My Second Day of Pickleball

A Beginner’s Journey Continues

Struggling with the Rules, Body Placement, and Paddle Control

Struggling with the Rules of Pickleball

Learning the rules of pickleball can be a challenging experience for beginners, especially those who are accustomed to playing other sports. On my second day of playing pickleball, I struggled to remember the rule of letting the ball bounce once before returning it. Also, As someone who has played doubles beach volleyball in the past, the concept of the kitchen (No volley zone) in pickleball was new to me, and I found it hard to get used to.

Body Placement on the Court

Another aspect that I found challenging was understanding the right body placement on the court. Unlike volleyball, where players can move freely around the court, pickleball players should stay back after serving (or after their partner serves). I had a tough time figuring out where I should stand and when to move, and it affected my performance on the court.

Paddle Control

One of the biggest challenges I faced on my second day of playing pickleball was controlling my paddle. I struggled to get the right angle while smashing the ball at my opponents, and most of the time, the ball hit the net. I also tried to dink the ball towards the sideline, but I didn’t have much control over my paddle. I realized that developing paddle control is crucial if I want to improve my game.

Slow Progress, But A Little More Understanding

Despite my struggles, I continued to try my best, and AJ and I played about five games of doubles. I felt like I didn’t make any improvement in my gameplay, but my understanding of the game, rules, and strategy became a little better. I learned a few new tricks and techniques, and I even made one or two (lucky) shots that drew praises from some of the more experienced players. It gave me hope that I can develop into a decent player in the future.

Looking Forward to Another Day on the Court

As I plan on hitting the courts again tomorrow, I am filled with optimism and hope. I’m hoping to come away with a little more confidence and maybe even show some improvement in my gameplay. Join me again tomorrow as I continue my journey to learn pickleball and share my experiences, struggles, and victories as a beginner in this exciting and challenging sport.

In the end, even though I didn’t feel like I made a ton of progress, I know that I have learned a lot in just two days. It was clear to me that it was going to take more than just a couple of days to master the game of pickleball, but I am determined to keep at it. After all, I have already started to enjoy the sport and the people who play it.

As I left the courts today, I knew that I was going to be sore the next day. But I was also excited to return to the courts and keep learning. I know that I have a lot to learn, but I also know that I have a lot of potential. With time, practice, and patience, I am certain that I can become a decent pickleball player.

If you’re a beginner like me, don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate improvement in your game. It takes time and practice to get better at pickleball, but it’s worth it. The sense of accomplishment you feel when you make a great shot or win a game is like nothing else.