Pickleball Beginner Tips
Pickleball is a paddle sport that is easy to learn and fun to play. It is a unique type of game that combines the elements of other sports such as tennis, badminton, and table tennis. The sport can be played in singles or doubles, and it is one of the fastest growing racquet sports today. Since it was invented in the 1960s, it has grown to become one of the favorite pastime activities of numerous people across all ages.
Beginner’s guide to rules and play
Before you can learn beginner tips on pickleball, it is important to understand the basic rules of the sport. Your mastery of the rules will enable you to maximize the fun that you can get from the game. Plus, it is also crucial to help you win a match.
The pickleball court is about the same size as the doubles badminton court. It measures 20 by 44 feet with a baseline and service line. The inner court comes with non-volley zones that measure about seven feet from each side of the net. Just like a tennis court, the pickleball court is divided into two lines, each representing service lines.
The play starts with a service, which is an underhand stroke. The goal is to get the ball across in a diagonal route so it lands on the opposing side of the service line. Only the serving side can obtain a point in every play. A point is given whenever one team or player commits a fault. The fault could be either one of the following:
- When the serving side fails to land the ball within the diagonal service zone
- When the ball fails to cross the net
- When the player fails to hit the ball after the first bounce
- When the ball goes out of bounds
- When the player volleys the ball from a serve
- When the player steps inside the non-volley zone while attempting to volley the ball.
To win the game, one of the teams or players must reach 11 points and lead their opponent by two points.
Beginner tips for pickleball
Now that you know the basics, it is important to move on to the next step. You must now aim to improve your skills in pickleball and learn some techniques as a beginner. The more techniques and strategies you use, the easier it will be to overcome your opponent. If you take note of these tips, you can expect significant progress in your game.
Tip 1: Know your paddle
The paddle is the most important equipment you need for pickleball. It is important to note that there are several types of paddles. The two main types are wooden paddles and composite paddles. When deciding on the best paddle to use for beginners, there are a few things to avoid such as:
- Aluminum core paddles
- Wooden paddles
- Paddles that are less than 6.5 ounces or more than nine ounces in weight
- Elongated or skinny-looking paddles
Tip 2: Choose the right footwear
Just as the right paddle is crucial for a beginner to play pickleball, you must consider your footwear, too. Your choice of footwear is important in this game, as with any other sport. This can help prevent injuries or some other health concerns.
It is crucial to remember that you will be doing a lot of
Tip 3: Move to the kitchen every chance you get!
The kitchen is the non-volley zone located near the net. When you are a beginner, you might be timid to attack in the middle. But pickleball experts encourage beginners to attack this area whenever the opportunity presents itself. Stop wasting your time at the back or along the baseline. You are more likely to get more points when you are aggressive with your play.
Tip 4: Hit your serve deep
Serving is one of the most important skills you will develop while playing pickleball. It is also a crucial part of developing your strategy if you want to boost your chances of winning. The most basic rule in pickleball is that your
To master your serve, you need target practice on a consistent basis. This will help you become more precise with your aim (as the ball needs to land within the opposing player’s service zone). In the game of pickleball, the direction that your paddle is facing is going to be an indicator of where the ball is going. Make sure you direct the paddle towards the serving zone. Practice your serve regularly so you can develop the proper form for this.
Finally, experts recommend that you serve the ball deep. The deeper the position of the ball is when you serve, the more difficult it is for your opponent to return the ball.
Tip 5: Make your return serve deep, too
Just as you need to aim for a deep serve, it is important to position the ball deep on your return. Another advantage to returning deep is that you will have enough time to get close to the net. You have to remember: pickleball is a race towards the net. If you push your opponent farther back, it will be difficult for them to recover.
If you cannot get the ball deep, another option is to hit the center of the court. This technique is also helpful when playing doubles. In this scenario, the two players will be confused as to who among them should take the ball. You can use this strategy on two players who are new to playing with each other. You can take advantage of the little confusion during the game.
There are more strategies involved when playing pickleball. But these tips should help you develop the right skills and techniques in the game as a beginner.
Contents
