Beginner Pickleball Tips: 15 Tips to Improve Your Game

The 15 Beginner Pickleball Tips I WISH I Knew Earlier

Are you new to pickleball and looking for tips to improve your game? You’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide 15 beginner pickleball tips that I wish that I knew when I was a beginner. These tips will help you get started and become a better player faster. Let’s get started.

The ATP shot is not difficult.
Aiming for your opponent’s backhand during dinking can be very effective
It’s important to test different serves against your opponent early in the game to see what works best.
Switching from one player to another player while at the kitchen can be an effective way to attack.
When playing doubles, communication is key.
When returning a serve, get the ball back in play.
Stay balanced.
Dink to the sidelines.
Play smart.
When playing defense, use the cross-step footwork technique.
Use low-to-high swings.
Keep your paddle up.
Vary your shots.
Practice your soft game.
Don’t get too caught up in winning or losing.

Master the ATP Shot

The ATP or around the post shot is a great way to score points if your opponent hits an angled dink that goes outside of the net post. It’s not as hard as it may seem, so practice it to add it to your repertoire.

Understanding the ATP Shot

The ATP shot, also known as the around-the-post shot, is a shot that involves hitting the ball around the net post and into the opponent’s court. This shot is used when your opponent hits an angled dink that goes outside of the net post and is too difficult to return with a regular shot.

Learning the Proper Technique

To execute the ATP shot successfully, you must position yourself close to the net and have the right grip on your paddle. Your paddle should be slightly tilted towards the net, and your wrist should be in a cocked position. As the ball approaches, swing your paddle with a low-to-high motion and hit the ball just before it crosses the net post. Your paddle should follow through towards the net, and your body should rotate towards the court.

Practicing the ATP Shot

The ATP shot requires a lot of practice to master, and it’s essential to practice it regularly to become comfortable with it. Start by practicing with a partner and hitting cross-court dinks to each other. Gradually, start hitting more angled dinks, and when the ball goes outside of the net post, try to hit an ATP shot. You can also practice the ATP shot on your own by hitting against a wall or practicing on a ball machine. The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become in executing the shot.

Aim for Your Opponent’s Backhand

When dinking, aim for your opponent’s backhand to keep them from being aggressive and increase your chances of getting a pop-up. Most players are stronger on their forehand side, so targeting their backhand can give you an advantage.

Identifying Your Opponent’s Weaknesses

To effectively aim for your opponent’s backhand, it’s important to identify their weaknesses. Watch their movements and pay attention to how they position themselves on the court. If you notice that their backhand is weaker than their forehand, take advantage of this by targeting their backhand side.

Tips for Hitting to the Backhand

When aiming for your opponent’s backhand, make sure to keep the ball low and aim for the sideline. This will make it harder for your opponent to return the ball with power. Additionally, try to mix up your shots by hitting the ball both cross-court and down the line.

Drills to Improve Backhand Shots

To improve your ability to hit to your opponent’s backhand, there are several drills you can try. One drill is to practice hitting to a target on the backhand side of the court. Another drill is to have a partner hit balls to your backhand while you practice returning them. Finally, you can try hitting backhand shots while standing closer to the net to improve your accuracy and control.

Test Your Serves

It’s worth testing out big serves against players to see if they pay off, but switch to more conservative serves if they’re not working. Serve is one of the most important aspects of pickleball, so experiment with different types of serves to find what works best for you.

Experiment with Different Types of Serves:

It’s important to have a variety of serves in your arsenal to keep your opponents guessing. Experiment with different types of serves, such as a high lob, a fast-paced drive, or a spin serve. This will make it more difficult for your opponent to predict where the ball will go, and increase your chances of getting a point.

Improving Accuracy and Consistency:

Accuracy and consistency are key when it comes to serving. To improve your accuracy, practice your aim by setting up targets on the court. To improve your consistency, focus on your toss and make sure it’s consistent every time you serve. Additionally, work on your footwork and body positioning to generate more power and control.

