Pickleball Trick Shots: The Ultimate Guide to Style, Spin, and Strategy

Third shot drops win respect. Trick shots win hearts — and occasionally, matches.

Sure, you need solid fundamentals. But once you're consistent, a well-timed trick shot can completely change the momentum of a game. In this guide, we break down the most entertaining (and effective) shots in pickleball. From deceptive dinks to paddle flips and mind games, these are more than just flashy moves. They're strategic weapons.

🕵️ The Sneaky Ones: Deception Shots

These shots rely on misdirection and are most effective when your opponent expects a standard return.

The Erne
A high-level move where you sprint outside the kitchen and hit the ball out of the air. It counters a sideline dink and turns defense into dominance. Bonus: it makes your opponent question the laws of space and time.

Around-the-Post (ATP)
When you’re pulled wide, hit the ball around the outside of the net post. The ball never crosses the net but still lands in. You’ll know you did it right when the crowd gasps and your opponent just stares like the ball betrayed them.

The No-Look Shot
Look left, hit right. It's a freeze-frame moment that causes hesitation and forced errors. Best used during quick net exchanges where every millisecond counts.

Fake Dink to Speed-Up
Start with a soft dink setup, then flick it fast at their feet. It breaks stalemates and usually draws a pop-up or a frustrated grunt.

🌀 Spin to Win: Bending Physics for Fun

These shots manipulate spin to create awkward bounces and unpredictable angles.

Backspin Drop
Instead of smashing a high ball, slice under it to add backspin. It floats over and dies instantly, leaving your opponent lunging in disbelief.

Topspin Flick
From a low crouch, flick the paddle up and over with topspin. It dips fast and bites at their feet. Looks like magic. It's just wrist.

Cut Serve
Slice across the ball during your serve to add sidespin. On the bounce, it kicks left or right like a trick golf shot. Great for catching returners flat-footed.

💥 Power Moves That Hit Different

These aggressive shots are designed to overwhelm, intimidate, or bait a mistake.

Body Shot
Drive the ball right at your opponent's chest or ribs. It jams their paddle and forces a weak, reflexive return. You don’t need to apologize. Just be ready for the next shot.

Drive Fakeout
Start with a hard swing as if you're crushing it. At the last moment, soften your grip and drop it in the kitchen. Bonus points if you hear them backpedal as the ball dies.

Paddle Flip Shot
When a ball comes fast to your backhand hip, flip the paddle over and hit with a reverse forehand. It saves time and surprises your opponent — especially when you don’t telegraph it.

🎭 Showtime Shots (Because Why Not?)

These are high-risk, high-reward, and 100% crowd-pleasing.

Between-the-Legs (The Tweener)
Chasing a lob with your back to the net? Send it back through the legs. It's not high percentage, but it is high style.

Behind-the-Back Shot
Perfect when the ball comes to your backhand side but you’re caught off balance. Whip it behind your back for a return that screams confidence.

Sky Lob Return
Turn defense into chaos with a towering lob. It resets the rally and makes your opponents scramble like it’s dodgeball.

360 Erne
A full spin followed by an Erne smash. Use it when you’re up 10–2 or just want a new profile pic. For entertainment purposes only.

🧠 Mind Games with a Paddle

Sometimes, the best shot is the one that makes your opponent doubt their own eyes.

Soft Fake Drop
Start with the same body mechanics as a drive, then last-second feather it into the kitchen. Looks aggressive. Lands soft. Psychologically brutal.

Intentional Let Shot
Barely clear the net with a soft dink that clips the tape and falls over. Nearly impossible to defend. You won’t always mean to do this — but when you do, own it.

Shadow Shot (Doubles)
Pretend you’re about to poach. Your partner stays home. The other team panics. Then you hit into the open space they abandoned.

Should You Actually Use These?

Yes — once your fundamentals are locked in.

Trick shots aren’t just for fun (though they are very fun). Used wisely, they break rhythm, shift momentum, and keep your opponent off-balance. Even a failed trick shot shows creativity and confidence.

So go ahead: flip the paddle, fake the drive, spin the serve. You’re not just playing pickleball.

You're making it art.