Pickleball, a sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has exploded in popularity recently. Its accessibility and fast-paced nature make it an attractive option for players of all ages and skill levels. If you’re new to pickleball and eager to jump into the action, the proper knowledge and essential tips can help you get started on the right foot. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the crucial strategies and techniques that every pickleball beginner should know to elevate their game quickly and confidently.
Understanding the Basics of Pickleball
Before hitting the court, you must familiarize yourself with the basics of pickleball. The game is played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, similar to a waffle ball. It can be played as a doubles or singles game, though doubles is generally more common for beginners.
The court is smaller than a tennis court, and the net is lower, making it easier to cover the playing area. Pickleball uses a variety of shots, including the serve, volley, and dink, each requiring different techniques. Games typically go to 11, 15, or 21 points, with players needing to win by at least two points. Understanding the basic rules—such as the double bounce rule, serving underhand, and keeping the ball within the boundaries—will set you up for success.
Focus on Footwork and Positioning
Footwork is one of the most critical aspects of pickleball, especially for beginners. Proper positioning can make a huge difference in how well you play. You’ll need to stay light on your feet and adjust your position quickly in response to the ball.
When playing doubles, keep a reasonable distance from your partner to avoid crowding the center of the court. Stay on the balls of your feet and keep your knees slightly bent to be ready to move in any direction. Don’t just stand still and wait for the ball to come to you—anticipate its path and position yourself accordingly.
It’s also important to be aware of the kitchen, or the non-volley zone, which is the 7-foot area on either side of the net. In this area, you cannot volley the ball (hit it before it bounces). When near the net, position yourself far enough back to avoid stepping into the kitchen and accidentally committing a fault.
Master the Serve
The serve is one of the most critical shots in pickleball because it starts at every point. As a beginner, focus on developing a consistent underhand serve, the most common and accessible type to execute. You’ll serve from behind the baseline, and the ball must travel diagonally across the court, landing within the service box on the opposite side.
Avoid trying to hit a powerful serve at first. Instead, aim for consistency and accuracy. A reliable serve will keep your opponent off balance and allow you to control the game’s tempo. Aim for deep serves that land near the baseline, making it harder for your opponent to return.
Remember, the rules require that the ball be served underhand and clear the non-volley zone (the kitchen) on its way over the net. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with spin and angle to make your serves more unpredictable.
Practice the Dink Shot
The dink shot is vital to pickleball and sets it apart from other racket sports. This soft, controlled shot is typically played near the net and is intended to land in your opponent’s kitchen. The goal of the dink shot is to force your opponent into making a mistake, either by mis-hitting the ball or stepping into the kitchen.
When executing a dink, focus on finesse rather than power. Keep your paddle face open and gently guide the ball over the net, aiming to land it softly in your opponent’s non-volley zone. Good drinking requires patience and consistency, as you’ll often find yourself in lengthy, strategic exchanges. If your dink is too complicated or high, your opponent will have an easier time attacking it. A well-executed dink forces your opponent to move, making them more likely to make an error.
As you gain experience, you’ll learn to recognize when to attack and when to stick with the dink strategy. Mastering this shot early on can give you a significant advantage in longer rallies.
Improve Your Volley Skills
The volley is another essential shot in pickleball, especially when you are closer to the net. It’s executed by hitting the ball before it bounces and is often used to end points quickly. Volleys can be aggressive, but they need to be done with control to avoid mistakes.
When volleying, keep your paddle up and in front of your body. The key to a successful volley is using a firm grip and controlled wrist action—avoid swinging too wildly. Use short, compact strokes to keep the ball in play and force your opponent into a defensive position.
As a beginner, getting comfortable with volleying in different situations is important. Try to practice both forehand and backhand volleys. It’s also essential to get cozy with reacting to an opponent’s volley and being able to block their shot without committing unforced errors.
Learn to Reset the Point
One of the most valuable skills in pickleball is resetting the point. This means staying calm and returning the ball to a neutral position, often after you’ve made a mistake or your opponent has hit a great shot. Resetting the point allows you to regain control of the rally.
An excellent way to reset is by hitting a deep return shot or a controlled dink. The key is to stay patient and not rush into trying to win the point with an aggressive shot. Beginner players often go for too much too soon, trying to end the moment with every shot. Instead, work on controlling the rally and ensuring your shot placement keeps your opponent out of position.
Resetting the point requires mental discipline, and as you gain experience, you’ll develop a sense of when to play conservatively and when to go for the win.
Communicate Effectively in Doubles
Pickleball is often played in doubles, and effective communication between partners is essential. With good communication, clarity can arise, leading to errors or missed shots. To avoid this, talk to your partner about positioning, shot selection, and where you plan to serve or receive the ball.
Developing signals with your partner can help decide who will take the ball. For instance, verbal cues like “mine” or “yours” can prevent both players from going for the same shot. The more you practice together, the easier it will become to anticipate your partner’s movements and make smooth plays.
Encourage each other and keep a positive attitude, even after making mistakes. Pickleball is meant to be fun, and maintaining good morale will help you stay focused and motivated.
Work on Your Mental Game
Pickleball, like any sport, requires mental toughness. You’ll encounter moments of frustration, mistakes, or lost points as you play, but how you handle these moments can make a big difference in your overall performance. Mental resilience is critical to staying focused and composed during a match.
When things don’t go your way, take a deep breath, stay calm, and refocus. Please don’t dwell on mistakes; instead, learn from them. Pickleball is as much about strategy and mindfulness as it is about physical ability. The better you manage your emotions, the better your game will be.
Keep Practicing and Have Fun
As with any sport, consistent practice is the best way to improve at pickleball. Set aside time to play regularly, work on your technique, and try to incorporate these tips into your game. But don’t forget to have fun! Pickleball is a social and enjoyable sport; the more you enjoy yourself, the faster you’ll improve.