Strategies for Serving in Doubles:

In doubles, there are a few different serving strategies you can use to keep your opponents on their toes. One strategy is to aim for the weaker player on the opposing team. Another is to serve to the middle of the court, making it difficult for the opposing team to decide who should take the shot. Lastly, you can try serving to the sideline, forcing your opponent to hit a more difficult shot. Experiment with these strategies to see what works best for you and your partner.

Switch from One Player to Another at the Kitchen

Switching from one player to another at the kitchen can be an effective way to be aggressive, especially when going from cross-court to down the line. This technique can create confusion for your opponents and give you an opportunity to score points.

Understanding the Importance of Kitchen Play

The kitchen, also known as the non-volley zone, is a critical area on the pickleball court. When you’re at the kitchen, you’re in a position to intercept and return shots before they bounce, which gives you an advantage over your opponents. Switching from one player to another at the kitchen is a technique that can help you stay aggressive and maintain control over the non-volley zone.

Communication with Your Partner

Switching from one player to another at the kitchen requires excellent communication between you and your partner. Before you switch, make sure that your partner is aware of your intentions. Use verbal cues or hand signals to let your partner know when you’re planning to switch. Effective communication can help you avoid collisions and confusion on the court.

Moving Efficiently as a Team

To switch from one player to another at the kitchen, you need to move efficiently as a team. Make sure that both you and your partner are in a good position to switch. When one of you moves to cover the other’s position, make sure that you do it quickly and smoothly. Avoid moving too far away from the non-volley zone, as this can leave your side of the court vulnerable to attack. With practice, you and your partner can become a well-oiled machine when it comes to switching at the kitchen.

Communication is Key

When playing doubles, communication is key, and it’s important to know when to call the ball and when to let your partner take it. Good communication can prevent mistakes and help you and your partner work together more effectively.

Effective Communication Techniques

Speak loudly and clearly to your partner
Use simple and concise words to avoid confusion
Establish a rhythm for calling the ball
Encourage each other throughout the game
Listen actively to your partner’s communication

Establishing Signals with Your Partner

Agree on signals for who will take the ball and who will let it go
Develop signals for when to switch sides on the court
Use hand signals to communicate without speaking
Practice using signals during drills and games
Be consistent in your use of signals

Handling Miscommunications on the Court

Stay calm and don’t get frustrated with your partner
Take responsibility for miscommunications
Discuss what went wrong and how to avoid it in the future
Focus on moving forward and not dwelling on mistakes
Use positive reinforcement to build trust and improve communication.

Focus on Getting the Ball Back in Play

When returning a serve, focus on getting the ball back in play rather than trying to hit a winner. Consistency is more important than power in pickleball, so prioritize getting the ball over the net.

Importance of Consistency

Consistency is one of the most important skills in pickleball. It is better to get the ball back in play with a safe shot than to try and hit a winner and make an error. Consistency helps you to build confidence, frustrate your opponents, and create opportunities to score points. So, focus on keeping the ball in play and avoid unforced errors.

Positioning and Footwork

Good positioning and footwork are critical in getting the ball back in play. When returning a serve or any shot, make sure you are in a good position to hit the ball. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, and be ready to move in any direction. Use small steps to adjust your position and get to the ball quickly. This will help you to be more consistent and hit better shots.

Dealing with High Balls and Lobs

When your opponents hit high balls or lobs, it can be tempting to hit them hard and try to smash them. However, it’s important to stay patient and wait for the right opportunity to attack. Move back to the baseline if necessary and use a soft shot to return the ball over the net. This will give you more time to recover and be in a better position to hit a winner.

Use Your Legs

To hit shots with power and control, it’s important to use your legs rather than relying solely on your arm strength. This can help you maintain balance and generate more power.

Importance of Leg Strength and Agility

Having strong and agile legs is crucial in pickleball as it helps with mobility and balance on the court. Good leg strength enables players to move quickly from side to side, and quickly transition from defense to offense, while maintaining balance and stability.

