The Art of Pickleball Pace Control: Beginner to Advanced Guide
At Voxl Pickleball, we believe that great gameplay isn’t just about hitting powerful shots or pulling off highlight-reel moments. It’s about control—and one of the most important skills any player can develop is the ability to control the pace of the game. Whether you're a new player trying to slow things down or a seasoned competitor looking to take command of a rally, pacing plays a crucial role in shaping momentum and outcomes on the court.
Controlling the pace isn’t about rushing through points or dragging them out unnecessarily. It’s about making intentional decisions, using tempo to your advantage, and forcing your opponent to play at your rhythm instead of theirs. Let’s break down exactly what that means and how to develop this strategic edge.
What Does "Pace" Mean in Pickleball?
In pickleball, "pace" refers to the speed and rhythm of play—how quickly points progress, how fast or slow shots are hit, and how much time you and your opponent have to react. Controlling the pace means being able to slow the game down when it feels rushed or speed things up to keep your opponent off balance.
This can involve everything from the speed of your serve to your footwork between points. A player who controls pace well is often the one dictating play and forcing their opponent to respond, rather than reactively chasing the tempo of the match.
Want to stop missing your mark and start landing shots where you actually aim? Learn how to fine-tune your form and build consistency with Improving Accuracy: How to Hit Consistent Shots in Pickleball.
Start Strong: Control Tempo from the Serve
One of the most overlooked opportunities to control the pace is during your serve. Serving isn’t just about putting the ball in play—it’s your first chance to set the tone.
- A slower, high-arcing serve can give you time to get to your ideal court position while forcing your opponent to generate their own pace.
- A fast, low serve might rush your opponent and pressure them into a weak return.
The key is variation. If your opponent never knows what’s coming, they’ll have to adapt on your terms. Use the serve as a tool to disrupt your opponent’s timing while staying consistent in your own rhythm.
Stay Calm in the Transition Zone
The transition zone (often called "no man’s land") is one of the easiest places to lose control of a rally. Players get stuck here rushing forward or hanging back too long, allowing their opponent to dictate the flow.
To control the pace in the transition:
- Keep your shots soft and low.
- Focus on resets rather than attacks.
- Move forward with control—don’t sprint blindly to the kitchen.
Smart footwork, patience, and soft hands will let you control how the rally unfolds rather than reacting in panic.
Own the Kitchen Line
The kitchen line is where pace control turns into game control. From this position, you can dictate tempo with dinks, quick volleys, and controlled resets.
To slow things down:
- Use soft dinks and consistent resets to force long exchanges.
- Target your opponent’s backhand to keep them uncomfortable.
To speed things up:
- Take volleys early and apply pressure with fast hands.
- Look for pop-up opportunities to attack.
Your ability to control pace at the kitchen depends heavily on shot selection. Reading your opponent and varying your own tempo are critical at this range.
Vary Your Shot Speed and Height
Too many players fall into a pattern of hitting every shot with the same speed and trajectory. Predictability makes it easy for opponents to find their rhythm.
Instead, aim for variety:
- Mix hard drives with drop shots.
- Alternate between high-lofted and low-skimming dinks.
- Hit at different depths to move your opponent forward and back.
Every time you break their rhythm, you increase your control.
Facing someone faster, stronger, or more experienced? Learn how to outsmart—not outmuscle—them with the tactical advice in How to Strategize Against Stronger Opponents in Pickleball.
Use Time Between Points Strategically
Controlling pace isn’t just about what happens during rallies. How you manage the time between points also matters.
- Take a few seconds to reset after each point.
- Use your towel or water break to mentally regroup.
- Control your breathing and visualize your next play.
When you’re in control emotionally, you’re more likely to control the match physically.
Read the Momentum and Adapt
Pickleball momentum can shift quickly, especially in doubles. Being able to recognize when the pace is working for or against you is crucial.
If you feel like you’re on your heels or stuck reacting:
- Reset the point with soft, controlled shots.
- Slow your movements and focus on placement over power.
If you sense your opponents are off-balance:
- Push the tempo with quicker volleys.
- Look for openings to accelerate the pace and apply pressure.
Great players adjust not just to the ball, but to the flow of the match. That awareness is what separates reactive players from strategic ones.
Ready to level up your skills and mindset on the court? Discover the key differences between beginner and intermediate play in How to Effectively Transition from a Novice to an Intermediate Player.
Practice Drills to Develop Pace Control
Like any pickleball skill, controlling the pace takes practice. Here are a few focused drills:
- Dink Tempo Ladder: Alternate dinks with your partner at different speeds—slow, moderate, fast—to build control and consistency.
- Drop vs. Drive Rally: Practice alternating third shot drops and drives to build tempo versatility.
- Serve, Return, & Reset: Serve, return, then drop into a soft third shot to slow the point down and take control.
These drills help you internalize tempo control and make it part of your natural gameplay.
Why Pace Control Matters at Every Level
Beginners often benefit most from learning to slow the game down. It gives them more time to think, position, and avoid rushed errors. On the flip side, intermediate and advanced players use pace to manipulate opponents—either speeding it up to finish points or slowing it down to force mistakes.
Controlling the pace also:
- Reduces unforced errors
- Helps build consistency
- Keeps you mentally centered
- Frustrates opponents who rely on rhythm or speed
No matter your skill level, pace control can be a major advantage in any match.
Ready to Play at Your Pace?
Controlling the pace of play is one of the most underrated strategies in pickleball. It puts you in charge, helping you dictate the flow of the match instead of chasing it. Whether you're keeping the rally slow and steady or ramping up the intensity, mastering tempo is what turns good players into great ones.
At Voxl Pickleball, we're here to support players who want to elevate their game with intention and precision. From our Whip, Flex, and Flow paddles—each engineered for specific styles of play—to our durable pickleballs, portable nets, and versatile apparel, we provide tools that match your pace.
Explore our lineup and find the gear that plays your game, your way. Let's help you take control—one point at a time.
Related Questions
How can I slow down a fast-paced opponent?
Focus on soft dinks, resets, and high, arcing shots to take pace off the ball. Controlling the kitchen line helps you redirect tempo effectively.
What kind of paddle helps with pace control?
Paddles with more control-focused designs and softer face materials help absorb speed and provide better touch for resets and dinks.
Is it better to play fast or slow?
It depends on your playstyle and your opponent. The best players can do both—speeding up when they see an opening and slowing down when they need to reset.
How do I know if I’m losing pace control?
If you’re rushing shots, making more unforced errors, or always reacting instead of initiating, it’s a sign that your opponent is dictating the rhythm.