USA Pickleball has a page on its website called “Basics — Tips for New Players.” It is worthwhile looking at what this organization thinks are pointers that will help beginning pickleball players:
Tips for New Players:
- Listen and accept suggestions that you’ve violated a rule. It’s to your benefit.
- Don’t try to serve hard or near the sidelines.
- Loft service returns so they go deep, giving you time to get to the non-volley line.
- Remember that both the serve and the serve return must bounce before you can hit the ball, so remain at or behind the baseline after serving to receive the third shot.
- Always get to the non-volley line as soon as you can. It’s the strongest position.
- Face the player who will hit the ball, not the net. You will be better placed to hit the ball.
- Keep your paddle high, near your chest; your reaction time will be quicker.
- Keep the ball in play — let your opponent make the mistakes. Seventy-five percent of all rallies are won or lost because of unforced errors, many of them at the baseline.
- Return your baseline shots to the center line as often as you can.
- Use your forehand for power, especially on the serve return, but also developing a good backhand will give you a more complete game.
- Placement is much more important than power; emphasize control over pace.
- Don’t try to make a lot of sideline shots; they are low percentage. Hit to open areas (i.e., hit it where they aren’t).
- Make note whether an opponent is right or left handed. Avoid hitting to the opponent’s strong side.
- Don’t take your partner’s shots away by crowding his/her position. Do move to the centerline when your partner is pulled to the sideline to return a shot.
This blog post is taken from the revised edition of my first book, Pickleball for Beginners Part I. I hope you get a chance to read my books. You can purchase a Kindle version or paperback on Amazon.