PICKLEBALL STRATEGIES AND ETIQUETTE
Jeff Shank, president of the pickleball club at The Villages, a 5.0 player and medalist at the U.S. Open, has put together a comprehensive Pickleball Strategies Video. It is now up on Youtube. It is a little over an hour long, contains well over 100 strategies and best of all it is FREE.
Please feel free to pass it along to your PB friends.
100+ Pickleball Strategies Video
SERVE
SERVE FROM THE SIDE FAVORING A RETURN THAT WILL PERMIT YOU TO USE YOUR FOREHAND.
NEVER MISS YOUR SERVE. SERVE TO THE MIDDLE OF THE BOX UNTIL YOU CAN BE SURE THAT YOU WILL NOT MISS YOUR SERVE. DO NOT TRY TO WIN YOUR SERVE UNTIL YOU BECOME PROFICIENT AND CONSISTENT WITH YOUR SERVE AT 90% +.
MAKE SURE THAT YOUR PADDLE IS BELOW YOUR WRIST UPON CONTACT WITH THE BALL.
UNTIL YOU GET PROFICIENT ENOUGH, DO NOT USE SPIN. KEEP THE BALL ON THE PADDLE AS LONG AS POSSIBLE TO INCREASE YOUR ACCURACY. SPIN DOES NOT WORK ON BETTER PLAYERS AND CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU.
CALL OUT THE SCORE EVERY TIME YOU SERVE SO THAT YOUR OPPONENTS CAN HEAR THE SCORE. CALL OUT YOUR SCORE FIRST, THEN THE OPPONENT’S SCORE AND, FINALLY, IF YOU ARE THE FIRST SERVER OR THE SECOND SERVER.
EXAMPLE: 3-1 ON 2 (SECOND SERVER)
MAKE SURE YOUR OPPONENT IS READY BEFORE YOU SERVE. REMEMBER THAT YOU HAVE 10 SECONDS TO SERVE AFTER YOU ANNOUNCE THE SCORE.
IF THERE IS A DISAGREEMENT ON THE SCORE, EITHER PLAY A LET OR GIVE YOUR OPPONENT THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.
ALWAYS TRY TO HIT THE BALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PADDLE.
RETURN OF SERVE
IF YOU ARE NOT READY TO RETURN THE SERVE, HOLD UP YOUR HAND OR TURN YOUR BACK TO THE SERVER. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RETURN THE SERVE WHEN YOU ARE NOT READY. IF YOU DO TRY TO RETURN THE SERVE, AND MISS, YOU CANNOT CLAIM THAT YOU WERE NOT READY.
FOREHAND COURT RETURN – TRY TO RETURN THE BALL BACK TO THE SERVER’S SIDE, APPROXIMATELY EIGHT INCHES IN FROM THE MIDDLE LINE AND THREE FEET IN FROM THE BASE LINE. TRY TO KEEP AWAY FROM THE PARTNER’S FOREHAND.
BACKHAND COURT RETURN – RETURN TO THE SERVER’S BACKHAND SIDE, THREE FEET IN FROM THE SIDELINE AND AT LEAST TWO FEET IN FROM THE BASE END LINE.
AFTER YOU RETURN THE SERVE, YOU AND YOUR PARTNER SHOULD MOVE IN TO THE NVZ LINE TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE ADVANTAGE OF BEING AT THE NET.
AVOID HITTING TO THE OPPONENT’S BODY WITH A HARD STROKE.
MAKE HIM REACH FOR THE BALL.
DO NOT TRY TO SPIN THE BALL BACK UNLESS YOU CAN BE PROFICIENT WITH A 90% + ACCURACY.
NEVER MISS YOUR RETURN OF SERVE.
GENERAL PLAY
ENJOY THE GAME. NO POINT, OR GAME, IS THAT CRITICAL TO RUIN YOUR DAY OR TO LOSE A FRIEND.
IF YOU OR YOUR PARTNER ARE NOT SURE IF THE BALL IS IN OR OUT, THE CALL IS ALWAYS IN FAVOR OF YOUR OPPONENT.
PICKLEBALL IS A GAME OF PLACEMENT, NOT POWER. BEGINNERS USE POWER, AND BETTER PLAYERS USE PLACEMENT.
THE MOST IMPORTANT SHOT TO LEARN AND USE IS THE RETURN SHOT INTO THE NVZ. THIS SHOT PROVIDES TIME FOR YOU AND YOUR PARTNER TO COME IN FOR THE NEXT SHOT AT THE NET, OR NVZ. IT ALSO MAY FORCE YOUR OPPONENT TO HIT THE BALL UP FOR YOU TO PUT THE SHOT AWAY.
THE THIRD SHOT – IT IS NOT AN ADVANTAGE TO SERVE IN PICKLEBALL. THE REASON IS THAT YOU, AND YOUR PARTNER, MUST STAY BACK TO LET THE SERVICE RETURN BOUNCE BEFORE YOU CAN HIT THE BALL. AFTER YOU OR YOUR PARTNER SERVE, YOUR SIDE’S NEXT SHOT (THE THIRD SHOT) MUST BE A SHORT RETURN INTO THE NVZ. IT SHOULD BE TO THE BACKHAND OF YOUR OPPONENT, IF POSSIBLE.
AVOID LOBS AT THE UPPER LEVEL OF PLAY. THIS TECHNIQUE WORKS WELL WITH BEGINNERS, BUT ONLY PROVIDES SMASH OPPORTUNITIES AT HIGHER LEVELS.
REMEMBER THE NET IS LOWEST IN THE MIDDLE BY 2 INCHES.
