Trap Your Opponents with the Bait Ball

A bait ball in pickleball is a shot that tricks your opponents into hitting a predicatable shot, setting you and your partner up for a powerful counterattack. Typically, this shot hovers just above the net, enticing the opposing player or team to execute a speed-up—often targeting a favored spot they consistently return to. By anticipating their shot, you have the perfect opportunity to unleash an even more potent counterattack, leveraging their speed and power against them. While the bait ball is a great tactic, it is one that is best used in moderation. Overusing this strategy risks your opponents catching on, allowing them to adapt their style and evade your traps.