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Okay, so pickleball is all the rage these days, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s so much fun and so social, and in all honesty, anyone at any age can get in on it. If you’re new to it all, having these basic things in mind can give your game that extra spark of power and get you on board faster. So here’s the lowdown on everything you need to get started in pickleball:
Memorize Pickleball’s Essential Rules
It’s definitely smart to have these rules in mind before getting on the court. It’ll get you through confusion or that cringe factor of messing things up while on the court. And here’s where it’s at to recall:
- Games reach only 11 points, and you need to take it by at least 2 points.
- Points only count on serve.
- On serve, it’s an underhand serve only, so serve diagonally across the court.
- The ball must bounce on every side before volleying (you know, hit before it lands on the court).
- Avoid that non-volley or kitchen unless that ball bounces in on it first.
And for goodness’ sake, remember to account for side-outs. If that side flubs on play in rallies, the serve moves to that person’s partner, or if both have served, to that other side. Having all of that in mind will completely relax you on the court and get that game going smoothly.
Feel at Ease with Your Paddle Hold
Wherein in which way to hold that paddle makes all the difference. Most newbies get by on that friendly paddle-shake or so-called Eastern hold. And that’s good enough for loads of shots.
As you have more experience, you may want to experiment with other grips, like the Continental grip, that actually work well for soft shots and volleys. Hold onto your paddle firmly but not so hard that your hand cramp up on you. Keep your wrist loose for more control and finer touch on your shots.
Mind Your Footwork
It may not necessarily make sense at first, but good footwork can actually improve new players’ games. Efficient movement allows you to get to the ball faster and maintain balance. Practice moving in small steps so that you can easily adjust to varying shots.
Try to play on balls of feet rather than flat feet. After every stroke step back to neutral around center of court so that you have space for next ball coming towards you.
Build Your Trusty Serve
Serving initiates every point so getting serve in is of extreme importance. For new players, a basic serve that flies through the net and lands far in the opponent’s court is a good way to go for the beginning.
Once that is in working condition work on varying serve for more power. Speed serve that gives space to get set in front of it to distract opponents while hard-hitting but low-speed serve might take opponents by surprise. At initial level though prioritize consistency—just get ball in play before concerns for power set in.
Drill on the Dink Shot
The dink shot is a low, controlled shot that lands in your opponent’s kitchen. It may not sound like much of a feat, but it’s crucial to the game. Slowing things way down with dinks can make your opponent hit upward, which tends to result in errors.
Take some time to practice dinks with a practice buddy. Stand on the kitchen line and attempt to hit the ball gently over the net while dropping it low. Learning how to execute this shot in advance will make it easy to control points and remain calm on those lengthy rallies.
Memorize the Kitchen Rules
The kitchen (non-volley zone) is where new players get all fouled up. You cannot volley (hit the ball in mid-air) while in the kitchen. Stepping in to hit a ball that’s bouncing is okay—just step right back so that you won’t get in trouble.
Resisting the temptation to creep in on the net will stop fouls in their tracks and put you in a good position for the next hit.
Talk to Your Spouse or Your Doubles Buddy
If you play doubles, good communication is everything. Easy yelps like “Mine!” or “Yours!” prevent confusion and collisions. Prior to playing, have a quick conversation with your doubles buddy on how to handle things like middle hits or overheads that sail over your head.
Teamwork is everything in doubles, so getting on the vibe with someone will make it easy to score points more efficiently while having more fun on the court.
Play Smart, Not Furious
It’s so tempting to go for winners every single time but that tends to cause breakdowns. Instead of going for winners every time, play smart by getting that ball in play and let the other guy make the errors. Placement and control typically trump raw power in pickleball.
Aim for open spaces, hit toward your opponent’s feet, and look for chances to move them out of position. You’ll win more points by playing smart than by swinging for the fences.
Get on the Court Often
There’s no substitute for practice. Whether you’re working on your serve, drilling dinks, or playing casual games, time on the court will help you improve quickly. Muscle memory develops through repetition, so the more you play, the more natural your shots will feel.
Joining a local pickleball group can also be helpful. You’ll meet players with different styles and skill levels, which will make you a more versatile player. Watching experienced players can also give you ideas to try in your own game.
Enjoy Yourself
Most importantly, have fun! Pickleball is about enjoying the game and the people you meet. Don’t stress too much about making mistakes—every player has been a beginner at some point. Celebrate your progress, laugh at the funny moments, and enjoy the journey.
Pickleball is as much about the community as it is about competition. You’ll find that players are usually welcoming and happy to help newcomers. So, get out there, hit some balls, and enjoy everything this fantastic sport has to offer.
Focusing on these basics when you start will set you up for success. Once you feel confident with the fundamentals, you can explore more advanced techniques and strategies. However, building a strong foundation will make learning those skills much easier. So grab your paddle, head to the court, and start having fun!
Picture Credit: iStock