How to Improve Your Game—Whether You're the Underdog or the Strongest Player on the Court

Whether you’re facing players above your level (playing up) or paired with or against players still finding their groove (playing down), every match can be valuable—if you approach it with the right strategy and mindset.

Here’s how to make sure every game helps your pickleball journey, no matter who’s right next to you or on the other side of the net

⬆️ When You're Playing Up: Strategies to Thrive Against Better Players

Playing with or against stronger, higher-rated opponents can feel intimidating—but it’s also one of the fastest ways to grow.

Here’s how to make it count:

✅ 1. Focus on Shot Selection, Not Score

Better players are less likely to make more unforced errors than you are — so stop hoping they will.  Instead, focus on learning how to make smarter decisions under pressure. Where are your safest angles? When should you reset instead of speed up? Recognize attackable and unattackable balls 🤭 

🔑Use this opportunity to improve your:

• Patience at the kitchen line

• Dinking consistency

• High-percentage shot choices

✅ 2. Observe, Then Imitate

You’re getting a front-row seat to more advanced level pickleball IQ—so pay attention!

Observe and adjust to:

• How your opponents move together

• If they communicate and work together as a team

• Individual tendencies and patterns

Have you heard the phrase, "Steal like an athlete?"  What they do under pressure is what you can start practicing next.

✅ 3. Control What You Can

You may not win, but you can win points your way:

• Set micro-goals: “no unforced errors this game” or “win 4 points with my aggressive serve”

• Focus on body language, breathing and resets

• Practice early partner communication

These games teach you to stay grounded in chaos, a critical skill for competitive matches and tournaments.

⬇️When You’re Playing Down: How to Stay Engaged and Make it Worthwhile

Sometimes you’re the most experienced player on the court. It can be fun... or frustrating. But either way, you can absolutely grow from it -- if you choose to!

✅ 1. Work on Your B-Game Under Control

Playing down is a chance to intentionally practice:

• Hitting clean third shot drops under low pressure

• Controlling tempo and shot placement

• Practicing new shots or placements (I call this live drilling)

• Playing left-handed (for the bold!)

You don’t need to crush your opponents—you need to tune your tools.

✅ 2. Lead Without Dominating

You have a good opportunity to become a better partner, not just a player.

• Radiate pure positivity 

• Set up your partner for success

• Practice being patient, even when it’s slower-paced

• Develop improved focus if your partner is being targeted so you're ready for anything

Bonus: This is great preparation for tournaments, where you might need to help calm a nervous or tired partner, or carry a little more weight.

✅ 3. Treat It Like a Mental Challenge

You can treat playing down as a burden—or as a mindset workout.

• How can you demonstrate kindness when your partner misses 3 in a row?

• How can you amp up the energy when the game feels flat?

• How can you learn to fully enjoy the moment with players trying their best, instead of checking out?

Growth doesn’t always look like intensity. Sometimes it’s emotional control and grace despite boredom.

🎯 Final Thoughts: Every Pickleball Game Can Be a Good One When Fully Leveraged

Playing up? You’re getting tested.
Playing down? You’re learning to lead.
Either way, you're building your pickleball mindset—and becoming a more complete, resilient player.

And remember: the court is your classroom. Win or lose, you’re always in session.

📘 Want to Keep Growing?

• 💬 Get 24/7 support, strategies and feedback.  Join or log in to our Pickleball Coaching Collective:

• 🧠 Get 1-on-1 or group mindset and performance coaching to accelerate your development. Sign up for a free coaching session.

• 📚 Download pickleball e-books and other resources to track your progress and build better habits.

Because your time on court should always move you forward.