Best Pickleball Tips for Beginners
Share
New to pickleball? Welcome to one of the fastest-growing and most accessible sports! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve, these essential tips will help you build confidence, sharpen your skills, and enjoy the game even more.
1. Master the Basics
Before jumping into competitive play, take time to understand the fundamental rules, scoring system, and court positioning. Knowing where to stand, how points are earned, and when to serve or return properly will give you a strong foundation.
👉 Key Basics to Remember:
✅ The serve must be underhand and hit diagonally across the court.
✅ The ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed (the "two-bounce rule").
✅ Stay out of the "kitchen" (non-volley zone) unless the ball bounces first.
Familiarizing yourself with these basics will set you up for success!
2. Choose the Right Paddle
Your paddle can make a big difference in your gameplay. Beginners should look for a paddle that offers a balance of control and power.
🔹 Lightweight Paddles (6.5-7.5 oz): Best for finesse and quick reactions.
🔹 Midweight Paddles (7.6-8.4 oz): A good mix of control and power.
🔹 Heavy Paddles (8.5+ oz): Great for powerful shots but require more strength.
RDUO paddles are designed with a fiberglass surface for excellent control and spin, making them ideal for beginners and competitive players alike! Check them out here- https://rduo.shop/products/rduo-pro-pickleball-paddle-lightweight-durable
3. Improve Your Serve
A strong serve gives you an advantage right from the start. While power is important, accuracy and strategy matter just as much.
🎯 Serving Tips:
✅ Aim for deep serves to push your opponents back.
✅ Mix up your serves (soft, power, and spin) to keep opponents guessing.
✅ Keep your serves low to make returns harder.
Practicing your serve regularly will help you start each rally strong.
4. Focus on Dinking
Dinking is a soft, controlled shot that keeps the ball low over the net and forces opponents into tricky positions. This technique is crucial for controlling the pace of the game.
💡 Dinking Strategies:
✔️ Stand close to the non-volley zone and use a gentle touch.
✔️ Keep the ball low to make it harder for your opponent to attack.
✔️ Be patient—waiting for the right moment to strike is key!
Mastering the dink shot will help you dominate at the net.
5. Work on Your Footwork
Pickleball isn’t just about hand-eye coordination—it’s also about movement! Being quick and light on your feet allows you to reach shots faster and stay in position.
🏃 Footwork Tips:
✅ Keep your knees slightly bent for better balance.
✅ Stay on the balls of your feet—avoid standing flat-footed.
✅ Move efficiently—shuffle instead of taking large steps.
Great footwork will make you a faster, more responsive player.
6. Play with Experienced Players
One of the best ways to improve is by playing with more skilled players. Watching their strategies, shot selection, and movement will teach you valuable lessons.
🎾 How to Learn from Better Players:
✔️ Observe their positioning and shot placement.
✔️ Ask questions and get tips after games.
✔️ Challenge yourself—playing against tougher opponents will speed up your learning.
The more you expose yourself to different playing styles, the faster you’ll improve.
7. Stay Positive & Have Fun!
Pickleball is all about enjoying the game, staying active, and connecting with others. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes—every great player started as a beginner.
😃 Mindset Tips:
✅ Stay patient—improvement takes time and practice.
✅ Learn from losses—each game is a chance to grow.
✅ Enjoy the process—pickleball is about having fun!
Conclusion
Pickleball is easy to learn but takes practice to master. With these tips, you’ll build confidence and start winning more rallies. Stay consistent, keep improving, and most importantly—have fun on the court!
🏓 Looking for the perfect beginner-friendly paddle? Check out RDUO Paddles for top-quality gear to enhance your game! https://rduo.shop/products/rduo-pro-pickleball-paddle-lightweight-durable