WHEN IN DOUBT, OR IN TROUBLE, HIT THE SHOT OVER THE MIDDLE OF THE NET.
IF YOU ARE AT YOUR PLAYING LOCATION EARLY, HELP SET UP THE NETS. STAY AFTER THE PLAY AND HELP TAKE DOWN THE NETS AND PACK THEM AWAY.
WEAR GOOD QUALITY SHOES WITH SOFT GUM SOLES FOR INDOOR PLAY, AND GOOD TENNIS SHOES FOR OUTDOOR PLAY. DO NOT USE RUNNING SHOES, WHICH ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR SIDE-TO-SIDE MOVEMENT. CLEAN YOUR SHOES OFTEN, AS DIRTY SHOES WILL SLIP IN USE.
LOOK AT THE MARKS ON YOUR PADDLE. ARE YOU HITTING THE BALL I N THE MIDDLE OF YOUR PADDLE? CLEAN YOUR PADDLE, USING A SOFT TERRY TOWEL, WET WITH WATER ONLY, AND DRY IMMMEDIATELY WITH A DRY TOWEL AFTER EACH SESSION.
LEARN FROM THE BETTER PLAYERS AND ASK FOR ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE. LISTEN AND TRY SUGGESTIONS, ADJUST TO YOUR OWN STYLE OF PLAYING. KEEP THE THINGS THAT WORK AND ELIMINATE THE THINGS THAT JUST DO NOT WORK FOR YOU.
LOOK ON THE USAPA SITE ON THE INTERNET FOR TIPS AND LESSONS. BOOKS AND DVD’S ARE AVAILABLE AS WELL AS VIDEO MATCHES ON UTUBE.
PRACTICE AGAINST THE WALL TO TRY TO INCREASE CONSISTENCY. TRY SHOTS WITH ONE BOUNCE FIRST, THEN VOLLEYS.
MOST PEOPLE’S BACKHANDS ARE WEAKER THAN THEIR FOREHANDS. WORK HARDER TO IMPROVE YOUR BACKHAND.
THE PERSON THAT HAS THE FOREHAND SHOT (SHOTS DOWN THE MIDDLE WHEN BOTH PLAYERS ARE RIGHT HANDED) SHOULD TAKE THE SHOT.
DISCUSS STRATEGY WITH YOUR PARTNER BEFORE YOU PLAY.
IF ONE PLAYER IS LEFT HANDED AND HE/SHE IS PLAYING ON THE BACKHAND COURT, THE STRONGER PLAYER SHOULD TAKE THE SHOT DOWN THE MIDDLE.
CALL OUT “I’VE GOT IT” WHEN YOU WANT TO TAKE THE SHOT.
DO NOT WEAR OFFENSIVE OR DISTRACTING CLOTHING. YOU CAN BE FORCED TO CHANGE IN A TOURNAMENT SETTING.
COLOR OF YOUR CLOTHING CANNOT MATCH THE COLOR OF THE BALL IN USE.
BE GENTLE WITH BEGINNERS OR LESSER PLAYERS. REMEMBER THAT AT ONE TIME YOU, TOO, WERE A BEGINNER.
RECOGNIZE AND COMPLIMENT YOUR PARTNER AND OPPONENT, WHEN THEY MAKE GOOD SHOTS.
APPOLOGIZE FOR BAD OR INAPPROPRIATE REMARKS IMMEDIATELY.
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS.
DO NOT WALK OFF THE COURT FOR ANY REASON. FINISH THE PLAY/GAME. REMEMBER THAT PICKLEBALL IS ONLY A GAME AND NOT LIFE.
IN TOURNAMENT PLAY, NO ONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO TELL IF YOU ARE WINNING OR LOSING. KEEP A CALM DEMEANOR. WHEN YOU RELAX, YOUR REACTIONS ARE FASTER AND YOU WILL OVERHIT A LOT LESS.
SCOUT YOUR OPPONENTS IN TOURNAMENT PLAY. LOOK FOR THEIR WEAKNESSES AND STRENGTHS, AS WELL AS THEIR TENDENCIES.
WHO IS THE STRONGER PLAY OF THE PARTNERSHIP?
IN TOURNAMENT PLAY, DO NOT SHOW YOUR STRENGTHS TOO EARLY AND ESPECIALLY IN YOUR WARMUP. SAVE IT FOR WHEN YOU NEED IT IN THE MATCH.
WORK ON THE WEAKER PLAYER. LEAVE YOUR EGO AT HOME.
LEARN TO LOVE LOSING. WHEN YOU LOSE, YOU PROBABLY PLAYED A BETTER PLAYER OR TEAM. LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE. ASK YOURSELF WHY YOU LOST OR WON.
WANT TO GET BETTER? COUNT YOUR UNFORCED ERRORS AND TRY TO LESSEN THEM EACH TIME YOU PLAY. HOW MANY POINTS ARE YOU JUST GIVING AWAY? ARE YOU TRYING TO DO TOO MUCH? TAKE THE HIGHER PERCENTAGE SHOTS NOT THE IMPRESSIVE AND LOW PERCENTAGE SHOTS. DON’T TRY TO IMPRESS THE AUDIENCE. YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO YOUR PARTNER TO DO YOUR VERY BEST. GIVE 100 PERCENT, 100 PERCENT THE TIME.
TAKE TIME TO FIND A SUITABLE PARTNER THAT FITS YOUR PERSONALITY, STYLE AND GOALS. A GREAT PLAYER MAY ONLY MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE UNBEARABLE.
EXAMPLE: HE THINKS THAT HE IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN YOU, THAT HE TAKES ALL THE MIDDLE SHOTS OR POACHES TOO MUCH.
