One More Ball: The Key to Winning in Pickleball

Why one extra shot can flip any rally, and any match

The other day, we were deep into a competitive match, and the intensity was high. Our opponents were at the kitchen line, in control of the point. Meanwhile, my partner and I found ourselves battling behind the baseline, darting around like lunatics, returning shot after shot. It was exhilarating! Just when it seemed like we were really in trouble, we popped one up, and we waited for the put-away. But instead of sealing the deal, they fired it straight into the net. We won the point.

This moment perfectly illustrates the importance of that simple mantra: "One more ball." In pickleball, this phrase captures the essence of persistence and strategy. Whether you're a novice or an advanced player, the game often hinges on returning that one extra shot. 

For novice players, points typically last around four to five hits. Each shot can feel critical, because it is. At this stage, the ability to extend the rally by simply getting that ball back can shift the momentum in your favor. They’ll often feel the pressure to play harder and most likely make an error that gives you the point.

At advanced levels, rallies can average ten or even twelve shots per point. This is where strategy comes into play. Players learn not only to return the ball but to anticipate their opponents’ movements and weaknesses. In these scenarios, the mantra of "one more ball" becomes not just about avoiding mistakes, but about creating opportunities. Each return is a chance to reset, to reassess the situation, and potentially exploit a gap in your opponent’s defense. And each return gives your opponent a chance to make a bad decision or poor execution that hands you the point.

That’s what happened in our recent match. By simply keeping the ball in play and not giving up on the point, we forced our opponents into an error. For every point in pickleball, there’s often a split second where making that one more return can catch your opponents off guard. It’s about patience, focus, and resilience. Even at the pro level this makes a difference, check out this point on Instagram.

So, the next time you step onto the court, remember: every rally counts. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned player, focus on giving it your all to get back that one more ball. Because, more often than not, it’s a strategy that can turn the tide of any game.