Pickleball Articles
Pickleball Articles
If you’re new to pickleball, welcome to one of the fastest-growing sports in the country! Pickleball is a fun and social game that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It’s easy to learn but has enough challenge to keep things exciting. Here are some essential tips to help you get started with confidence.
Pickleball is played on a court similar to a badminton court, but it’s smaller than a tennis court. The game is played with a paddle similar to ping pong and a plastic ball with holes (similar to a Wiffle ball). Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles, but doubles are more common.
Here are some basic terms you’ll need to know:
In pickleball, a good serve can set you up for success. Since the serve must be underhand, you don’t need to worry about overhand power serves like in tennis. The serve must go diagonally across the court and land in the opposite service box. Aim for consistency over power—practice getting your serves in the right spot, focusing on a smooth and controlled motion. Remember to keep one foot behind the baseline when serving.
Good positioning is essential in pickleball. Most of the action happens near the net, so try to get to the kitchen line as quickly as possible after the serve. The closer you are to the net (without stepping into the kitchen), the better control you’ll have over the ball. In doubles, communicate with your partner and cover your areas without crowding each other.
The double-bounce rule is one of the key rules in pickleball. After the serve, players must let the ball bounce once before returning it. Then, the serving team must also let it bounce once. After that, players can either volley or let the ball bounce. This rule keeps the game fair and prevents aggressive smashes right from the start.
Pickleball is more about placement and control than power. Try to aim your shots instead of hitting the ball as hard as possible. Focus on returning the ball where your opponents aren’t standing. If you’re playing doubles, place the ball between your opponents to make it harder for them to return.
The “dink” is a soft shot that just clears the net and lands in your opponent’s kitchen. Dinking is one of the most important skills in pickleball because it allows you to control the pace of the game and can be challenging to return. Practice lightly tapping the ball just over the net to keep it low and difficult for your opponent to return.
Good footwork will help you stay balanced and reach the ball more effectively. Stay on your toes and be ready to move in any direction. Avoid crossing your feet when moving sideways; instead, use small shuffle steps. Good footwork can help prevent injuries and keep you quick on the court.
Pickleball is known for its friendly community, so remember to stay positive and have fun. Don’t worry if you make mistakes—they’re part of the learning process. Enjoy the game, laugh off the misses, and celebrate the good shots. The more you play, the better you’ll get!