MAKE SURE THAT THE EDGEGUARD IS TIGHT ON YOUR PADDLE. REGLUE WITH CONTACT CEMENT IF LOOSE. LOOSE EDGEGUARDS WILL CHANGE THE REBOUND OFF THE PADDLE.
A GOOD PADDLE WEIGHT IS AROUND 7.5 OUNCES. TOO LIGHT A PADDLE REQUIRES A FAR BETTER STROKE EXECUTION THAN A MEDIUM OR HEAVY PADDLE. HEAVIER PADDLES MAKE THE BACKHAND TO FOREHAND TRANSITIONS SLOWER.
THE BACKHAND GRIP AND SIDE SHOULD BE USED AS DEFENSE ACROSS THE FRONT OF THE BODY, ALMOST AS FAR AS THE RIGHT HIP OR EDGE OF THE BODY (ON RIGHT HANDERS).
LEARN TO JUDGE OUT BALLS.
BALLS THAT ARE CLIMBING AT SHOULDER LEVEL WITH SPEED USUALLY GO OUT.
LISTEN AND LOOK FOR BALLS THAT SOUND FUNNY OR BOUNCE FUNNY. THEY MAY BE CRACKED.
PRACTICE CORRECT STROKES. KEEP THE BALL ON THE PADDLE AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. THIS TECHNIQUE PROMOTES ACCURACY.
PRETEND THAT YOU ARE HITTING FOUR BALLS IN A ROW IN THE AIR.
WHEN NOTING THE WINNING POINT, NOTE THE POINT PREVIOUSLY HIT. USUALLY THE PREVIOUS SHOT “SETS UP” THE WINNING OR LOSING SHOT.
AS THE BETTER PLAYER, YOU WILL HIT FEWER SHOTS IN MATCH PLAY THAN YOUR PARTNER. BE PATIENT AND MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE READY FOR YOUR OPPORTUNITY. SUPPORT YOUR PARTNER, AS HE WILL BE UNDER MORE PRESSURE AND TAKING MORE SHOTS THAN YOU. WITH MORE SHOTS GOING HIS WAY, TRY TO POACH MORE AND FAKE POACHING MORE THAN USUAL.
YOU WILL HAVE TO “FINISH” MORE SHOTS THAN USUAL WHEN THE BALL COMES YOUR WAY.
PLAY THE SCORE. DO NOT TRY LOW PERCENTAGE SHOTS WHEN LOSING. PLAY SAFE. TRY THE DIFFICULT LOW PERCENTAGE SHOTS WHEN THE SCORE IS SIGNIFICANTLY IN YOUR FAVOR. TRY LOBS WHEN WINNING; SOMETIMES EASY POINTS AND NOT EXPECTED BY THE BETTER PLAYERS.
CALL OUT “OUT BALL; MINE; YOURS” WHEN YOU CAN.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY IN WINNING IN DOUBLES.
DO NOT GLOAT ON WINS OR BLOWOUTS. BE RESPECTFUL.
IT MAY YOUR TURN THE NEXT TIME TO EAT “CROW.”
WHEN YOU LOSE, TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHY. WAS IT YOUR FAULT? DID YOU HAVE TOO MANY UNFORCED ERRORS? DID YOU POP UP TOO MANY SHOTS? WERE YOU ADDING EXTRA PRESSURE ONTO YOUR PARTNER? WERE YOU NOT READY WHEN YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT THE BALL AWAY? DID YOU LOSE FOCUS? WERE YOU THINKING ABOUT THE LAST SHOT VERSUS FOCUSING ON THE CURRENT SHOT?
WHEN YOU WIN, ASK WHY? WHAT DID YOU OR YOUR PARTNER DO THAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE?
DID YOU CONGRATULATE YOUR OPPONENTS ON THEIR EFFORT?
DO NOT HIT PADDLES AFTER YOUR GAME. YOU CAN NICK OR DAMAGE THE SURFACE. EITHER: FIST BUMP, SHAKE HANDS OR TOUCH THE BOTTOM OF THE HANDLE WITH YOUR OPPPONENTS.
TRY TO NEVER DROP OR THROW YOUR PADDLE. NO ONE IS INTERESTED IN YOUR TANTRUMS OR UNPROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR. GENERALLY, IT IS NEVER THE PADDLES FAULT THAT YOU MISSSED THE SHOT.
BE ON TIME. BE EARLY. GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO WARM UP PROPERLY.
STRETCH BEFORE AND AFTER YOU PLAY.
DRINK LOTS OF WATER THE NIGHT BEFORE A TOURNAMENT. HYDRATE. ADRENALIN DRIVES UP YOUR THIRST AND THE NEED FOR WATER.
USE YOUR TIMEOUTS NOT ONLY WHEN LOSING TO REGROUP BUT ALSO WHEN WINNING TO “KEEP YOUR FOCUS” UNTIL THE LAST POINT IS OVER.
CALL “BALL” IMMEDIATELY WHEN OTHER BALLS ROLL ONTO YOUR COURT. STOP PLAY IMMEDIATELY. NO POINT IS WORTH TRIPPING OVER A BALL AND HURTING YOURSELF OR OTHER PLAYERS.
CALL “BALL ON COURT” WHEN YOUR BALL ROLLS ONTO ANOTHER COURT.
DO NOT BE PROUD OF SHOTS WHEN THE BALL JUST DRIBBLES OVER THE NET.
THINK OF THEM AS MISSED SHOTS. TRY TO CLEAR THE NET CLEANLY. 8-12” IS A GOOD CONSISTENT HEIGHT. LEARN TO BE CONSISTENT WITH “HEIGHTS”.
