How to Beat Bangers: A Strategy Guide for Playing Against Hard Hitters

Pickleball is a game of strategy, patience, and control. However, when facing a banger, a player who primarily relies on powerful shots and aggressive drives, many beginners and intermediate players struggle to keep up. Bangers thrive on speed and force, often making rallies short and intense.

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If you find yourself overwhelmed by an opponent who smashes every ball, don’t worry, you can still win! The key is to stay calm, play smart, and force them into uncomfortable situations. This guide will help you develop the right strategies to neutralize bangers, regain control, and turn their power against them.

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Who Are Bangers, and Why Are They Hard to Beat?

A banger is a player who relies on fast, hard shots, often driving the ball aggressively instead of engaging in dinking rallies. They tend to:

•  Hit powerful groundstrokes from the baseline
•  Drive the ball hard, even when they’re at the non-volley zone (kitchen)
•  Avoid soft shots or dinking, preferring a fast-paced game
•  Try to win points quickly by overpowering opponents

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Why Are Bangers Challenging?

Bangers can be difficult to play against because:

1. They speed up the game, making it tough to settle into a rhythm.
2. Their shots force defensive play, keeping you off-balance.
3. They create pressure, leading to unforced errors.
4. They avoid the soft game, which neutralizes traditional pickleball strategies.

However, power alone is not enough to win in pickleball. If you use the right techniques, you can outlast and outsmart bangers by controlling the pace and forcing them into mistakes.

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Top Strategies for Beating Bangers

1. Absorb and Redirect Their Power

• Bangers rely on your reaction speed—they want you to panic and pop up the ball so they can smash it. Instead of counter-hitting with power, use soft hands and control to absorb their force and return the ball in a way that neutralizes their attack.
• Use a block volley: Keep the paddle stable and simply deflect the shot back over the net without swinging.
• Aim for the non-volley zone (kitchen) to force them into a dink rally.
• Keep a relaxed grip on your paddle (not too tight), which helps soften their hard shots.

 Key Tip: The harder they hit, the easier it is to redirect their energy back into a controlled shot.

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2. Stay at the Kitchen Line

Bangers prefer hitting from the baseline. If you stay back, you’re playing into their game. Instead, move up to the kitchen line as soon as possible and hold your ground. This slows the play down by getting them in the kitchen.

• Why it Works: Being at the kitchen shortens their reaction time, making it harder for them to hit powerful passing shots.
• How to Do It: If they hit hard from the baseline, respond with a dink or a soft drop shot to bring them forward and force a dink exchange. A lot of the bangers can't dink. Check out our article on Dinking 101.

 Advanced Move: If they drive a ball at you, use a well-placed block volley to keep them moving and take control of the point.

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3. Master the Drop Shot

A third-shot drop is your best weapon against a banger who stays at the baseline. This soft shot lands in the kitchen and forces them out of their comfort zone.

•  Hit a soft drop shot on the third shot (after the return of serve).
•  Make sure the ball lands low so they can’t attack.
•  Once they move forward, engage in a dink rally where they’re less effective.

 Key Tip: A well-placed drop shot neutralizes power and forces them into a game they don’t want to play.

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4. Use Lobs Strategically

If a banger is crowding the kitchen and attacking every shot, a well-timed lob can throw them off balance.

•  Hit a deep lob over their head, making them backpedal.
•  This forces them to reset, giving you time to regain position.
•  Works best against players who aren’t quick on their feet.

 Caution: Avoid lobbing against tall or athletic players who can smash the ball back down.

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5. Play With Patience and Consistency

Bangers want quick points—so make them work!

• Stay calm and patient instead of trying to match their power.
•  Keep the ball in play and extend rallies, forcing them to make errors.
•  Many bangers lack patience, so the longer the rally, the more likely they’ll make mistakes.

 Key Tip: If you remain consistent, bangers will often get frustrated and start missing shots.

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6. Target Their Weaknesses

Not all bangers are great all-around players. Look for holes in their game:

•  Hit to their backhand – Most players have a weaker backhand, so direct your shots there.
•  Change the pace – Mixing soft and hard shots can throw them off rhythm.
• Make them move – Bangers don’t like to move a lot. Aim for shots that force them out of position.

 Advanced Move: If they love hitting drives, throw in a soft slice shot to make them hit up on the ball, reducing their power.

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7. Communicate and Adapt in Doubles

If you're playing doubles against a banger, teamwork is essential.

• Talk with your partner – Decide who will handle deep shots and who will take softer returns.
• Stack strategically – Position yourselves in ways that force the banger into uncomfortable angles.
•  One player dinks, one stays ready – If one player engages in a dink rally, the other should prepare for a surprise attack.

 Key Tip: In doubles, if a banger is only targeting one player, switch positions occasionally to disrupt their pattern.

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Drills to Improve Against Bangers

To sharpen your skills, try these practice drills:

1. Soft Hands Drill

• Have a partner hit hard shots at you.
• Instead of hitting back with force, block and absorb the ball softly.
• Focus on keeping the ball low and controlled.

2. Drop Shot Practice

• Stand at the baseline and hit third-shot drops into the kitchen.
• Aim for consistency—land at least 7 out of 10 shots successfully.

3. Reaction Time Drill

• Have a partner feed you fastballs.
• Work on quick reflex volleys without over-hitting.
• This improves reaction time and reduces panic under pressure.

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Outsmarting Bangers

Bangers can be tough opponents, but power alone doesn’t win games. By using smart tactics, you can neutralize their strengths and turn the match in your favor.

•  Absorb and redirect power to stay in control.
•  Hold your ground at the kitchen line to cut off their angles.
•  Use drop shots and lobs to disrupt their rhythm.
•  Stay patient and consistent—frustration leads to errors.
•  Adapt and strategize based on their weaknesses.

The next time you face a banger, don’t get overwhelmed—stick to these strategies and make them play YOUR game! 

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Need some help with your technique and how to beat a banger? Contact your Center Court Pickleball pro to help you with your game! 

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