Pickleball Beginner Strategy

But if you’re new to pickleball, it can be tough to know where to start requires some strategy and skills to win. Whether you are playing singles or doubles, pickleball strategy can make a difference in your game. In this article, we will share 13 pickleball beginner strategies that will help you improve your game and win more matches.

Here, we’ll cover the essential pickleball beginner strategy tips you need to know to get started and win more matches. We’ll cover everything from the basic rules of the game to more advanced strategies like positioning and shot selection.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or you’ve played a few times before, these tips will help you improve your game and start winning more matches.

Why Pickleball Strategy Matters for Beginners

Do pickleball strategies matter when you’re a beginner?

You might think that pickleball strategies are only for advanced players, and that as a beginner, you just need to hit the ball over the net and hope for the best. However, this is not true. Even as a beginner, you can benefit from learning some basic pickleball strategies that will help you play smarter and more effectively.

Why pickleball strategy matters for beginners

Pickleball strategy matters for beginners because it can help you:

• Gain an advantage over your opponents
• Control the pace and direction of the game
• Avoid common mistakes and errors
• Develop your skills and confidence
• Have more fun and enjoyment

By applying some simple pickleball strategies, you can improve your game and win more points. You don’t need to be a pro to use pickleball strategy, you just need to be willing to learn and practice.

3 Pickleball Strategies for Beginners

Here are three basic pickleball strategies that every beginner should know and use:

Keep your eye on the ball

One of the most important pickleball strategies for beginners is to keep your eye on the ball. This might sound obvious, but many beginners tend to look away from the ball before they hit it, or lose sight of it as it approaches them. This can lead to missing the ball, hitting it out of bounds, or hitting it weakly.

To keep your eye on the ball, you need to:

• Focus on the ball as it leaves your opponent’s paddle
• Track the ball as it travels through the air
• Watch the ball as it bounces on the court
• Look at the ball as you hit it with your paddle
• Follow the ball as it goes over the net

By keeping your eye on the ball, you can improve your accuracy, timing, and power. You can also anticipate where the ball will go and react accordingly.

Set your feet when hitting

Another pickleball strategy for beginners is to set your feet when hitting the ball. This means that you need to position your feet in a way that allows you to balance your body and swing your paddle effectively. Many beginners tend to hit the ball while moving, or with their feet too close together or too far apart. This can result in losing balance, hitting the ball off-center, or hitting the ball too high or too low.

To set your feet when hitting the ball, you need to:

• Move your feet to get in the best position to hit the ball
• Place your feet shoulder-width apart and parallel to the net
• Bend your knees slightly and lean forward slightly
• Shift your weight to your front foot when hitting the ball
• Step forward with your opposite foot after hitting the ball

By setting your feet when hitting the ball, you can improve your stability, consistency, and force. You can also generate more power and spin on the ball.

Paddle out front: hit the ball in front

A third pickleball strategy for beginners is to paddle out front: hit the ball in front. This means that you need to keep your paddle in front of your body and hit the ball in front of your body. Many beginners tend to keep their paddle too low or too high, or hit the ball too late or too early. This can result in hitting the ball into the net, hitting the ball out of bounds, or hitting the ball weakly.

To paddle out front: hit the ball in front, you need to:

• Keep your paddle at chest level and in line with the net
• Extend your arm and paddle forward when hitting the ball
• Hit the ball when it is at the highest point of its bounce
• Hit the ball in front of your body, not behind or beside it
• Swing your paddle from low to high when hitting the ball

By paddling out front: hitting the ball in front, you can improve your contact, angle, and trajectory. You can also hit the ball with more speed and depth.

How to Deal with Bangers

Bangers are players who hit the ball hard and fast, trying to overpower their opponents. Bangers can be intimidating and frustrating to play against, especially for beginners. However, there are some pickleball strategies that can help you deal with bangers and win the game.

Here are some tips on how to deal with bangers:

• Stay calm and confident. Don’t let the bangers intimidate you or make you lose your focus. Remember that bangers are not invincible, and that they also make mistakes and have weaknesses.
• Use the soft game. The soft game is a pickleball strategy that involves hitting the ball softly and low, usually with a dink shot. A dink shot is a short and gentle shot that lands in the non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen) of your opponent’s court. The soft game can neutralize the bangers’ power and force them to move up to the net, where they are more vulnerable to your attacks.
• Block and reset. Another pickleball strategy to deal with bangers is to block and reset. A block is a defensive shot that absorbs the bangers’ power and returns the ball over the net with minimal spin and speed. A reset is a shot that changes the pace and direction of the game, usually by hitting the ball softly and low to the middle of the court. By blocking and resetting, you can take away the bangers’ momentum and create opportunities for your own offense.
• Aim for the feet. A third pickleball strategy to deal with bangers is to aim for the feet. This means that you need to hit the ball low and hard, aiming for the bangers’ feet or ankles. This can make it difficult for the bangers to return the ball, as they have to bend down and hit the ball upward, which can result in hitting the ball into the net or out of bounds. Aiming for the feet can also make the bangers lose their balance and position, giving you an advantage.