DO NOT HOLD YOUR HEAD DOWN WHEN LOSING.
IF YOU ARE TRYING YOUR BEST ON EVERY SHOT, YOU NEVER HAVE TO APOLOGIZE FOR YOUR PERFORMANCE.
SOMETIMES WHEN YOU PARTNER IS A MUCH BETTER PLAYER, THEY WILL TEND TO TAKE MANY OF “YOUR SHOTS”. TALK TO THEM AND MAKE THEM AWARE THAT BY MISSING YOUR OWN SHOTS YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN. IF HE DOES NOT “SEE THE LIGHT” OR CARE, TURN THE TABLE AROUND AND TAKE A FEW OF HIS “SITTERS”. HE WILL SOON GET THE MESSAGE.
BE A GREAT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SPORT. BE A PERSON THAT EVERYONE WANTS AS A PARTNER.
REMEMBER, UNLESS YOU ARE RANKED #1 IN THE OPEN LEVEL, THAT THERE ALWAYS WILL BE BETTER PLAYERS AROUND. LEARN FROM THE BETTER PLAYERS AND RELISH THE EXPERIENCE OF LOSING.
IF YOU WANT TO IMPROVE, SET “TARGET OPPONENTS”. PRACTICE AND WORK ON YOUR OWN WEAKNESSES.
ITS NOT ALWAYS ABOUT WINNING, BUT IT IS ABOUT IMPROVING.
BE OPEN TO CRITICISM, NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE. KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLOSED AND REALLY LISTEN.
VIDEOTAPE YOUR OWN PLAY WHEN POSSIBLE. YOU MAY BE SURPRISED AS TO WHAT YOU ARE OR ARE NOT DOING.
PICK UP BALLS WHEN YOU ARE WAITING FOR YOUR TURN TO PLAY. HELP THE DIRECTOR TO MAKE HIS LIFE A LITTLE EASIER.
THERE WILL BE TIMES WHEN YOU WILL NOT BE SELECTED TO PLAY WITH THE BEST PLAYERS. ACCEPT YOUR DESIGNATED PARTNER WITH A SMILE, INTRODUCTION, AND A HANDSHAKE. INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO ALL THE PLAYERS BEFORE YOU START.
REMEMBER THAT THE BETTER PLAYERS, WHEN GIVEN THE CHOICE, MAY NOT WANT TO PLAY WITH YOU!
IF YOU ARE THE BEST PLAYER IN THE GROUP, DO YOUR BEST TO HELP OTHERS IMPROVE. LOOK FOR COMPETITION WHEREVER YOU GO TO IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS. NEVER BE SATISFIED WITH WHERE YOU ARE, BUT TRY TO IMPROVE YOUR LEVELS OF PLAY. REMEMBER THAT YOU LEARN WHEN YOU LOSE.
REMEMBER THAT 75% OF ALL SHOTS ARE WON ON ERRORS! KEEP THE BALL IN PLAY. IF YOU HIT THE BALL OVER ONE MORE TIME, THERE IS A 75% CHANCE THAT YOU COULD WIN THE POINT.
WHEN POSSIBLE, HIT AT THE OPPONENT’S FEET, OR SLIGHTLY BEHIND THEM. THIS IS ONE OF THE HARDEST SHOTS TO RETURN.
ALWAYS ASSUME THAT THE BALL IS GOING TO COME TO YOU NEXT. BE READY!
WATCH THE BALL CONTACT THE PADDLE, NOT WHERE IT IS GOING TO GO.
KEEP THE PADDLE UP IN THE READY POSITION, NOT BELOW YOUR WAIST OR BY YOUR KNEES.
TRY TO FACE THE PLAYER THAT IS HITTING THE BALL.
WHEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, RETURN THE SHOT USING THE FOREHAND STROKE. IT IS USUALLY THE STONGER SIDE FOR POWER, TOUCH AND CONTROL.
Please feel free to pass it along to your PB friends.
100+ Pickleball Strategies Video
SERVE
SERVE FROM THE SIDE FAVORING A RETURN THAT WILL PERMIT YOU TO USE YOUR FOREHAND.
NEVER MISS YOUR SERVE. SERVE TO THE MIDDLE OF THE BOX UNTIL YOU CAN BE SURE THAT YOU WILL NOT MISS YOUR SERVE. DO NOT TRY TO WIN YOUR SERVE UNTIL YOU BECOME PROFICIENT AND CONSISTENT WITH YOUR SERVE AT 90% +.
MAKE SURE THAT YOUR PADDLE IS BELOW YOUR WRIST UPON CONTACT WITH THE BALL.
UNTIL YOU GET PROFICIENT ENOUGH, DO NOT USE SPIN. KEEP THE BALL ON THE PADDLE AS LONG AS POSSIBLE TO INCREASE YOUR ACCURACY. SPIN DOES NOT WORK ON BETTER PLAYERS AND CAN BE USED AGAINST YOU.
CALL OUT THE SCORE EVERY TIME YOU SERVE SO THAT YOUR OPPONENTS CAN HEAR THE SCORE. CALL OUT YOUR SCORE FIRST, THEN THE OPPONENT’S SCORE AND, FINALLY, IF YOU ARE THE FIRST SERVER OR THE SECOND SERVER.
EXAMPLE: 3-1 ON 2 (SECOND SERVER)
MAKE SURE YOUR OPPONENT IS READY BEFORE YOU SERVE. REMEMBER THAT YOU HAVE 10 SECONDS TO SERVE AFTER YOU ANNOUNCE THE SCORE.
