Walk onto any pickleball court during a friendly rec game, and you’ll see it happen almost instantly. Smiles and “good lucks” are exchanged, paddles are tapped… and then the ball funneling begins.
Not toward the confident, experienced player. Nope. Straight at the weaker player — every single shot.
On the surface, it looks like strategy. In reality, it’s one of the fastest ways to ruin the game, stall your improvement, and frustrate everyone on the court.
Let’s break down why targeting the weaker player in pickleball is the ultimate small-minded move — and what you should do instead.
The Problem with Targeting the Weaker Player
Targeting the weaker player might feel like “smart strategy,” but in rec play it does more harm than good:
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Identify the weak link.
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Avoid their partner like they’re radioactive.
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Rinse and repeat until the game feels meaningless.
Congratulations — you’ve just turned doubles into a one-on-one drill that benefits no one.
It’s like playing basketball and deciding you’ll only guard the 12-year-old. Sure, you’ll win, but what did you actually learn?
1. You’re Not Practicing the Shots You’ll Actually Need
Sure, you can dink at the weaker player until they make a mistake. But when you face a balanced, competitive team, you’ll be completely unprepared.
👉 Rec play should be about building skills, not inflating your win column. Rotate your shots. Challenge both players. Losing a rally while practicing a tough shot is more valuable than winning an easy point.
2. You’re Killing the Game for the Stronger Opponent
While you’re busy feeding the weaker player, the stronger opponent is left standing there, twirling their paddle and counting the minutes until they find a real game.
Pickleball is supposed to be dynamic and engaging for all four players. By ignoring the stronger player, you’ve essentially reduced the game to a singles drill — and robbed yourself of the chance to improve against tougher competition.
👉 Want to target a weaker player? Save it for a tournament match, not your Tuesday morning rec play.
3. You’re Avoiding Pressure — and Missing Mental Growth
The real test of pickleball isn’t just physical — it’s mental. Learning to handle pressure from all areas of the court builds resilience and confidence.
If you avoid hitting to the stronger player, you’re avoiding growth. You’re choosing comfort over progress. And comfort is where pickleball dreams go to die.
👉 In rec games, test yourself intentionally. Hit at the stronger player. Yes, you’ll lose some points — but you’ll gain the kind of experience that wins matches later.
The Truth Everyone Already Knows
Here’s the thing:
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The weaker player already knows they’re the weaker player.
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The stronger player knows you’re avoiding them.
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And you? Deep down, you know you’re not actually improving.
If your highlight reel is made up of shots past someone who just learned what “the kitchen” is, you’re not a strategist. You’re just a bully with a paddle.
Make Rec Play Count
Pickleball is about growth, challenge, and fun. Targeting only the weaker player is short-sighted and unsportsmanlike.
👉 Spread the ball around.
👉 Test yourself against stronger opponents.
👉 Make it a real game.
Because the truth is simple: every shot you avoid in practice is one you’ll regret in competition.
Final Thoughts
The next time you’re on the court, resist the urge to funnel every ball at the weakest link. Rotate, test, and challenge yourself. You’ll not only make the game more fun for everyone, but you’ll also become a better pickleball player in the process.
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