Beating Bangers in Pickleball: Tips to Stay Calm and Win

When playing pickleball for the first time, it can feel overwhelming. Many players like to hit the ball as hard as they can and speed up every point. In pickleball, these players are often called bangers.

This style of play is not wrong. However, it can be difficult to beat bangers if you are not used to the pace or do not know how to handle fast shots.

The good news is that there are simple ways to play smarter against bangers. By learning proper technique and strategy—something we focus on in our pickleball lessons—you can limit their strengths and give yourself a much better chance to win.

Be Ready

Always expect the ball to come fast. Keep your paddle up, stay balanced, and be prepared for speed-ups at any time.

Being ready sounds simple, but it is very important. When you expect a fast ball, you are much less likely to be surprised.

To stay ready, lower your body and keep your paddle in front of you. Bend your knees, stay relaxed, and lean slightly forward. This position helps you react quickly and block the ball back when a hard shot comes your way.

Sometimes the ball will come too fast to react, and that happens to everyone. By staying ready, you give yourself the best chance to handle the shot.

Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes players make is flinching or panicking. It can feel stressful when the ball comes fast toward you, especially near the net.

Try not to make big movements. Lower your body so you can see the ball clearly, keep your paddle steady, and stay relaxed. Less movement helps you react better to fast shots.

Redirect the Ball

Redirecting the ball is one of the most effective ways to neutralize a banger in pickleball. When you take their fast shot and redirect it to a different spot on the court, the banger has much less opportunity to speed the ball up again.

This is a key skill we teach in our pickleball clinics and intermediate lessons, especially for players who want more control at the kitchen.

How to Redirect a Banger’s Shot

One of the easiest ways to redirect a hard shot—especially when you are at the kitchen—is by changing the angle of your paddle. Imagine there is a laser pointer in the middle of your paddle. Wherever the laser points is where the ball will go.

Redirect the ball into open space or toward the opponent who is less likely to attack. This often forces a weaker shot and slows the point down.

When the ball is coming fast, do not swing or push the paddle. Stay calm, keep your wrist firm, and let the ball hit the paddle. Use a quiet body and a short, controlled block. The less movement you use, the better the result.

Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes players make is rushing the swing. There is no need to swing when redirecting the ball. Swinging adds extra movement and often leads to errors.

Instead, block the ball and let its speed do the work. Simple technique and good positioning lead to better results—something we emphasize in our pickleball lessons on Oʻahu.

Minimize Their Opportunities to Speed Up

Limiting a banger’s speed-up opportunities is one of the best ways to control the point. Often, you will notice that one opponent likes to speed up right after your return.

A smart strategy is to hit the ball to the other player or aim for shots they do not like to speed up from. For example, some players only speed up from their forehand. Keeping the ball deep to their backhand can take the speed-up away completely.

This type of awareness and shot selection is a big focus in advanced beginner and intermediate pickleball lessons.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake players make is not paying attention to why the opponent speeds up. Instead of reacting, pause and observe.

If every short ball to their forehand leads to a speed-up, that is a clear pattern. Once you see it, you can avoid giving them that shot. Paying attention to patterns helps you stop playing into your opponent’s strengths.

Credit: Hawaii Pickleball Open

Hit the Reset Button

The reset is one of the hardest shots to execute because it requires proper technique. However, with practice, it becomes very achievable.

A good reset slows the point down and forces your opponent to move and think about their next shot. When executed correctly, it removes speed-up opportunities and puts you back in control of the rally.

This is a core skill taught in our pickleball lessons and clinics for players who want to handle pressure at the net.

Common Mistakes

The most common mistake players make when attempting a reset is popping the ball up instead of dropping it into the kitchen. A high ball gives the opponent an easy chance to attack.

To avoid this, relax your hands and absorb the pace of the ball. Let the ball float gently over the net instead of lifting it high. Soft hands and less movement lead to better resets.

Conclusion

Bangers can make pickleball feel fast and overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can stay calm and in control. By being ready, redirecting the ball, limiting speed-up opportunities, and using resets, you take the pressure off and start playing smarter pickleball.

At Hawaii Pickleball Academy®, we believe you don’t need to hit harder to win—you need better positioning, simple technique, and confident decision-making. These skills are teachable, repeatable, and work for players of all levels.

With consistent practice and the right coaching, anyone can learn how to handle fast shots and enjoy the game more. Our pickleball lessons and clinics focus on real-game situations so you can apply these strategies on the court right away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Beating Bangers in Pickleball

How do you beat bangers in pickleball?

The best way to beat bangers in pickleball is by staying calm, keeping your paddle up, and redirecting their power instead of trying to hit harder. Many pickleball players in Honolulu and across Oahu succeed by using soft shots, controlled blocks, and well-placed dinks to force bangers to hit extra balls and make mistakes.

Are bangers bad players in pickleball?

No. Bangers are not bad players — they simply rely more on power and athleticism than control. In Hawaii pickleball games, this style is common, and learning how to slow the game down is the key to beating it consistently.

What is the best strategy against hard hitters in pickleball?

The best strategy against hard hitters is to block volleys into the kitchen, aim shots at the opponent’s feet, and use resets to slow the point down. This works especially well on outdoor pickleball courts around Honolulu, where fast pace is common.

How can beginners handle bangers in pickleball?

Beginners should focus on balance, paddle readiness, and compact swings. Many beginner pickleball players on Oahu improve quickly by keeping the ball low, staying patient, and avoiding big swings against hard hitters.

Do dinks really work against bangers?

Yes — dinks are one of the most effective tools against bangers. Soft dinks pull hard hitters out of their comfort zone and are a core skill taught in pickleball lessons in Honolulu and throughout Oahu.

Is control more important than power in pickleball?

Absolutely. Control is more important than power in pickleball, especially at the recreational and intermediate levels. Players who rely on placement and consistency tend to win more points in Hawaii pickleball games.

Should you speed up the ball against bangers?

Only when the opportunity is there. Blind speed-ups usually favor bangers. Smart speed-ups come from good positioning and are aimed at the body or weaker side — a tactic commonly used by experienced pickleball players on Oahu.

Can smaller players beat bangers in pickleball?

Yes. Smaller players often have an advantage because they rely on touch, footwork, and smart placement. Many pickleball players in Honolulu win matches by out-thinking opponents rather than overpowering them.

What drills help defend against bangers?

Drills that focus on blocking, resets, and reaction volleys are the most helpful. These drills are often used in pickleball clinics across Oahu to help players handle fast shots with confidence.

Do pickleball lessons help against bangers?

Definitely. Pickleball lessons help players improve paddle positioning, footwork, and decision-making. Taking pickleball lessons in Honolulu or on Oahu is one of the fastest ways to learn how to neutralize hard hitters and play smarter pickleball.

How to Choose the Right Pickleball Partner

Make sure the partner you choose can handle bangers as well.