The Evolving Dynamics of Pickleball: A New Era of Strategy

Pickleball is evolving from its traditionally slow-paced and left-side dominant nature into a fast, aggressive, two-sided sport. Historically, the player on the left side controlled the game while the right-side player mainly dinked and countered. But today’s pickleball features aggressive and dominant players on both sides of the court, signaling a new era in the sport where right-side players are stepping up and showing they can be just as impactful.

In this new style of play, right-side players are no longer passive participants. Skilled players like JW Johnson and Dylan Frasier are leading the charge, demonstrating that the right-side can be a position of attack and control. They take advantage of middle shots and aggressively push their left-side partners, creating a balanced partnership. These dynamic right-side players bring a level of strategy that challenges the old norms, making modern pickleball far more complex and unpredictable.

As both sides of the court become battlegrounds for dominance, players must refine their roles to keep up. Teams that adapt this strategy, like the up-and-coming Gabe Tardio or experienced duos like Ben and Colin Johns, are pushing the limits of what pickleball can be. The next generation of pickleball will not just rely on a single dominant side—it will require teams to integrate speed, agility, and communication from both sides of the net. The new era is here, and the right-side is no longer just for defense.