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Body Targeting & Dead Zones

AttackingLevel 2 — Intermediate

Prerequisites

Grip Types & Dead Zones

Unlocks

Targeting Opponent WeaknessTwo-Shot Attack Combination

What It Is

The tactical skill of attacking an opponent's body rather than aiming for open court. Reach is useless against body shots — opponents can't extend their paddle to defend against balls hit directly at them. Different body zones create different difficulties depending on the opponent's grip type.

Correct Execution

Primary target: the right hip to right shoulder zone (for right-handed continental grip players). This is the "dead space" where transitioning between forehand and backhand is most awkward. Against tall players: attack the body, not wide — what appears to be a gap may be within their reach. Against short players: use lobs instead. The right shoulder area forces a late contact with an open paddle face, popping the ball up for a follow-up.

Progression Levels

Diagnostic Tree

Coaching Cues

  • "If they're tall, don't test their reach by attacking wide — attack their bodies where their reach is useless." — vs tall players, Morgan Evans (2020)
  • "Your aim point is the right shoulder of the player in front of you — typically a very difficult area to defend." — primary target, Morgan Evans (2025)

Common Errors

  1. Always aiming wide: Trying to pass opponents → Attack the body when wide won't work
  2. Not adjusting for grip type: Same target for everyone → Continental = hip-shoulder dead zone; Eastern = go low
  3. Not adjusting for height: Same attack for tall and short → Tall = body, short = lob

Edges

🔑 Hidden Causal Lever

Tall Players: Body Not Wide

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Morgan Evans: "If they're tall, don't test their reach by attacking wide of them. What appears to be a gap may indeed be well within their reach. Attack their bodies where their reach is useless." Most players see a tall opponent and aim wide, thinking the gap is the vulnerability. It's not — their wingspan covers it. The body is the ONE target where height and reach become irrelevant.

What most people do
Try to pass tall opponents with wide attacks, which get retrieved due to reach.
What the best do
Attack tall players' bodies. Against short players, lob. Height determines the attack VECTOR, not the target location.
Why it's an edge: Creates a height-dependent targeting system. Instead of one targeting plan for everyone, you switch approach based on the physical attribute that matters most: height determines whether you go body (tall) or lob (short).
How to exploit: Before each match, note opponent height. If they're tall (6'+), make body targeting your primary attack. If they're short (5'6" or under), add lobs to your plan. Adjust after each game.
Morgan Evans, "Morgan's two-pronged approach" (2020-09-18)
⚡ Conventional Wisdom Is Wrong

Attacking Crosscourt Is a Partner Betrayal

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Morgan Evans: attacking crosscourt gives the opponent far more reaction time because of the longer distance. Worse: their counter-punch hits your PARTNER, not you. You took the risk, but your partner absorbs the consequences. "Attack the person in front of you or split the middle." The crosscourt attack is a selfish shot that feels aggressive but is strategically harmful to your team.

What most people do
Attack crosscourt because it feels like the "bigger" shot and they're more comfortable with the angle.
What the best do
Attack the player directly in front of them or through the middle. The shorter distance means less reaction time for the opponent, and any counter comes back to YOU — the person who chose to attack.
Why it's an edge: Reframes crosscourt attacks as team-harmful, not just suboptimal. When you understand that your partner pays for your crosscourt miss, the shot selection changes immediately.
How to exploit: In your next match, make a rule: no crosscourt attacks for one full game. Only attack the player in front of you or through the middle. Track: does your partner get hit less? Do you win more of your attack rallies?
Morgan Evans, "5 Shots Hurting Your Game" (2024-01-30)

Sources

  • Morgan Evans, "Morgan's two-pronged approach" (2020-09-18) — body targeting vs wide, tall/short adjustments
  • Morgan Evans, "2-Shot Pickleball Combo" (2025-04-07) — right shoulder as primary attack target, dead zone rationale