How to win against a tall pickleball player

For those of you that know me, you know that I am vertically challenged. However, I tend to surround myself with people who tower over me (husband, children, friends, etc.). Because of this, I don’t always notice how truly short I am. 

While I believe pickleball is for everyone, those of you with “giant” potential have some serious advantages! 

Generally, they have a long wingspan, allowing them to cover most of the court, especially at the kitchen, without even moving.

Here is a simple visual that shows you what I mean, taken from How To Play Against Tall Pickleball Players.

The red line displays height. The dotted lines show the trajectory of the highest shot possible. 

This height advantage does two things: 

• it creates a bigger strike zone above the net. With the additional angle, they have more options for attacking (see the difference in space between the two dotted lines!); and
• it creates additional overhead coverage. Tip: don’t try to lob the shot over them; they can reach it without even jumping! 

In addition to a wide wingspan, long legs can be a factor too. They cover in two strides what takes me five.

Lastly, tall players are able to hit down easier. When hitting down, it’s easier to keep the ball in, which allows them to hit harder. Because of this, they don’t need to be as accurate with their timing on shots. A shorter player usually hits from lower down. When they try to blast the same ball, it’s more likely to go into the net or go long.

That’s why it can be oh so intimidating when TWO tall people are standing at the kitchen line just waiting for your shot!

So, what do you do?

Keep it low

Use your vertical limitations to your advantage. Keeping the ball low, preferably at their feet is your best option. Roll your dinks instead of popping them up. Those high shots are way too easy for them to return. Think about it…it’s the farthest thing away from their arms. 

Body shots

Aim for their chest or belly. Because their arms tend to be longer, the positioning of their arms gets awkward when the ball comes directly at their core. Think chicken wing shot (picture this: lifting your elbow up awkwardly to hit a shot coming right at you).

Dink it out

Because of their long body and extra reach, they have the advantage with high shots. Try to play a dinking game to force more bending. Keep the ball short so they can’t attack. Remember they hit down easier so keep it low. Aim cross court to create angles, moving the players from side to side. 

Height gives an advantage but strategy wins points. If you can keep them bending, moving, and uncomfortable, you take away their biggest advantage.

And, as always, remember: play fair, play hard, and stay out of the kitchen!