

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

When learning to use this pattern, watch out for:

• Overeager attacks: Don’t rush the “two” shot if the “one” didn’t create an advantage
• Predictable rhythms: Vary your timing so the pattern doesn’t become obvious
• Ignoring your partner: In doubles, the second shot might be their opportunity

Stay flexible. The One-Two Pattern is a framework, not a script.

Final Thought

Pickleball isn’t about who hits the hardest—it’s about who thinks the clearest. The One-Two Pattern introduces a layer of intention into your game that reduces errors, improves control, and sets up easier winners.

Start thinking in twos. Plan your attack like a chess move, not a coin flip. With repetition and tracking, you’ll begin to see your opponents not as challenges to overcome, but as puzzles to solve—one shot at a time.