IF THERE IS A DISAGREEMENT ON THE SCORE, EITHER PLAY A LET OR GIVE YOUR OPPONENT THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT.
ALWAYS TRY TO HIT THE BALL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PADDLE.
RETURN OF SERVE
IF YOU ARE NOT READY TO RETURN THE SERVE, HOLD UP YOUR HAND OR TURN YOUR BACK TO THE SERVER. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RETURN THE SERVE WHEN YOU ARE NOT READY. IF YOU DO TRY TO RETURN THE SERVE, AND MISS, YOU CANNOT CLAIM THAT YOU WERE NOT READY.
FOREHAND COURT RETURN – TRY TO RETURN THE BALL BACK TO THE SERVER’S SIDE, APPROXIMATELY EIGHT INCHES IN FROM THE MIDDLE LINE AND THREE FEET IN FROM THE BASE LINE. TRY TO KEEP AWAY FROM THE PARTNER’S FOREHAND.
BACKHAND COURT RETURN – RETURN TO THE SERVER’S BACKHAND SIDE, THREE FEET IN FROM THE SIDELINE AND AT LEAST TWO FEET IN FROM THE BASE END LINE.
AFTER YOU RETURN THE SERVE, YOU AND YOUR PARTNER SHOULD MOVE IN TO THE NVZ LINE TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE ADVANTAGE OF BEING AT THE NET.
AVOID HITTING TO THE OPPONENT’S BODY WITH A HARD STROKE.
MAKE HIM REACH FOR THE BALL.
DO NOT TRY TO SPIN THE BALL BACK UNLESS YOU CAN BE PROFICIENT WITH A 90% + ACCURACY.
NEVER MISS YOUR RETURN OF SERVE.
GENERAL PLAY
ENJOY THE GAME. NO POINT, OR GAME, IS THAT CRITICAL TO RUIN YOUR DAY OR TO LOSE A FRIEND.
IF YOU OR YOUR PARTNER ARE NOT SURE IF THE BALL IS IN OR OUT, THE CALL IS ALWAYS IN FAVOR OF YOUR OPPONENT.
PICKLEBALL IS A GAME OF PLACEMENT, NOT POWER. BEGINNERS USE POWER, AND BETTER PLAYERS USE PLACEMENT.
THE MOST IMPORTANT SHOT TO LEARN AND USE IS THE RETURN SHOT INTO THE NVZ. THIS SHOT PROVIDES TIME FOR YOU AND YOUR PARTNER TO COME IN FOR THE NEXT SHOT AT THE NET, OR NVZ. IT ALSO MAY FORCE YOUR OPPONENT TO HIT THE BALL UP FOR YOU TO PUT THE SHOT AWAY.
THE THIRD SHOT – IT IS NOT AN ADVANTAGE TO SERVE IN PICKLEBALL. THE REASON IS THAT YOU, AND YOUR PARTNER, MUST STAY BACK TO LET THE SERVICE RETURN BOUNCE BEFORE YOU CAN HIT THE BALL. AFTER YOU OR YOUR PARTNER SERVE, YOUR SIDE’S NEXT SHOT (THE THIRD SHOT) MUST BE A SHORT RETURN INTO THE NVZ. IT SHOULD BE TO THE BACKHAND OF YOUR OPPONENT, IF POSSIBLE.
AVOID LOBS AT THE UPPER LEVEL OF PLAY. THIS TECHNIQUE WORKS WELL WITH BEGINNERS, BUT ONLY PROVIDES SMASH OPPORTUNITIES AT HIGHER LEVELS.
REMEMBER THE NET IS LOWEST IN THE MIDDLE BY 2 INCHES.
WHEN IN DOUBT, OR IN TROUBLE, HIT THE SHOT OVER THE MIDDLE OF THE NET.
IF YOU ARE AT YOUR PLAYING LOCATION EARLY, HELP SET UP THE NETS. STAY AFTER THE PLAY AND HELP TAKE DOWN THE NETS AND PACK THEM AWAY.
WEAR GOOD QUALITY SHOES WITH SOFT GUM SOLES FOR INDOOR PLAY, AND GOOD TENNIS SHOES FOR OUTDOOR PLAY. DO NOT USE RUNNING SHOES, WHICH ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR SIDE-TO-SIDE MOVEMENT. CLEAN YOUR SHOES OFTEN, AS DIRTY SHOES WILL SLIP IN USE.
LOOK AT THE MARKS ON YOUR PADDLE. ARE YOU HITTING THE BALL I N THE MIDDLE OF YOUR PADDLE? CLEAN YOUR PADDLE, USING A SOFT TERRY TOWEL, WET WITH WATER ONLY, AND DRY IMMMEDIATELY WITH A DRY TOWEL AFTER EACH SESSION.
LEARN FROM THE BETTER PLAYERS AND ASK FOR ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE. LISTEN AND TRY SUGGESTIONS, ADJUST TO YOUR OWN STYLE OF PLAYING. KEEP THE THINGS THAT WORK AND ELIMINATE THE THINGS THAT JUST DO NOT WORK FOR YOU.
LOOK ON THE USAPA SITE ON THE INTERNET FOR TIPS AND LESSONS. BOOKS AND DVD’S ARE AVAILABLE AS WELL AS VIDEO MATCHES ON UTUBE.
PRACTICE AGAINST THE WALL TO TRY TO INCREASE CONSISTENCY. TRY SHOTS WITH ONE BOUNCE FIRST, THEN VOLLEYS.
MOST PEOPLE’S BACKHANDS ARE WEAKER THAN THEIR FOREHANDS. WORK HARDER TO IMPROVE YOUR BACKHAND.
