Passing Shot (Pickleball)
Also known as: pickleball passing shot, passing shot in pickleball, pass someone at the net pickleball, passing a player rushing the net pickleball, down the line pass pickleball
A passing shot is a drive hit past an opponent at or moving toward the net, usually down the line or sharply cross-court. Keep it low and hit it while the opponent is stretched or still moving. If they are set at the net, a dink, drop or lob is often safer.
Passing shots matter most in singles, where one player covers the whole net. They also help in doubles when an opponent crowds the middle or leaves a sideline open. Aim down the line past the outside shoulder, or cross-court at a sharp angle. A low ball at the feet of someone moving in works too. They have to dig out a hard half-volley.
Height is the key. A pass that crosses the net high is easy to volley. Keep the ball low over the net and let topspin bring it down inside the lines. Hit from a balanced stance with a compact swing. Disguise helps. Set up the same way for the pass and the dink until late.
Pick the moment. Pass when the opponent is still in the transition zone, off balance or shading toward the middle. Many coaches warn against trying to pass a player who is set at the kitchen with the paddle up. That usually feeds them a volley. A dink or a well-placed lob can open the court first.
Tips by skill level
Aim down the line first. It is the shortest path past the net player and the easiest to keep in.
Pull the net player sideways with a dink or short angle. Then pass behind them into the space they left.
Example
In singles, the opponent hits an approach to the middle and rushes in. The player sees the open sideline and drives a low topspin ball down the line. It dips past the opponent's outside shoulder before they can reach it.
Why it matters
A good pass punishes an approach that is weak or early. Without one, opponents can crowd the net freely.
Common mistakes
- Hitting the pass too high over the net
- Going for the pass against a player set at the kitchen
- Always passing to the same side
- Swinging so big that the shot sails long
Frequently asked questions
How do I pass someone rushing the net in pickleball?
Hit a low drive down the line or sharply cross-court, or aim at their feet. Pass while they are still moving forward, before they set at the kitchen.
When should I hit a passing shot in pickleball?
When the opponent is still moving in, off balance or leaving a sideline open. Against someone set at the net, a dink or lob is often safer.
Down the line or cross-court passing shot in pickleball?
Down the line is shorter and quicker. Cross-court gives more court length and crosses the lower middle of the net. Pick whichever leaves the opponent the longest reach.
Related terms
- Singles Strategy (Pickleball)Singles pickleball rewards a deep serve, a deep return followed by a move toward the net, and passing shots down the lines. The returner can attack the net right away. The server must stay back until the return bounces. Serve from the right when your score is even and from the left when it is odd.
- DriveA drive is a hard, flat or low-trajectory shot hit from mid-court or the baseline. It aims to push opponents back or force a weak return.
- Backhand DriveA backhand drive is a firm, low groundstroke hit from your non-dominant side, usually from the baseline. Turn your shoulders early, keep the backswing compact, and swing low to high through contact in front of your front hip. Both one-handed and two-handed backhands work.
- LobA lob is a high-arcing shot hit over the opponents' heads, forcing them off the kitchen line and back toward the baseline.
- Passing ShotA passing shot is hit by the baseline player when the opponent has approached the net, aiming to place the ball past the net player through an angle or pace that cannot be volleyed.
- Transition ZoneThe transition zone is mid-court, between the kitchen line and baseline. Players are most vulnerable here: too close to drive, too far to dink effectively.
Related guides & benchmarks
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