Proper Footwork Techniques

Proper footwork is essential to a good pickleball game. It’s important to stay on the balls of your feet and use short, quick steps to get to the ball. This helps you stay balanced and in control, and enables you to quickly move in any direction.

Drills to Improve Your Leg Game

There are many drills that can help improve your leg strength and agility in pickleball. One effective drill is the agility ladder, where players jump in and out of a ladder laid out on the court. Another useful drill is the jump rope, which helps with foot speed and coordination. Plyometric exercises such as jump squats and lunges can also help improve leg strength and power.

Dink to the Sidelines

Dinking to the sidelines can be a great way to force your opponents to move and create openings in the middle of the court. This technique can also help you control the pace of the game.

Benefits of Sideline Dinking

Dinking to the sidelines can be a great way to force your opponents to move and create openings in the middle of the court. By hitting the ball to the sideline, you can make it harder for your opponents to return the ball and can force them to hit from a more difficult position. This can give you an opportunity to hit a winner or to control the pace of the game.

Proper Technique for Sideline Dinking

To execute a successful sideline dink, it’s important to use a soft touch and to hit the ball with the paddle face open. The goal is to make the ball land close to the sideline without going out of bounds. Aim for the corner of the court and use your wrist to control the direction of the ball.

Incorporating Sideline Dinking into Your Game Plan

To incorporate sideline dinking into your game plan, it’s important to practice and develop a feel for the shot. Focus on hitting the ball with the right amount of power and spin to make it land near the sideline. Use this shot to keep your opponents on their toes and to create opportunities for winners. Remember to mix up your shots and to use sideline dinking strategically to keep your opponents guessing.

Play Smart Against Better Opponents

When playing against opponents who are better than you, focus on playing smart and making fewer mistakes rather than trying to hit winners. Playing a more conservative game can help you stay in the match longer and give you a chance to win.

Analyzing Your Opponent’s Game

When facing a stronger opponent, it’s important to take the time to analyze their game and understand their strengths and weaknesses. Watch their shots, footwork, and patterns of play to gain insight into their playing style. This information can help you make better strategic decisions during the match.

Exploiting Weaknesses

Once you’ve identified your opponent’s weaknesses, it’s important to take advantage of them. Target their weaker shots or force them to play outside of their comfort zone. This can create opportunities for you to gain points and stay in the match.

Staying Confident and Focused

Playing against a stronger opponent can be intimidating, but it’s important to stay confident and focused. Stay positive and focus on playing your game, rather than worrying about your opponent’s abilities. Remember to stay patient and make smart decisions, and don’t let mistakes or missed opportunities affect your mindset.

Use the Cross-Step Footwork Technique

When playing defense, use the cross-step footwork technique to move more quickly and efficiently. This technique involves stepping forward and crossing your back foot over your front foot to move quickly in any direction.

Understanding the Cross-Step Technique

The cross-step footwork technique is a popular technique used in pickleball for quick and efficient movement. This technique involves stepping forward and crossing your back foot over your front foot to move quickly in any direction. This technique can help you cover more ground on the court and reach difficult shots with ease. It’s important to practice the cross-step technique to become comfortable and efficient with this footwork.

Practicing the Cross-Step Technique

To practice the cross-step technique, start by standing in a ready position in the center of the court. Take a small step forward with your lead foot, followed by a quick cross-step with your back foot in the direction you want to move. The cross-step should be quick and smooth, allowing you to move quickly and efficiently across the court. Repeat this drill in different directions and practice combining the cross-step with other footwork techniques, such as the shuffle step.

Incorporating Cross-Step into Your Game Plan

Once you’ve become comfortable with the cross-step footwork technique, try incorporating it into your game plan. Use the cross-step when playing defense to move quickly and efficiently to reach shots that are out of reach. It can also be used when transitioning from defense to offense, allowing you to quickly move forward to the kitchen line. Remember to practice the cross-step technique regularly to maintain your speed and agility on the court.

