8 Tips & Strategies On How To Quickly Get Better At Pickleball

Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity and taking the world of outdoor recreation by storm. Courts are filled with kids, first-time players, potential pros, and even celebrities. You never know who you might run into on the pickleball court. With the popularity of pickleball continuing to skyrocket, the competition is fiercer than ever. If you want to stay on the winning side, your game better be ready. Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned pro, you can always improve your skills. In this article, the Paddle Experts at JustPaddles outline some of the best tips and strategies to become a better player, improve your game, and increase your pickleball player ratings. 

How To Get Better at Pickleball

Below, the Paddle Experts at JustPaddles have outlined eight (8) of the best pickleball tips that can help you get better at the sport of pickleball.

1. Dink or Attack Your Opponent’s Backhand

A great way to score points is to dink to your opponent's backhand. For the majority of players, their weak side is their backhand. Dinking to a player’s backhand will prevent them from going on the offensive and creates more opportunities for easier shots for you and your partner. Similarly, when you have the chance to attack, aim for your opponent's backhand to increase your chances of winning the point.

2. Patience, Patience, and More Patience

“To lose patience is to lose the battle.” 

Remember this quote the next time you head to the court, and you will see positive results. If you want to improve your game, add patience to your arsenal. We all tend to rush on the court, but knowing when to attack and when to exercise restraint is a valuable skill in pickleball. By waiting for the right moment, you will see your score rise steadily.

3. Attack on the Right Ball 

Building on the previous tip, knowing when to attack is key in pickleball. Many of us believe that we can hit any ball with speed, but as many have discovered, it doesn't always work out well. Set yourself up for success by learning when to attack the ball (and your opponent), and when to simply keep the rally going.

4. Keep Your Pickleball Paddle Ready 

Pickleball isn't just rapidly growing; the game is also becoming faster and more competitive, with increasingly talented players taking the court. Balls are coming back to your side of the net faster than ever. Therefore, it's crucial to have your paddle in a ready position as soon as the ball is in play. Everyone has a different “ready position,” but you must be prepared to return any ball that is hit. There's nothing worse than a shocked expression as the ball zooms past you because you didn't anticipate it coming back.

5. Be Ready for Your Opponent’s Speed 

You never know when your opponent will go for a killer shot and you may receive a shot back that you weren't expecting to be sped up. Whether it's getting out of the way or being prepared to return the shot, be ready for anything on the court. The pickleball court has witnessed some of the most astonishing athletic feats from unsuspecting athletes.

6. Use Your Serve to Your Advantage 

While many use their serve in pickleball to simply start the play, you can actually leverage your serve to your advantage if you know how. Personally, I like to start by giving my opponents a challenging serve right from the beginning. I serve the ball deep into their baseline and watch how they react. If the opponent struggles with my serve, I don't let them off the hook. If, on the other hand, my opponent handles my serves with ease, I play it safe. In my opinion, if you're not likely to score an ace with your serve, it's not worth the risk of losing a point. This doesn't mean you should just lob the ball to your opponent, but it's often not worth the gamble of a “trick shot.” Take risks when they're worth it, and when they're not, focus on the next point and learn more about your opponent.

7. Maintain the Kitchen Line Advantage

Points are won at the Kitchen Line, so why leave it? The goal of competitive pickleball is to reach the Kitchen Line, or the non-volley zone, and stay there whenever possible. So, do whatever it takes to get to that spot on the court whenever you can. Execute a great drop shot, push back your opponents, and make it your priority to hold your ground at the Line. I often think of the famous words of Herb Brooks Jr. from "Miracle on Ice" when he blows the whistle and yells "On the line." When competing, do your best to keep your opponents off the Kitchen Line and you will see the benefits reflected in your score.

8. Have the Right Equipment

Nothing makes you more prepared for the court than the right equipment. Footwear, clothing, and pickleball paddles are vital to success on the court! Pick something you are comfortable in for both footwear and clothing. You are going to be active and you will sweat, so be prepared. Nothing will have you smiling on the court more than a new high-performance paddle on the court. Have you and your partner smiling when you buy one of the best pickleball paddles in the game from JustPaddles!

Pickleball and chess share many similarities. You have player ratings, develop strategies, learn tricks, and there's always someone on the other side who could defeat you. Like in chess, learn from not only your wins but also your losses. Every time you step on the court, be prepared to implement these 8 tips and tricks to become better at the game of pickleball and watch your game skyrocket!

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If you're looking for a highly rated pickleball paddle that performs with the best of them, check out our expansive list of pickleball paddles at JustPaddles.  If you have any additional questions, the Paddle Experts at JustPaddles are here to help. You can call/text 866-382-3465, email experts@justpaddles.com, or click here to live chat. Don't forget, we're here for you from Click To Court!