THE PERSON THAT HAS THE FOREHAND SHOT (SHOTS DOWN THE MIDDLE WHEN BOTH PLAYERS ARE RIGHT HANDED) SHOULD TAKE THE SHOT.
DISCUSS STRATEGY WITH YOUR PARTNER BEFORE YOU PLAY.
IF ONE PLAYER IS LEFT HANDED AND HE/SHE IS PLAYING ON THE BACKHAND COURT, THE STRONGER PLAYER SHOULD TAKE THE SHOT DOWN THE MIDDLE.
CALL OUT “I’VE GOT IT” WHEN YOU WANT TO TAKE THE SHOT.
DO NOT WEAR OFFENSIVE OR DISTRACTING CLOTHING. YOU CAN BE FORCED TO CHANGE IN A TOURNAMENT SETTING.
COLOR OF YOUR CLOTHING CANNOT MATCH THE COLOR OF THE BALL IN USE.
BE GENTLE WITH BEGINNERS OR LESSER PLAYERS. REMEMBER THAT AT ONE TIME YOU, TOO, WERE A BEGINNER.
RECOGNIZE AND COMPLIMENT YOUR PARTNER AND OPPONENT, WHEN THEY MAKE GOOD SHOTS.
APPOLOGIZE FOR BAD OR INAPPROPRIATE REMARKS IMMEDIATELY.
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS.
DO NOT WALK OFF THE COURT FOR ANY REASON. FINISH THE PLAY/GAME. REMEMBER THAT PICKLEBALL IS ONLY A GAME AND NOT LIFE.
IN TOURNAMENT PLAY, NO ONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO TELL IF YOU ARE WINNING OR LOSING. KEEP A CALM DEMEANOR. WHEN YOU RELAX, YOUR REACTIONS ARE FASTER AND YOU WILL OVERHIT A LOT LESS.
SCOUT YOUR OPPONENTS IN TOURNAMENT PLAY. LOOK FOR THEIR WEAKNESSES AND STRENGTHS, AS WELL AS THEIR TENDENCIES.
WHO IS THE STRONGER PLAY OF THE PARTNERSHIP?
IN TOURNAMENT PLAY, DO NOT SHOW YOUR STRENGTHS TOO EARLY AND ESPECIALLY IN YOUR WARMUP. SAVE IT FOR WHEN YOU NEED IT IN THE MATCH.
WORK ON THE WEAKER PLAYER. LEAVE YOUR EGO AT HOME.
LEARN TO LOVE LOSING. WHEN YOU LOSE, YOU PROBABLY PLAYED A BETTER PLAYER OR TEAM. LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE. ASK YOURSELF WHY YOU LOST OR WON.
WANT TO GET BETTER? COUNT YOUR UNFORCED ERRORS AND TRY TO LESSEN THEM EACH TIME YOU PLAY. HOW MANY POINTS ARE YOU JUST GIVING AWAY? ARE YOU TRYING TO DO TOO MUCH? TAKE THE HIGHER PERCENTAGE SHOTS NOT THE IMPRESSIVE AND LOW PERCENTAGE SHOTS. DON’T TRY TO IMPRESS THE AUDIENCE. YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO YOUR PARTNER TO DO YOUR VERY BEST. GIVE 100 PERCENT, 100 PERCENT THE TIME.
TAKE TIME TO FIND A SUITABLE PARTNER THAT FITS YOUR PERSONALITY, STYLE AND GOALS. A GREAT PLAYER MAY ONLY MAKE YOUR EXPERIENCE UNBEARABLE.
EXAMPLE: HE THINKS THAT HE IS SO MUCH BETTER THAN YOU, THAT HE TAKES ALL THE MIDDLE SHOTS OR POACHES TOO MUCH.
MAKE SURE THAT THE EDGEGUARD IS TIGHT ON YOUR PADDLE. REGLUE WITH CONTACT CEMENT IF LOOSE. LOOSE EDGEGUARDS WILL CHANGE THE REBOUND OFF THE PADDLE.
A GOOD PADDLE WEIGHT IS AROUND 7.5 OUNCES. TOO LIGHT A PADDLE REQUIRES A FAR BETTER STROKE EXECUTION THAN A MEDIUM OR HEAVY PADDLE. HEAVIER PADDLES MAKE THE BACKHAND TO FOREHAND TRANSITIONS SLOWER.
THE BACKHAND GRIP AND SIDE SHOULD BE USED AS DEFENSE ACROSS THE FRONT OF THE BODY, ALMOST AS FAR AS THE RIGHT HIP OR EDGE OF THE BODY (ON RIGHT HANDERS).
LEARN TO JUDGE OUT BALLS.
BALLS THAT ARE CLIMBING AT SHOULDER LEVEL WITH SPEED USUALLY GO OUT.
LISTEN AND LOOK FOR BALLS THAT SOUND FUNNY OR BOUNCE FUNNY. THEY MAY BE CRACKED.
PRACTICE CORRECT STROKES. KEEP THE BALL ON THE PADDLE AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. THIS TECHNIQUE PROMOTES ACCURACY.
PRETEND THAT YOU ARE HITTING FOUR BALLS IN A ROW IN THE AIR.
WHEN NOTING THE WINNING POINT, NOTE THE POINT PREVIOUSLY HIT. USUALLY THE PREVIOUS SHOT “SETS UP” THE WINNING OR LOSING SHOT.
