Why Playing With Better Players Is The Fastest Way To Improve

Everyone wants to get better at pickleball. Drills help, coaching helps, and hours on the court help. But if you're looking for the single fastest way to grow your game, there’s one strategy that stands above the rest: play with better players.

It sounds intimidating—and it is, at first. But growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. If you’re always playing with people at your exact level, you’re unlikely to see dramatic improvement. When you consistently match up with players who challenge you, however, everything changes.

Here’s why.

Source: Pickleball Portal

1. You’re Forced To Play Smarter, Not Just Harder

Stronger players don’t just hit the ball harder—they play with more intent. They dink with purpose, set traps, and know when to speed it up or slow it down. When you play against them, you're forced to think more. That means better decisions, more calculated risks, and fewer lazy shots.

You start anticipating patterns. You begin noticing how they construct points. And soon, you’ll find yourself mimicking their strategies—sometimes without even realizing it.

2. Your Reactions Get Sharper

High-level players move fast. Their placement is precise, their volleys are crisp, and they often give you less time to prepare than you’re used to. That’s a good thing.

Playing with them pushes your reflexes. Your hands get quicker. Your footwork tightens up. The speed of the game increases, and your body adapts. Before long, situations that once overwhelmed you begin to feel normal.

3. You Discover Your Weaknesses Quickly

There’s nothing like a tough match to expose the holes in your game. Playing against stronger players acts like a mirror—it reveals everything you’re doing wrong.

Maybe your backhand breaks down under pressure. Maybe your third-shot drops float too high. Whatever the flaw, good opponents will find it—and punish it. That might sting in the moment, but it’s gold for your growth. Because once you know what needs fixing, you can actually work on it.

4. Your Mindset Evolves

One of the most underrated benefits of playing up is the shift in mindset it creates. When you're constantly competing with better players, losing becomes less personal and more productive.

You stop tying your self-worth to the scoreboard. You start viewing each point, rally, and game as data—valuable feedback on where you’re improving and where you’re still growing.

This shift helps you develop resilience, humility, and a growth-oriented attitude. All of which make you a better player—not just technically, but mentally.

5. You Build Relationships That Fuel Your Progress

Better players are often generous with their feedback. If you're respectful, open, and eager to learn, they’ll usually be happy to share tips after the match.

These small pieces of advice can lead to big changes. Sometimes, a single sentence—"You’re backing up too much at the kitchen line"—can fix a habit that’s been holding you back for months.

And as you improve, those same players might start inviting you more regularly, creating a positive cycle of opportunity and growth.

How To Start Playing With Better Players

If you're unsure how to break into higher-level games, here are a few simple tips:

• Be humble. No one likes a know-it-all. Show that you’re there to learn and improve.

• Be reliable. Show up on time. Be respectful. Play hard.

• Ask politely. After watching or drilling with stronger players, ask if they’d be open to rotating you into a few games.

• Take losses in stride. Don't complain. Don't make excuses. Let your attitude speak louder than your skills.

Final Thoughts

Improvement in pickleball doesn't always come from grinding it out alone. Sometimes, the best shortcut is putting yourself in rooms—and on courts—where you're clearly not the best player.

Yes, you’ll lose more often. Yes, you’ll make more mistakes. But you'll also learn faster, adapt quicker, and develop the kind of instincts that only come from being truly challenged.

So next time you're given the chance to play with better players, take it. That one uncomfortable match might just be the turning point in your pickleball journey.