4 Pickleball Shots to Instantly Upgrade Your Game as a 3.5 Player

PaddleBoss Pickleball Training highlights four essential shots that can quickly take players from 3.0–3.5 to the next level

If you're stuck at the 3.0 to 3.5 level in pickleball, you know the feeling: you've got the basics down, but something's holding you back from that next tier.

PaddleBoss Pickleball Training breaks down exactly what's missing with four high-impact shots that can instantly upgrade your game and push you closer to 4.0.

These aren't complicated techniques either. They're practical weapons you can add to your arsenal right now.

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Best Pickleball Shots to Improve Your Game Fast

1. The Block: Neutralize Your Opponent's Power

When you're facing aggressive hitters, the block is your secret weapon.

Instead of trying to match their pace, you absorb it. The key is keeping your paddle up and out in front of you with a stable base.

When the ball comes at you hard, don't take a backswing. Just meet the ball way out in front with a flat or slightly open paddle face and block it back down into their feet.

You're using their own power against them, which forces them to hit up on the next shot and gives you the advantage.

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2. The Offensive Lob: Get Them Off the Kitchen Line

The lob works against everyone, even the best players.

When you're in a dinking rally and want to shift momentum, a well-placed lob can push your opponent back and give you control of the point.

The trick is to disguise it so it looks like a regular dink. Pick your favorite dinking stroke (forehand out of the air works great because it's faster and gives them less time to react) and make your lob look identical until the follow-through. That's when you extend more and lift the ball higher.

Timing matters too. Hit the lob when your opponent is off balance or scrambling. Aim down the middle over their backhand shoulder when possible, since backhand overheads are tougher to execute. The goal is getting the ball high enough that they can't smash it, but landing it deep enough that they can't run back and make a play.

3. The Two-Handed Backhand: More Versatility at the Kitchen Line

Adding a two-handed backhand to your game gives you options. The main advantage is disguising your dinks and speed-ups so they look the same.
Here's how to set it up:

1. Hold a continental grip with your dominant hand, then use your middle finger and thumb to pinch the edge guard with your non-dominant hand.
2. Wrap your remaining fingers around the paddle for stability.

For a two-handed backhand dink, keep the ball in the middle of your body and use a low-to-high motion to brush up and create topspin.

For a volley, get low, load your torso, and unwind with your hips and arms together. Keep your paddle face slightly closed so the ball goes down at their feet.

The two-handed backhand gives you more power and control than a one-hander, especially when you need to be aggressive at the net.

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4. The Third Shot Drive, Fifth Shot Drop Combo: Mix Up Your Strategy

This combination keeps your opponents guessing. If you've been hitting drop shots consistently, throw in a drive to change the look.

Hit a 60 to 70 percent power drive with high margin over the net (aim for at least a foot of clearance). This gives you an easier ball on the fifth shot, which you can then drop softly to get into the kitchen.

This combo is especially useful when you get a tough return of serve.

Instead of forcing a difficult drop, the drive buys you a better ball to work with. Just make sure you've already dialed in your third shot drop to at least 80 percent consistency before you start mixing in drives. You don't want to skip the fundamentals.

Why These Pickleball Shots Matter

The block, lob, two-handed backhand, and drive-drop combo all serve the same purpose: they give you more weapons.

At the 3.0 to 3.5 level, having options is what separates players who plateau from those who keep climbing.

These shots help you handle pace, generate your own offense, and play with more confidence because you're not relying on the same two or three moves every point.

The beauty is that none of these require years of practice to implement. Start with one, get comfortable, then add another. Before long, you'll have the kind of shot selection that makes you dangerous at the net and harder to predict from the baseline.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most important pickleball shots for 3.5 players?

The most important pickleball shots are the block, lob, third shot drop, and backhand variations. These shots help improve control, defense, and offensive versatility.
They also give players more options during rallies, which is key to advancing past 3.5.

How can I improve my pickleball shots quickly?

Focus on mastering one shot at a time and practice it consistently. Repetition and proper technique matter more than power.
Game-like drills will help you apply these pickleball shots in real matches.

Why is the third shot drop so important in pickleball?

The third shot drop allows you to transition safely to the kitchen line. It neutralizes your opponent's advantage after the return.
Without it, it's hard to control points at higher levels.

Should I use a two-handed backhand in pickleball?

A two-handed backhand can add control, disguise, and power. It is especially useful at the kitchen line.
Many players find it easier to manage fast exchanges with two hands.

How do I handle hard hitters in pickleball?

Use the block to absorb pace instead of countering aggressively. This forces your opponent into weaker shots.
Controlling pace is one of the most effective pickleball shots for winning points.