AS THE BETTER PLAYER, YOU WILL HIT FEWER SHOTS IN MATCH PLAY THAN YOUR PARTNER. BE PATIENT AND MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE READY FOR YOUR OPPORTUNITY. SUPPORT YOUR PARTNER, AS HE WILL BE UNDER MORE PRESSURE AND TAKING MORE SHOTS THAN YOU. WITH MORE SHOTS GOING HIS WAY, TRY TO POACH MORE AND FAKE POACHING MORE THAN USUAL.
YOU WILL HAVE TO “FINISH” MORE SHOTS THAN USUAL WHEN THE BALL COMES YOUR WAY.
PLAY THE SCORE. DO NOT TRY LOW PERCENTAGE SHOTS WHEN LOSING. PLAY SAFE. TRY THE DIFFICULT LOW PERCENTAGE SHOTS WHEN THE SCORE IS SIGNIFICANTLY IN YOUR FAVOR. TRY LOBS WHEN WINNING; SOMETIMES EASY POINTS AND NOT EXPECTED BY THE BETTER PLAYERS.
CALL OUT “OUT BALL; MINE; YOURS” WHEN YOU CAN.
COMMUNICATION IS KEY IN WINNING IN DOUBLES.
DO NOT GLOAT ON WINS OR BLOWOUTS. BE RESPECTFUL.
IT MAY YOUR TURN THE NEXT TIME TO EAT “CROW.”
WHEN YOU LOSE, TRY TO FIGURE OUT WHY. WAS IT YOUR FAULT? DID YOU HAVE TOO MANY UNFORCED ERRORS? DID YOU POP UP TOO MANY SHOTS? WERE YOU ADDING EXTRA PRESSURE ONTO YOUR PARTNER? WERE YOU NOT READY WHEN YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO PUT THE BALL AWAY? DID YOU LOSE FOCUS? WERE YOU THINKING ABOUT THE LAST SHOT VERSUS FOCUSING ON THE CURRENT SHOT?
WHEN YOU WIN, ASK WHY? WHAT DID YOU OR YOUR PARTNER DO THAT MADE THE DIFFERENCE?
DID YOU CONGRATULATE YOUR OPPONENTS ON THEIR EFFORT?
DO NOT HIT PADDLES AFTER YOUR GAME. YOU CAN NICK OR DAMAGE THE SURFACE. EITHER: FIST BUMP, SHAKE HANDS OR TOUCH THE BOTTOM OF THE HANDLE WITH YOUR OPPPONENTS.
TRY TO NEVER DROP OR THROW YOUR PADDLE. NO ONE IS INTERESTED IN YOUR TANTRUMS OR UNPROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOR. GENERALLY, IT IS NEVER THE PADDLES FAULT THAT YOU MISSSED THE SHOT.
BE ON TIME. BE EARLY. GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO WARM UP PROPERLY.
STRETCH BEFORE AND AFTER YOU PLAY.
DRINK LOTS OF WATER THE NIGHT BEFORE A TOURNAMENT. HYDRATE. ADRENALIN DRIVES UP YOUR THIRST AND THE NEED FOR WATER.
USE YOUR TIMEOUTS NOT ONLY WHEN LOSING TO REGROUP BUT ALSO WHEN WINNING TO “KEEP YOUR FOCUS” UNTIL THE LAST POINT IS OVER.
CALL “BALL” IMMEDIATELY WHEN OTHER BALLS ROLL ONTO YOUR COURT. STOP PLAY IMMEDIATELY. NO POINT IS WORTH TRIPPING OVER A BALL AND HURTING YOURSELF OR OTHER PLAYERS.
CALL “BALL ON COURT” WHEN YOUR BALL ROLLS ONTO ANOTHER COURT.
DO NOT BE PROUD OF SHOTS WHEN THE BALL JUST DRIBBLES OVER THE NET.
THINK OF THEM AS MISSED SHOTS. TRY TO CLEAR THE NET CLEANLY. 8-12” IS A GOOD CONSISTENT HEIGHT. LEARN TO BE CONSISTENT WITH “HEIGHTS”.
DO NOT HOLD YOUR HEAD DOWN WHEN LOSING.
IF YOU ARE TRYING YOUR BEST ON EVERY SHOT, YOU NEVER HAVE TO APOLOGIZE FOR YOUR PERFORMANCE.
SOMETIMES WHEN YOU PARTNER IS A MUCH BETTER PLAYER, THEY WILL TEND TO TAKE MANY OF “YOUR SHOTS”. TALK TO THEM AND MAKE THEM AWARE THAT BY MISSING YOUR OWN SHOTS YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN. IF HE DOES NOT “SEE THE LIGHT” OR CARE, TURN THE TABLE AROUND AND TAKE A FEW OF HIS “SITTERS”. HE WILL SOON GET THE MESSAGE.
BE A GREAT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE SPORT. BE A PERSON THAT EVERYONE WANTS AS A PARTNER.
REMEMBER, UNLESS YOU ARE RANKED #1 IN THE OPEN LEVEL, THAT THERE ALWAYS WILL BE BETTER PLAYERS AROUND. LEARN FROM THE BETTER PLAYERS AND RELISH THE EXPERIENCE OF LOSING.
IF YOU WANT TO IMPROVE, SET “TARGET OPPONENTS”. PRACTICE AND WORK ON YOUR OWN WEAKNESSES.
ITS NOT ALWAYS ABOUT WINNING, BUT IT IS ABOUT IMPROVING.
BE OPEN TO CRITICISM, NEGATIVE OR POSITIVE. KEEP YOUR MOUTH CLOSED AND REALLY LISTEN.
VIDEOTAPE YOUR OWN PLAY WHEN POSSIBLE. YOU MAY BE SURPRISED AS TO WHAT YOU ARE OR ARE NOT DOING.
