Let’s play pickleball! Are you a beginner pickleball player who is struggling to get your game up to par? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. Playing pickleball is so much fun! You may be one of the thousands and thousands of beginner pickleball players just getting used to being on a pickleball court. Or, maybe just need a refresher, learning some basic pickleball skills is essential to improving your gameplay and increasing your chances of winning. But where to start? Let’s look at some tips for beginning pickleball players.
First things first, let’s talk about what makes pickleball so great. It’s a sport that’s easy to pick up, yet challenging to master. It’s perfect for players of all ages and skill levels, and it’s a great way to stay active and have fun at the same time. Plus, it’s a sport that encourages socializing and teamwork, making it the perfect activity for both competitive and casual players.
But let’s not forget that pickleball is also a game of strategy, quick reflexes, and smart decision-making. As a beginner, it’s important to develop a solid foundation of basic skills and techniques before moving on to more advanced strategies. By doing so, you’ll not only be able to hold your own against more experienced players, but you’ll also have a lot more fun in the process.
So, are you ready to become a pickleball pro? Well, at least to have some fun?? Here are ten winning pickleball tips for beginning pickleball players. Let’s dive into some winning tips for beginning players that will help you improve your skills and dominate on the court.
Tips for Beginning Pickleball Players
1- Master the Basics:
It may sound simplistic, but like every other sport mastering the basics is crucial for every beginner pickleball player. Take time learning shot placement, hitting the ball solidly on the face of the paddle, not making unforced errors, and all of what you might think is the simplistic stuff. It’s not.
While it’s true that pickleball is an easy game to learn, it’s not something you can master overnight. It’s important to remember that even the best players in the world started by mastering the fundamentals of the game. Whether you’re looking to play casually or compete at a high level, there is no shortcut to success. It’s all about putting in the time and effort to develop the essential skills that will take your game to the next level.
Another important aspect of mastering the basics is working on your footwork and positioning. Good footwork is key to being able to move around the court quickly and effectively, allowing you to reach the ball and get into the best possible position to make a shot. In addition to footwork, you’ll also need to focus on your positioning, making sure that you’re always in the right spot on the court to receive a shot or to make a return. With practice, you’ll start to develop the instincts and reactions needed to be in the right place at the right time.
2- Make Sure a Good Pickleball Paddle That Feels Good to You
When you’re first starting out in pickleball, you might not know the importance of a good pickleball paddle. You might think that any old thing will do, to begin with, or maybe you’re tempted to buy the cheapest one you can find. But let me tell you, investing in a good racquet that feels good in your hand is one of the best things you can do for your game.
A good pickleball racquet is an extension of your arm, so you want it to feel comfortable and natural in your hand. The grip is especially important, as you’ll be holding the racquet for hours on end. Make sure you find a grip that feels good to you and is the right size for your hand. Some players prefer a thicker grip, while others like a thinner grip. It’s all about finding what works for you.
Another thing to consider is the weight of the racquet. You want a racquet that’s not too heavy, but not too light either. A heavier racquet can give you more power, but it might be harder to maneuver, especially if you’re not used to it. On the other hand, a lighter racquet can be easier to control, but it might not give you as much power. Finding the right weight for your size and skill level can make a big difference in your game.
So, don’t be afraid to invest in a good paddle that feels good to you. It might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in your game. You can find a great pickleball paddle here. and find the one that works best for you. You’ll be amazed at how much better you can play with the right equipment in your hands.
3- Pick Your Target wisely
Playing pickleball is a lot about strategy, and your brain should be working overtime to make sure that you hit the ball where you want it to go. And we’re not talking about simply thinking about your opponent’s name; it’s all about hitting the ball in the right spot. Are you planning on sending a drive to their backhand or lobbing it over their head? Are you thinking about hitting the third shot in the middle?
You need to be aware of your positioning and where you want to place the ball before you even hit it. Hitting with intention is crucial in winning a game and helps you plan out your next move.