Use a Low-to-High Swing

To create topspin and control the ball, use a low-to-high swing when hitting groundstrokes. This technique can help you generate more power and accuracy.

Importance of Swing Mechanics

To hit a powerful and accurate groundstroke, it’s important to have good swing mechanics. Your swing should be smooth, fluid, and balanced. The right technique can help you generate more power and control the ball’s trajectory, while the wrong technique can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities.

Benefits of Low-to-High Swing

The low-to-high swing is a technique used by many top-level players because of its effectiveness in generating topspin and control. When you use a low-to-high swing, you begin by starting your swing low and then finishing high. This technique creates topspin, which allows you to hit the ball with more power and still have it land in the court.

The topspin also causes the ball to bounce higher after it lands, making it harder for your opponent to return it. Additionally, topspin allows you to aim higher over the net, giving you more margin for error on your shots.

Drills to Improve Your Swing

There are several drills you can do to improve your swing technique. One is to practice your swing with a ball machine or a partner. Focus on your form and aim for consistency rather than power.

Another drill is to use a target to help you practice hitting the ball in specific spots on the court. For example, you can place a cone or a piece of tape on the court and practice hitting the ball over the net and into that specific target.

You can also try hitting against a wall to work on your swing mechanics. Start with slow and controlled swings, and gradually increase your speed and power as you become more comfortable.

Remember to always focus on proper form and technique, even when practicing at a slower pace. With time and practice, you can improve your swing and become a more effective player on the court.

Keep Your Paddle Up and in Front of Your Body

To be ready for any shot, keep your paddle up and in front of your body at all times. This can help you react quickly to shots and be ready for any situation.

Proper Paddle Positioning

The proper paddle positioning in pickleball is to keep it up and in front of your body, with your elbows bent and close to your sides. This positioning allows you to react quickly to shots and adjust your paddle angle to return the ball with greater control.

Benefits of Keeping Paddle Up

Keeping your paddle up and in front of your body at all times provides several benefits. First, it allows you to react quickly to shots and be ready for any situation. Second, it helps you maintain a good paddle angle, which is essential for returning the ball with accuracy and control. Finally, it helps you maintain balance and stay in a ready position, which can prevent you from being caught off guard by a surprise shot.

Incorporating Paddle Positioning into Your Game Plan

Incorporating proper paddle positioning into your game plan can help you improve your overall performance on the court. Start by focusing on keeping your paddle up and in front of your body at all times, even when you’re not actively hitting the ball. This will help you stay prepared for any shot and react quickly to surprise shots. As you become more comfortable with this positioning, focus on maintaining a good paddle angle and adjusting your position to return the ball with greater control. With practice, you’ll find that proper paddle positioning becomes second nature, and your overall performance on the court improves significantly.

Vary Your Shots

To keep your opponents guessing, vary your shots and try not to be too predictable. This can help you control the pace of the game and create openings for winners.

Importance of Shot Variety

In pickleball, being able to hit a variety of shots is essential to keeping your opponents off-balance and guessing what you’ll do next. By varying your shots, you can create opportunities to attack and force your opponents to react, which can lead to openings in their defense. Shot variety can also help you control the pace of the game and keep your opponents from getting into a rhythm.

Developing a Versatile Game Plan

Developing a versatile game plan involves understanding your own strengths and weaknesses, as well as those of your opponents. By identifying areas where you can exploit your opponents’ weaknesses, you can develop a game plan that incorporates a variety of shots to keep them off-balance. This might include mixing up your shots, using different types of serves, and varying the pace of your shots. It’s important to be flexible and adaptable during a match, so you can adjust your game plan as needed based on how your opponents are playing.

Practicing Different Shots

Practicing different shots is essential to developing a versatile game plan. This involves practicing shots such as dinks, drives, volleys, and lobs from different parts of the court. By practicing these shots regularly, you can develop the muscle memory and skills needed to execute them effectively during a match. It’s also important to practice shots in different situations, such as when you’re on the defensive or when you’re trying to finish a point. By practicing a variety of shots in different situations, you’ll be better prepared to use them during a match.

