How to Get Better at Pickleball: 13 Tips to Improve Your Gameplay

Although it’s been around since the 1960s, pickleball, America’s fastest-growing sport, has gained immense popularity over the past few years. And it’s no wonder why — it’s easy to learn, relatively low-impact, and great exercise. Pickleball is perfect for folks of all ages and fitness levels. 

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned player looking to refine your skills, there’s always room for improvement in pickleball. In this guide, we’ll share 13 pickleball tips and tricks to elevate your game, from mastering the basics to honing advanced techniques. So grab your paddle, put on your court shoes, and let’s dive into our essential pickleball pointers for all levels.  

What is Pickleball? 

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s played on a court similar in size to a badminton court with a modified tennis net, and it can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors. The sport uses a light, perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, and solid paddles typically made of wood or composite materials. 

How to Play Pickleball 

One of the things that people love the most about pickleball is that the sport is both easy to learn and teach others, making it perfect for players of all skill levels. If you know how to play tennis, badminton, or ping pong, you’ll pick up the gist of pickleball pretty fast.  

Court Setup 

• Dimensions: The pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for both singles and doubles.  

• Net: The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. 

• Non-Volley Zone: Also known as “the kitchen,” this 7-foot area on either side of the net doesn’t allow volleys to encourage strategic play. 

Basic Rules 

• Serving: Unlike tennis, the serve (starting shot) in pickleball has to be underhand, and the ball must be hit below the waist. The server must keep one foot behind the baseline and aim diagonally at the opponent’s court. 

• Double Bounce Rule: After the serve, the ball must bounce once on each side before allowing volleys. This rule is meant to encourage longer play and strategic shot placement. 

• Scoring: Points can only be scored by the serving side. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by 2 points. 

• Faults: Players or teams lose points by committing faults, which include hitting the ball out of bounds, not clearing the net, volleying from the non-volley zone, and failing to follow the double bounce rule. 

Playing the Game 

• Serving: In doubles, each player of each team serves until a fault is made, except for the first service sequence of the game.  

• Rallies: A rally is a continuous back-and-forth that happens after a serve. Players or teams rally the ball back and forth until a fault occurs. This is where pickleball techniques and shot selection are important for maintaining control and forcing opponents to make errors.  

• Winning: The first side to reach 11 points with a two-point lead wins the game. Matches are typically played on a best-of-three basis.  

How to Get Better at Pickleball: 13 Expert Tips 

Improving your pickleball skills requires practice and patience. Here are 13 pickleball tricks and techniques for those learning how to get good at pickleball and enjoy the game even more:  

1. Know the Rules

Whether you’re just getting started or have been playing for years, one of the best pickleball tips is to familiarize yourself with the game's rules. Understanding the ins and outs of pickleball will help you make better decisions and avoid unnecessary faults. Knowing the rules will help you leverage them to your advantage during games. 

2. Keep Your Paddle Up

Always keep your paddle up and in front of you, especially when you’re at the net. This position lets you react quickly to your opponent’s shots and make effective volleys. Keeping your paddle up also helps maintain balance and control during fast exchanges. One of the essential tips for pickleball is to always be prepared and maintain this ready position. 

3. Play Shots Early

One of the most useful pickleball tips for beginners that can make a difference in your game is taking your shots as early as possible. This reduces the amount of time your opponent has to react and puts you in control of the rally. Preparing to play your shots early also allows you to anticipate the next move and position yourself as advantageously as possible. 

4. Always Be Ready

Speaking of playing your shots early, always be prepared by maintaining a ready position with your knees slightly bent and your weight on the balls of your feet. Being ready to move in any direction will improve your reaction time and court coverage. It also helps you stay agile and responsive to unpredictable shots. 

5. Get to the Kitchen

After serving and returning, move quickly to the non-volley zone (the kitchen). Controlling this area allows you to dominate the net and put pressure on your opponents, forcing them to make mistakes or weak returns. 

6. Embrace Net Play

While there’s no magic bullet for how to get better at pickleball, working on your net play skills is a quick and effective way to step up your game. Playing at the net is important because it allows you to intercept shots early and place the ball precisely. Mastering net play can also give you a big competitive edge by shortening rallies and controlling the game's pace. 

7. Stay Back After Serving 

After serving, stay back near the baseline until you can safely move forward. This helps you avoid getting caught in a weak position. Then, as the point progresses, move forward to control the net when the opportunity arises. 

8. Use a Short Swing for Volleys 

When volleying, try to use a compact swing. This reduces errors and allows for quicker, more controlled shots.  

9. Focus on Shot Placement 

Just like in table tennis, focus on where you place your shots instead of just trying to hit the ball hard. Aim for the corners, sidelines, and your opponent’s feet to make it difficult for them to return the ball effectively. 

10. Develop Quick Reflexes

Work on improving your speed and reflexes by doing other types of exercise, like plyometric training and hand-eye coordination drills. And, if you haven’t done so in a while, consider getting your eyes checked and updating your prescription to make sure you don’t lose sight of the ball. Quick reflexes are key for responding to fast volleys and unexpected shots.  

11. Stay Out of No Man’s Land 

Avoid lingering in the area between the baseline and the non-volley zone, also known as no man’s land. This position leaves you vulnerable to your opponent’s shots and limits your ability to respond effectively. Instead, position yourself either at the baseline or near the net. 

12. Practice, Practice, Practice 

When it comes to improving your pickleball game, nothing is more important than regular practice. Drills, match play, and even solo practice against a wall can significantly boost your skills. Consistent practice will help build muscle memory, improve your technique, and increase your confidence on the court. 

13. Stay Positive and Patient 

Don’t get discouraged if you aren’t performing as well as you think you should in your first few games. Stay positive and be patient with your progress. Remember: improvement takes time, and a positive mindset will help you stay motivated and enjoy the game, which is, after all, why you probably decided to take up pickleball in the first place. Embrace each new challenge as a learning opportunity and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. 

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We hope you found these pickleball tips helpful! Pickleball is a great, fun way to stay physically fit. It can also be good for building social connections and spending time outside — both of which are incredibly important for your overall well-being.  

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