PICK UP BALLS WHEN YOU ARE WAITING FOR YOUR TURN TO PLAY. HELP THE DIRECTOR TO MAKE HIS LIFE A LITTLE EASIER.
THERE WILL BE TIMES WHEN YOU WILL NOT BE SELECTED TO PLAY WITH THE BEST PLAYERS. ACCEPT YOUR DESIGNATED PARTNER WITH A SMILE, INTRODUCTION, AND A HANDSHAKE. INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO ALL THE PLAYERS BEFORE YOU START.
REMEMBER THAT THE BETTER PLAYERS, WHEN GIVEN THE CHOICE, MAY NOT WANT TO PLAY WITH YOU!
IF YOU ARE THE BEST PLAYER IN THE GROUP, DO YOUR BEST TO HELP OTHERS IMPROVE. LOOK FOR COMPETITION WHEREVER YOU GO TO IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS. NEVER BE SATISFIED WITH WHERE YOU ARE, BUT TRY TO IMPROVE YOUR LEVELS OF PLAY. REMEMBER THAT YOU LEARN WHEN YOU LOSE.
REMEMBER THAT 75% OF ALL SHOTS ARE WON ON ERRORS! KEEP THE BALL IN PLAY. IF YOU HIT THE BALL OVER ONE MORE TIME, THERE IS A 75% CHANCE THAT YOU COULD WIN THE POINT.
WHEN POSSIBLE, HIT AT THE OPPONENT’S FEET, OR SLIGHTLY BEHIND THEM. THIS IS ONE OF THE HARDEST SHOTS TO RETURN.
ALWAYS ASSUME THAT THE BALL IS GOING TO COME TO YOU NEXT. BE READY!
WATCH THE BALL CONTACT THE PADDLE, NOT WHERE IT IS GOING TO GO.
KEEP THE PADDLE UP IN THE READY POSITION, NOT BELOW YOUR WAIST OR BY YOUR KNEES.
TRY TO FACE THE PLAYER THAT IS HITTING THE BALL.
WHEN GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, RETURN THE SHOT USING THE FOREHAND STROKE. IT IS USUALLY THE STONGER SIDE FOR POWER, TOUCH AND CONTROL.
Top 10 Best Practice Pickleball Drills That Help You Improve Your GamesHere’s the deal:
If you’re looking to improve your pickleball game, practice is necessary.
One of the best ways to hone your skills on the court is through drills.
If you have any weak spots in your game, specific drills for things like dinking, volleying, and lobbing can help you get better.
Here:
you’ll find some general drills for the most utilized shots in the game followed by 10 of the best pickleball drills to improve your game.
Let’s get started
Quick Navigation
Dinking Drills
Non-volley Line Drills
Groundstroke Drills
Overhead/Lobbing Drills
Volley Drills
Dinking DrillsIf you know anything about pickleball, you see that dinking is a great skill to have. This is a softly hit shot that barely clears the net and lands on your opponent’s side. It’s great when they’re in the back of the court and have to scramble to make the return. If you think your dinking could use some work, dinking drills can help.
Start with your form. To achieve the proper dink, you have to limit your wrist and arm movement. You also have to keep your pickleball paddle at a 45-degree angle. Keep the paddle’s tip closer to the net instead of your body.
A standard dinking drill can be done by standing on the edge of the non-volley line with your knees slightly bent and your head down directly across from your practice partner. Dink to your partner for about five minutes making sure that you drop the ball into the non-volley zone each time. Once you get that under control, focus on dropping the ball at your practice partner’s feet. This makes for a difficult return. The longer you rally, the more you’ll put our accuracy to the test along with your endurance and coordination. As you practice, try to vary your drop to the left and right of your partner.
Change up this drill by standing on the opposite sideline from your practice partner. Hit dinks in the same fashion as you did in the previous drill. Switch sidelines after five minutes so your forehand and backhand sides get equal practice time. This is known as a crosscourt dinking drill.
If you’re looking to improve your pickleball game, practice is necessary.
One of the best ways to hone your skills on the court is through drills.
If you have any weak spots in your game, specific drills for things like dinking, volleying, and lobbing can help you get better.
Here:
you’ll find some general drills for the most utilized shots in the game followed by 10 of the best pickleball drills to improve your game.
Let’s get started
Quick Navigation
Dinking Drills
Non-volley Line Drills
Groundstroke Drills
Overhead/Lobbing Drills
Volley Drills
Dinking DrillsIf you know anything about pickleball, you see that dinking is a great skill to have. This is a softly hit shot that barely clears the net and lands on your opponent’s side. It’s great when they’re in the back of the court and have to scramble to make the return. If you think your dinking could use some work, dinking drills can help.
Start with your form. To achieve the proper dink, you have to limit your wrist and arm movement. You also have to keep your pickleball paddle at a 45-degree angle. Keep the paddle’s tip closer to the net instead of your body.
A standard dinking drill can be done by standing on the edge of the non-volley line with your knees slightly bent and your head down directly across from your practice partner. Dink to your partner for about five minutes making sure that you drop the ball into the non-volley zone each time. Once you get that under control, focus on dropping the ball at your practice partner’s feet. This makes for a difficult return. The longer you rally, the more you’ll put our accuracy to the test along with your endurance and coordination. As you practice, try to vary your drop to the left and right of your partner.
Change up this drill by standing on the opposite sideline from your practice partner. Hit dinks in the same fashion as you did in the previous drill. Switch sidelines after five minutes so your forehand and backhand sides get equal practice time. This is known as a crosscourt dinking drill.
