6 Sneaky Pickleball Tips to Make Younger Players Hate Playing You

They say pickleball is a young person’s game now.

You know the type—they show up to the court with tennis muscles, a fresh six-pack, and a look like they just stepped out of an Under Armour ad. And sure, they can rip 60mph forehands, smash overheads like Thor, and move like caffeinated squirrels. But guess what?

You’re not here to keep up—you’re here to mess them up.

6 Sneaky Pickleball Tips to Make Younger Players Hate Playing You
📸Benoit Vincent

Because if you’re 50+, the only mistake you can make is trying to play their game. You don’t need to outrun them. You don’t need to out-hit them. All you need to do... is outsmart them. And trust me, you can.

So, grab your paddle, warm up those soft hands, and let’s dive into the sneaky (and satisfying) art of Old Guy Pickleball.

1. Make Them Hit One More Ball

Young players thrive on quick points. They want the highlight reel. They want the big swing. And they hate long rallies. So give ’em just that.

Reset. Reset again. Then, reset once more just for fun. Be the pickleball version of a mosquito buzzing in their ear. Force them into frustration. They’ll try to end it too early. They’ll miss. They’ll melt.

Your goal isn’t to look flashy. Your goal is to turn every point into a patience test—and guess who has decades more practice with that?

2. Slow It Down. Then Surprise the Heck Out of Them

Fast pace is their playground—but rhythm? That's their weakness. So break it.

Dink like you’re painting a masterpiece. Lure them into a slow exchange, then bam! rip a speed-up they never saw coming. Mix in off-speed lobs, mis-hits that aren’t really mis-hits, and shots that barely clear the net on purpose.

Make every ball a question they can’t answer. If they start guessing, they stop winning.

3. Own the Kitchen Like It’s Your Retirement Condo

You don’t need foot speed when you’ve got soft hands and big presence. Spend 10 minutes a day on wall drills, and suddenly their power shots feel like wet noodles.

Position yourself like you’ve been there a thousand times—because you have. Be unshakable. Let your paddle do the talking. And when they come flying at you with a drive, just drop it softly into the kitchen and smile like it’s 1987.

(Yes, wall drills really help. Like, really.)

4. Play Chess While They’re Playing Checkers

Let them be reactive. You? Be intentional.

You’ve got life experience. Use it. Show one thing, deliver another. Set traps. Change spins. Give them the same shot three times—then switch it on the fourth. Before long, they’re second-guessing their instincts and thinking way too much.

And when they’re in their own heads, they’re not in the game. Checkmate.

5. Control the Tempo—Mess with Their Mojo

Never rush. Take your time. Towel off. Grab a sip. Smile. Chat with your partner about last night’s game or the grocery store sale on bananas—whatever.

Young players want pace. They want rhythm. So deny them that. Let them get twitchy while you breathe, refocus, and totally own the moment.

It’s not stalling. It’s mental warfare with a grin.

6. Look the Part, Play the Part

I’ve seen 60-year-olds stroll onto the court in Costco sneakers and cargo shorts... and walk off as legends.

Want to rattle a young player before the match even starts? Show up looking confident. Doesn’t matter if you’ve got gray hair or grandkids. Confidence is magnetic. Doubt is toxic. And your presence alone can plant both.

Grip your paddle like a sword. Let your stance say, I’ve been here before—and I’ll be here long after you’re done sprinting.

Final Thoughts: Your Game Isn’t Old. It’s Elite.

Here’s the truth: the “Old Guy Game” isn’t a fallback—it’s a superpower. The only reason more older players don’t dominate is because they try to keep up with the young guns instead of flipping the script.

Start using your brain over brawn. Practice the soft stuff like it matters (because it does). Embrace the grind. And most importantly, stop apologizing for being older on the court. You’re not at a disadvantage. You’re the villain in their story—and that’s a role you should play proudly.

So next time some 20-something fires a rocket at your chest, just drop it back into the kitchen, wink, and ask,

“Is that all you got, son?”

Let’s grow the game—and wreck some egos while we’re at it.