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Stop Overhitting!
Your Paddle — and Partner — Will Thank You. Learn the sweet spot between finesse and fury on every point.
PICKLEBACK CLUB
November 04, 2025
In partnership with
PICKLEBACKCLUB
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Hey Picklebackers! 🏓✨
Ready to add some “pop” to your put-aways?
Every pickleball player loves the feeling of finishing a rally with authority — that perfect overhead or lightning-fast volley that seals the point. But there’s a fine line between powerful and overpowered. In this issue, we’re breaking down how to swing smarter, not harder — finding that sweet spot of power and precision that keeps your game both fierce and consistent.
How Hard Should You Hit Overheads and Put-Away Shots in Pickleball?
Few things feel as satisfying in pickleball as finishing a rally with an emphatic overhead or a crisp put-away volley at the net. But for many players, the question remains: how hard should you really be hitting those shots?
Hit too soft, and your opponent resets the rally. Swing too hard, and the ball flies long or straight into the net. The secret lies in finding the perfect balance between power and precision. Let’s explore how to apply the right amount of pace in both your overheads and put-away shots.
🎯 The Art of the Overhead: Power with Precision
An overhead in pickleball isn’t about swinging as hard as you can — it’s about directing your power with control. Because the court is smaller than tennis, the goal isn’t to blast the ball, but to place it where your opponents can’t reach it.
Ideal power level: around 70–85% of your full effort.
That’s enough to generate speed while keeping your accuracy and margin for error.
Keys to a powerful but controlled overhead:
✅ Get into position early. Move your feet so you’re balanced directly under the ball.
✅ Keep your paddle high. The earlier you prepare, the smoother your swing will feel.
✅ Use shoulder rotation and wrist snap instead of muscling the shot.
✅ Aim down, not straight. A downward angle reduces errors and creates impossible returns.
✅ Target open spaces — between opponents or at their feet for a clean finish.
Avoid these common mistakes:
❌ Over-swinging and losing balance.
❌ Trying to hit winners from below net height.
❌ Ignoring court placement — power without direction helps your opponent.
A controlled 80% overhead that bounces once and skids away is far more effective than a 100% swing that sails long. Remember: placement beats power almost every time.
⚡ The Net Game: Smart, Sharp Put-Aways
At the net, quick reflexes and compact strokes win points — not giant swings. A good put-away is less about how hard you hit and more about how fast and precise your contact is.
Ideal power level: roughly 50–70% of your full strength.
That’s enough to punch the ball with pace while keeping it low and controlled.
Keys to effective put-aways:
✅ Use a short, compact motion. Think “punch,” not “swing.”
✅ Stay relaxed and balanced. Tension slows down your reaction time.
✅ Hit through the ball slightly for stability and depth.
✅ Aim for targets — opponent’s feet, their body, or open angles.
✅ React quickly and reset fast. Don’t admire your shot; prepare for the next ball.
When to adjust your power:
🔹 If the ball is high above the net, hit harder and aim down.
🔹 If the ball is close to the net, take pace off and focus on placement.
🔹 If your opponents are deep, you can swing through with more pace.
🔹 If they’re at the kitchen line, hit sharper angles or at their body to jam them.
Big swings at the net are risky. The shorter the distance to your target, the smaller your swing should be.
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🧠 Smart Shot Selection: When to Hit Hard and When to Hold Back
Think of power as a strategic tool, not your default mode. You don’t need to crush every ball. Sometimes a controlled put-away or soft angle creates the same result — a winner.
General rules of thumb:
💡 If you can hit down, you can hit harder.
💡 If you’re hitting level or up, use less power.
💡 When you’re off balance, prioritize control.
💡 When the ball sits high and in your zone, unleash your strength with confidence.
💡 When your opponent is rushing forward, mix in off-speed or angled shots to keep them guessing.
Good players hit hard. Great players hit smart.
🏋️♂️ Drills to Develop Power Control
To master your feel for how hard to hit, practice these targeted drills:
1. Target Smash Drill
Place cones in open corners and mid-court zones.
Hit overheads aiming for each spot at 70–80% power.
Focus on depth and bounce placement, not just speed.
2. Punch Volley Drill
Have a partner feed fast balls at the net.
Keep your swing compact, using your paddle face like a wall.
Practice maintaining control and consistent trajectory.
3. Soft-to-Hard Transition Drill
Start with dinks, then attack when a high ball appears.
Alternate between soft and hard hits to build touch awareness.
Learn when to switch gears without losing rhythm.
4. Accuracy Under Pressure Drill
Rally fast with a partner and designate “kill zones” (like your opponent’s right foot).
Try to place put-aways into those zones with minimal backswing.
Pro Tip: Record your sessions. Watch how often your overheads stay in versus sail long. You’ll quickly notice that the most consistent winners come from controlled aggression, not pure velocity.
@richard_pickleball The inside out forehand! ⭐️ One of the easiest ways to put away forehands with ease ⭐️ Gabe Tardio uses this shot all of the time, you wi... See more
The best overheads and put-aways in pickleball aren’t just hard — they’re smart, precise, and purposeful.
Overheads: hit at 70–85% power with focus on placement and downward angle.
Put-aways: hit at 50–70% power with compact, quick movements and sharp placement.
Pickleball rewards discipline and control far more than raw power. By mastering how much force to apply — and when — you’ll transform your aggressive opportunities into consistent point-winners.
So next time you see that perfect high ball, don’t swing for the fences. Swing for the win — with confidence, control, and just the right amount of pop.
Mastering your pace isn’t just about strength — it’s about awareness, balance, and control. Next time you’re on the court, remember: the best players don’t just hit hard — they hit with intention.
Stay sharp, stay kind, and keep serving up that PICKLEBACK energy!
Dill-lighfully yours,
Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾
P.S. Share this issue with your favorite doubles partner — and settle the debate once and for all: who’s swinging too hard? 😉
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