Practice Your Soft Game

To improve your touch and finesse, practice your soft game, including dinking and drop shots. These shots can be very effective in pickleball, especially when playing at the kitchen line. By mastering these shots, you can control the pace of the game and force your opponents into making mistakes.

When practicing your soft game, focus on accuracy and placement rather than power. Start by hitting the ball softly and placing it in specific areas of the court, such as the sidelines or the middle. As you improve, you can start adding more spin and variation to your shots.

Another important aspect of the soft game is being able to anticipate your opponent’s shots and react quickly. Watch your opponent’s body language and racket position to anticipate where they will hit the ball. This will give you more time to react and position yourself for a better shot.

Importance of Soft Game Skills

In pickleball, the soft game refers to the shots that are hit with less force and more finesse, such as dinking and drop shots. While power can be effective in certain situations, having a strong soft game can be just as important for winning matches.

One of the benefits of the soft game is that it can help you control the pace of the game. By hitting soft shots, you can slow down the tempo of the match and force your opponents to play at your pace. This can also help you conserve your energy and prevent fatigue.

Another advantage of the soft game is that it can create openings for winners. By hitting soft shots to specific areas of the court, such as the sidelines or the middle, you can force your opponents out of position and create opportunities for more aggressive shots.

Soft Game Techniques and Strategies

To improve your soft game skills, it’s important to focus on accuracy and placement rather than power. Start by hitting the ball softly and placing it in specific areas of the court, such as the sidelines or the middle. As you improve, you can start adding more spin and variation to your shots.

One of the most important techniques for the soft game is the dink shot. To execute a dink shot, hold your paddle lightly and use a short, compact stroke to hit the ball over the net with minimal force. Aim for a soft landing on your opponent’s side of the court, close to the net. This shot can be especially effective when playing at the kitchen line.

Another important shot in the soft game is the drop shot. To execute a drop shot, use a low-to-high swing motion to hit the ball over the net with a lot of backspin. The ball should land softly on your opponent’s side of the court, close to the net. This shot can be a great way to catch your opponents off guard and create openings for winners.

In addition to these techniques, it’s important to be able to anticipate your opponent’s shots and react quickly. Watch your opponent’s body language and racket position to anticipate where they will hit the ball. This will give you more time to react and position yourself for a better shot.

Drills to Improve Your Soft Game

There are several drills that can help you improve your soft game skills. One effective drill is the “dink and move” drill. In this drill, start at the kitchen line and hit dink shots back and forth with your partner. After each shot, move laterally to one side of the court, then back to the middle, then to the other side. This will help you practice your footwork and positioning while also improving your dink shot accuracy.

Another drill is the “drop shot game”. In this drill, start at the baseline and play a game with your partner where the only shots allowed are drop shots. This will help you practice your drop shot accuracy and decision-making skills.

Finally, you can also practice your soft game skills by playing against opponents who are better than you. Focus on playing a conservative game and hitting soft shots, and pay attention to the strategies and techniques used by your opponents. This will help you learn from their experience and improve your own skills over time.

Focus on Enjoying the Game

Finally, it’s important not to get too caught up in winning or losing and to focus on enjoying the game and improving your skills. Pickleball is a fun and social sport that can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re playing for exercise, competition, or just for fun, remember to enjoy the experience and appreciate the camaraderie of your fellow players.

Importance of Fun and Enjoyment

One of the main reasons people play pickleball is because it’s a fun and social sport. While it’s natural to want to improve your skills and win games, it’s important not to get too caught up in the outcome and to remember to have fun. Playing pickleball can be a great way to relieve stress, meet new people, and stay active.

In fact, research has shown that participating in enjoyable physical activities can have a positive impact on mental health, reducing anxiety and depression and improving overall well-being. When you’re having fun playing pickleball, you’re more likely to stick with it and continue playing for years to come.