Don’t be fooled, though – this is not an easy task. You won’t start placing the ball exactly where you want it right away, but with practice and determination, you can get there. It’s all about honing in on your skills and perfecting your aim. So, think ahead and hit with intention – this will go a long way toward achieving your pickleball goals and winning the game!
4- Try To Serve The Ball Deep
Serving is one of the most important aspects of pickleball, and it’s crucial for beginners to master it early on. One of the keys to an effective serve is hitting the ball deep. This is important for several reasons. Firstly, a deep serve puts your opponents on the defensive right away. They have to back up and hit the ball from a less advantageous position, giving you a chance to take control of the point. Secondly, a deep serve makes it harder for your opponents to hit a strong return, as they will have less time to react to the ball.
To hit a deep serve, you need to focus on your form and mechanics. Start by positioning yourself behind the baseline, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand, and use your dominant hand to grip the paddle. As you start your service motion, transfer your weight onto your front foot and use a pendulum motion to swing the paddle back and then forward. Make sure to hit the ball with the paddle face at a 45-degree angle, and follow through with your swing to generate power.
To practice your deep serve, start by focusing on your form and technique. Work on getting a consistent, smooth motion with good contact on the ball. Once you feel comfortable with your form, you can start working on placing the ball deeper in the court. Practice hitting your serve to the back third of the court, making sure to hit the ball with enough power to get it over the net and deep into the court. Over time, you should be able to develop a reliable deep serve that will give you an advantage in your matches.
5- Hitting Your Third Shot
Mastering the third shot is essential to winning in pickleball, especially for beginner players. One tip is to hit the ball softly and with a low arc, which allows you to have better control of the ball and take the lead in the point. This will also give your partner time to get to the non-volley zone and position themselves for the next shot. Practicing the third shot with a soft touch is key to executing it properly. Focus on getting the ball to land just beyond the kitchen line, which will put your opponents in a difficult position, as they will have to hit an upward shot, giving you the opportunity to take control of the point.
It’s important to remember that hitting the third shot softly doesn’t mean giving up the initiative in the point. Instead, it’s a strategic move that can help you gain control of the court. By hitting a soft and controlled shot, you can also give yourself time to move to a better position on the court, which is crucial in doubles play. You can also mix up the speed and placement of your third shot, keeping your opponents guessing and forcing them to adjust their position on the court. The more you practice this shot, the more you’ll understand how to use it effectively and take control of the game.
6- Hit To Your Opponent’s Backhand
One very good pickleball strategy is to hit to your opponent’s backhand whenever possible. In most cases, players are more comfortable hitting forehands and their backhand is a weaker shot. By targeting their backhand, you can put them on the defensive and force them to make errors.
Hitting to the backhand also allows you to control the pace and direction of the game. You can use this strategy to move your opponent around the court and create openings for winners. It’s also a good way to keep the ball away from their forehand, which is likely their stronger shot.
To execute this strategy effectively, you’ll need to develop good shot placement and accuracy. Aim for the sidelines, deep in the court, or at their feet to make it difficult for them to return the ball. Practice hitting to your opponent’s backhand during drills and games to improve your consistency and precision. With time and practice, you’ll become a more skilled player and be able to dominate your opponents on the court.
7- Understand the Non-Volley Zone (kitchen) Well
In pickleball, the non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is an area on the court where players are not allowed to hit a volley. The kitchen extends 7 feet from the net and prevents players from hitting the ball out of the air when they are close to the net. This is a unique aspect of the game that requires players to learn how to use their positioning and strategy effectively.
One of the key strategies when it comes to the non-volley zone is to get there quickly and stay there. The player who can get to the kitchen and stay there has a significant advantage. This is because the non-volley zone is the area where most of the action takes place. Players who are close to the net can put pressure on their opponents, forcing them to hit a weaker shot or make an error. However, getting into the kitchen quickly requires good footwork and a solid understanding of the game’s flow.
