How to Beat Bangers in Pickleball: 3 Strategies from a PPA Pro

Kelly Goodnow explains how blocking, patience, and smart positioning can turn aggressive “bangers” into beatable opponents

Bangers get a bad rep in pickleball. They're the players who just wind up and crush the ball as hard as they can, and yeah, it feels impossible to stop. But here's the thing: bangers are actually some of the easiest opponents to beat once you know what to do.

Kelly Goodnow, a signed PPA pro, breaks down exactly how to neutralize aggressive hitters and climb past the 4.0 level where bangers are most common.

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1. Block Their Drives Instead of Countering

When you're at the kitchen line, and your opponents are back at the baseline, they're going to drive hard at you. Your instinct might be to counter that aggression, but that's exactly what they want. Instead, block the ball.

Blocking means hitting it short so it lands in the kitchen. Yes, you're giving up the kitchen line, but here's why that works: bangers are terrible at dinking. By forcing them to come forward and engage in a dink rally, you're moving the game into their weakest area. You'll win that dink battle almost every time.

The technique is simple. Don't drive, swing, or push. Just hold your paddle still and let it absorb the pace. The ball comes in hard, hits your paddle, and slows down before landing short. That's the whole play.

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2. To Beat Bangers, Let Out Balls Go

Bangers rely on panic. They hit hard and hope you'll flail at every ball, even the ones heading out. Stay calm and let those balls go.

Between the 3.0 and 4.0 levels especially, if a ball is at head height or above, it's going out. Don't chase it. You'll save way more points by staying composed and letting their mistakes happen than by hitting a desperate shot and handing them an easy put-away.

3. Keep Your Paddle Up and Ready

Bangers know they're losing the dink battle, so they'll try to speed up soft balls to catch you off guard. That's why paddle position matters. Keep your paddle out in front of you and ready to move in any direction, especially when you least expect the attack.

When your paddle is already up and positioned, you can counter those speed-ups and win the point easily. It's a small detail that makes a huge difference against aggressive players.

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The Bigger Picture

These three strategies work because they exploit what bangers can't do well: control, finesse, and patience. By blocking their drives, you force them into dinking. By letting out balls go, you avoid their traps. By staying ready, you turn their aggression into mistakes. The key is staying calm and playing smart rather than matching their power.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a banger in pickleball?

A banger is a player who relies on hitting hard drives instead of using soft shots. They prioritize power over control and often avoid dinking rallies.

How do you beat bangers in pickleball consistently?

You beat bangers in pickleball by blocking, staying patient, and forcing them into soft play. The goal is to move the game away from power and into control.

Should you ever counter a banger’s drive?

Yes, but only when you’re in a strong position and ready. Most of the time, blocking is safer and more effective.

Why do bangers struggle at higher levels?

Bangers struggle because advanced players neutralize power with control and positioning. Once forced into dinking, their weaknesses are exposed.

What skill helps most against hard hitters?

Soft hands and quick paddle positioning are the biggest advantages. These allow you to absorb pace and redirect the ball effectively.