6 Slick Spots to Attack Your Opponents in Pickleball

Defense in pickleball has gotten too good. You can't just hit a speed-up and expect to win the point outright. Not anymore.

Attacking in pickleball is about way more than just hitting hard.

Mari Humberg, a professional pickleball player, breaks down the six main attacking spots you should be targeting to create winning combos and put real pressure on your opponents.

If you've been wondering why your speed-ups aren't landing or why your attacks feel predictable, this is the missing piece.

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1. Dominant Shoulder

The dominant shoulder is one of the most uncomfortable spots for right-handed players. When you're attacking from the opposite side of the court, aiming for their right shoulder forces them to react and hit a forehand instead of sitting in their comfortable backhand.

The key here is control. You don't need to crush it; a well-placed speed-up at moderate pace is far more effective than a hard shot that sails out. Humberg emphasizes that even when opponents know it's coming, a good shot to the dominant shoulder can still create a winning combo.

2. Non-Dominant Shoulder

The non-dominant shoulder is trickier to execute. Since you're hitting low to high to reach the left shoulder on a right-handed player, there's a real risk of sending the ball out.

This spot works best when your opponent doesn't see it coming, but it's not a go-to attack every single time. Save it for moments when you've got good positioning and can control the trajectory.

3. Dominant Hip

This is Humberg's favorite attacking spot for right-handed players. A cross-body speed-up to the right hip is devastating because it pulls the opponent across their body and limits their counter options.

The beauty of this shot is that it sets up a combo; your opponent will likely get it back, but they'll be in a defensive position. One critical habit to break: don't watch your speed-up after you hit it. Stay ready for the counter immediately, because that's where the real point gets won.

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4. Non-Dominant Hip

Anything below the belly button is a strong attacking zone, and the left hip on a right-handed player is no exception. The non-dominant hip limits the power your opponent can generate on their counter because the ball is so close to their body.

There's not much room to swing, and unless they're known for sliding, they'll struggle to create an aggressive response. This is an excellent spot if your opponent is left-handed, making it their dominant side.

5. Right at the Body

Attacking straight at the body is especially effective against players with a two-handed backhand. It's incredibly difficult to clear your body and hit a two-handed backhand when the ball is coming directly at you.

The challenge is execution; you need precision to land it where it counts. Humberg notes that this spot is less effective against players who prefer a one-handed punch, since they can hit it way out in front. Read your opponent and adjust accordingly.

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6. Open Space

The final spot is open space, and it's all about keeping the ball low. If you hit it high, your opponent has too much time to react and cover the court.

The key is finding the gaps, whether that's down the line or through the middle. A low, well-placed shot to open space forces your opponent to stretch and limits their ability to counter aggressively.

The Real Lesson: Aiming Beats Power

The overarching theme from Humberg's breakdown is simple but powerful: speed without aiming doesn't work anymore.

Defense in pickleball has gotten too good. You can't just hit a speed-up and expect to win the point outright. Not anymore.

Instead, focus on creating combos by targeting specific spots that put your opponent in uncomfortable positions. When you go on the court, spend the first few points figuring out which spots give your opponent the most trouble, then exploit those throughout the match. That's how you turn attacks into winners.