Developing a Positive Attitude

Maintaining a positive attitude can also have a big impact on your pickleball game. When you’re feeling positive and confident, you’re more likely to perform at your best and enjoy the game. On the other hand, when you’re feeling down or discouraged, it can be difficult to play your best and enjoy the experience.

To develop a more positive attitude, focus on the things you’re doing well and the progress you’re making, rather than dwelling on mistakes or losses. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and use them as motivation to keep improving. Remember that everyone makes mistakes, and that they’re a natural part of the learning process.

Staying Motivated and Engaged

To stay motivated and engaged with the game, set realistic goals for yourself and track your progress. This can help you stay focused on the process of improving your skills, rather than just the outcome of each game. Consider playing with different people and trying new strategies to keep the game fresh and interesting.

It’s also important to take care of your body and mind outside of the game. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and staying active can all help you perform at your best on the court. And remember to take breaks and rest when you need it, to prevent burnout and injury.

By focusing on fun, maintaining a positive attitude, and staying motivated, you can enjoy playing pickleball for years to come.

Beginner Pickleball Tips Questions and Answers

Q: What is the ATP or around the post shot in pickleball?
A: The ATP (around the post) shot is a shot in pickleball that goes around the net post to score a point. This shot is used when the ball is hit at an angle outside of the net post and is difficult to return.

Q: How can I improve my dinking skills in pickleball?
A: To improve your dinking skills, focus on accuracy and placement rather than power. Practice hitting the ball softly and placing it in specific areas of the court, such as the sidelines or the middle. Also, watch your opponent’s body language and racket position to anticipate their shots and react quickly.

Q: What is the cross-step footwork technique in pickleball?
A: The cross-step footwork technique is a footwork technique used in pickleball to quickly move from side to side while playing defense. It involves crossing your feet over each other to move in the direction of the ball, which allows you to cover more ground and get to the ball more quickly.

Q: How important is communication in doubles pickleball?
A: Communication is very important in doubles pickleball. It’s important to know when to call the ball and when to let your partner take it. This can help avoid confusion and prevent mistakes from being made.

Q: How do I improve my footwork in pickleball?
A: Footwork is an essential component of pickleball, and improving your footwork can greatly enhance your game. One technique that can help is the cross-step footwork technique. This involves crossing your back foot in front of your front foot as you move towards the ball, which can help you move more quickly and efficiently. You can also practice drills that focus on footwork, such as ladder drills or cone drills.

Q: What is the best way to practice pickleball as a beginner?
A: The best way to practice pickleball as a beginner is to start by focusing on the fundamentals, such as grip, stance, and footwork. You can also practice basic shots, such as the serve, return, and dink. As you become more comfortable with the basics, you can start to work on more advanced techniques, such as the ATP shot or drop shots. It’s also important to play with other beginners and attend clinics or lessons to receive feedback from more experienced players.

Q: How can I improve my consistency in pickleball?
A: Improving your consistency in pickleball takes practice and repetition. One way to improve consistency is to focus on hitting the ball in the same spot on your paddle each time. You can also practice hitting the ball at different speeds and angles to become more comfortable with a variety of shots. Additionally, working on your footwork and positioning can help you set up for shots more effectively and increase your chances of hitting the ball consistently.

Q: How can I stay calm and focused during a pickleball game?
A: Staying calm and focused during a pickleball game can be a challenge, especially in high-pressure situations. One technique that can help is to take deep breaths and focus on your breathing. You can also try visualization exercises, where you imagine yourself executing shots successfully. It’s also important to stay positive and avoid getting too caught up in mistakes or errors. Remember to focus on enjoying the game and improving your skills, rather than solely on winning or losing.

Drill religiously to Improve your game

Pickleball is a fun and engaging sport that can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. By following these beginner pickleball tips, you can improve your game and become a more confident and skilled player. Remember to focus on the fundamentals, practice consistently, and stay positive and focused on the court. With dedication and hard work, you can become a great pickleball player and enjoy all the benefits that this exciting sport has to offer.