Another important aspect of playing at the non-volley line is knowing when to hit a volley and when to let the ball bounce. While players are not allowed to hit a volley in the non-volley zone, they can still hit a volley outside of it. However, hitting a volley in the wrong situation can be detrimental to your game. For example, if the ball is coming at you quickly, it may be better to let it bounce in the non-volley zone and hit it from there. This will give you more time to set up your shot and avoid hitting the ball into the net. Learning how to make these split-second decisions is crucial to becoming a successful pickleball player.
8- Teamwork Makes the Dream Work:
Pickleball is a unique sport that is many times played as doubles with a partner. The success of your game will depend largely on how well you work together with your partner. In fact, communication and coordination are key components of winning pickleball. There all all sorts of pickleball strategies so make it a point to discuss strategy before the game, and then check in throughout the game to make adjustments. Encourage each other and celebrate the victories, no matter how small they may seem.
During the game, it’s important to talk to your partner constantly. Don’t be afraid to shout out encouragement or strategy as you play. Your partner needs to know where you’re going to serve and where you expect them to cover. Make it a priority to work on your positioning to cover each other’s weaknesses. Try not to tip off your opponents if possible, but communicate.
If one of you is weaker on the backhand, for example, make sure to cover that area of the court so that your partner can focus on their strengths. By working together, you’ll be able to outmaneuver your opponents and win the game.
Having fun together is also an important part of the game. Remember that pickleball is a social sport, so make sure to enjoy each other’s company while you’re on the court. Laugh off mistakes and celebrate good shots. Not only will this make the game more enjoyable, but it will also help you and your partner relax and play better. So, don’t forget to communicate, coordinate, and have fun together to maximize your chances of winning.
9- Practice When You Can
Practicing pickleball when it’s not competitive can be a fun way to develop your skills and learn new techniques. The more you practice, the better you’ll get, and the more you’ll enjoy playing the game. So, try to set aside some time to play with a friend or coach, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different drills and exercises. You need to get your reaction rime up, try to stop the unforced errors, and definitely practice your lob shot.
In general work on your soft game and your power game. You will want to be able to hit the ball hard and keep it in play as you learn to play pickleball in a more controlled fashion.
There are many drills you can do to improve your skills, whether you’re on or off the court. One example is ladder drills, which can help you work on your footwork and agility. A ladder drill in pickleball is a footwork drill designed to improve a player’s agility and speed.
It involves setting up a series of cones or markers in a ladder-like pattern on the court, and the player moves through the markers in a specific pattern, focusing on quick, precise footwork. The player starts at the bottom of the ladder, moves up to the next marker with a specific footwork pattern, and then moves back down to the bottom before moving up to the next marker in the ladder.
The drill can be customized to focus on different footwork patterns, such as shuffling, cross-stepping, or sprinting.
Another drill is hitting against a wall, which can help you practice your volleys and dinks. Additionally, you can work on your serve by hitting against a target or practicing your placement.
It’s essential to focus on your weaknesses and identify areas that need improvement. Don’t hesitate to ask your partner or coach for help, as they can give you valuable tips and advice to help you improve your game. Remember, the more you practice, the better you’ll get, and the more fun you’ll have playing pickleball.
10- Head in the Game
Stay confident, but Pickleball can be a mentally challenging game. When you’re out of position try to get back to the ready position and anticipate the shot. To stay focused and confident during matches, it’s important to have a clear mind and a positive attitude. Don’t let mistakes or bad shots get you down. Instead, focus on the next point and stay in the present moment. Visualize success, and use positive self-talk to keep yourself motivated. And don’t forget to have fun! Pickleball is a game, and it’s meant to be enjoyed.
In conclusion, by mastering the basics, staying alert, working together with your partner, practicing regularly, and staying focused and confident, you can become a winning pickleball player. Remember to have fun, be patient, and enjoy the game. I hope these easy pickleball tips are helpful. Don’t ever be discouraged as a pickleball beginner. Who knows? You may just find that you’ve fallen in love with this exciting and addictive sport