Pickleball Doubles Strategy vs Pickleball Singles Strategy

Pickleball can be played as a singles or doubles game, and each format has its own strategy and tactics. Here are some of the differences between pickleball doubles strategy and pickleball singles strategy:

Hitting

In pickleball doubles, hitting is more about placement and teamwork than power and speed. You need to hit the ball in a way that sets up your partner for a good shot, or that makes it hard for your opponents to return the ball. You also need to hit the ball to the open spaces or the weak spots of your opponents, such as their backhand side, their feet, or their middle.

In pickleball singles, hitting is more about power and speed than placement and teamwork. You need to hit the ball in a way that puts pressure on your opponent, or that makes it easy for you to hit the next shot. You also need to hit the ball to the corners or the sidelines of your opponent’s court, making them run and cover more ground.

Serving

In pickleball doubles, serving is more about consistency and accuracy than power and spin. You need to serve the ball in a way that keeps it in play, or that makes it hard for your opponents to attack. You also need to serve the ball to the weaker or farther player of your opponents, or to the side that gives you and your partner the best position.

In pickleball singles, serving is more about power and spin than consistency and accuracy. You need to serve the ball in a way that gives you an advantage, or that makes it hard for your opponent to return. You also need to serve the ball to the weaker or closer side of your opponent, or to the side that gives you the best angle.

Return-of-serve

In pickleball doubles, return-of-serve is more about depth and control than speed and direction. You need to return the ball in a way that keeps it deep in your opponents’ court, or that makes it hard for them to hit a good shot. You also need to return the ball to the middle or the backhand side of your opponents, or to the side that gives you and your partner the best position.

In pickleball singles, return-of-serve is more about speed and direction than depth and control. You need to return the ball in a way that puts pressure on your opponent, or that makes it easy for you to hit the next shot. You also need to return the ball to the corners or the sidelines of your opponent’s court, making them run and cover more ground.

Common Mistakes Beginner Pickleball Players Make

Pickleball is a simple and fun sport to play, but it also has some rules and techniques that can be tricky for beginners. Here are some of the common mistakes that beginner pickleball players make, and how to avoid them:

Staying in no-man’s-land

No-man’s-land is the area between the non-volley zone and the baseline, where you are too far from the net to hit a good shot, and too close to the baseline to hit a good return. Staying in no-man’s-land can make you vulnerable to your opponents’ attacks, and limit your own options.

To avoid staying in no-man’s-land, you need to:

• Move up to the net as soon as possible, especially after hitting a good serve or return
• Stay at the net as – as long as possible, unless you need to retreat or switch sides
• Move back to the baseline as soon as possible, if you are forced to hit a lob or a deep shot

By moving up and staying at the net, you can dominate the game and hit more winners. By moving back and staying at the baseline, you can defend the game and hit more returns.

Hitting every shot hard

Another common mistake that beginner pickleball players make is hitting every shot hard. This can be tempting, especially if you have a background in tennis or other racquet sports, where power is more important. However, hitting every shot hard can be counterproductive in pickleball, as it can result in hitting the ball out of bounds, hitting the ball into the net, or hitting the ball to your opponents’ sweet spot.

To avoid hitting every shot hard, you need to:

• Vary your shots and use different speeds and spins
• Use the soft game and hit more dinks and drops
• Use the hard game and hit more drives and smashes only when you have a clear opportunity
• Aim for the corners and the sidelines of your opponents’ court, not the middle

By varying your shots and using different speeds and spins, you can keep your opponents guessing and off balance. By using the soft game and hitting more dinks and drops, you can neutralize your opponents’ power and force them to move up to the net. By using the hard game and hitting more drives and smashes only when you have a clear opportunity, you can surprise your opponents and hit more winners. By aiming for the corners and the sidelines of your opponents’ court, not the middle, you can make them run and cover more ground.

Using an incompatible paddle

A third common mistake that beginner pickleball players make is using an incompatible paddle. This means that the paddle they use does not suit their style, skill level, or preference. Using an incompatible paddle can affect your performance and enjoyment of the game, as it can make it harder to hit the ball, control the ball, or feel the ball.

To avoid using an incompatible paddle, you need to:

• Choose a paddle that matches your style, skill level, and preference
• Consider the factors that affect the paddle’s performance, such as weight, size, shape, material, core, surface, grip, and edge
• Try different paddles and see how they feel and work for you
• Invest in a quality paddle that is durable, comfortable, and reliable

By choosing a paddle that matches your style, skill level, and preference, you can improve your game and have more fun. By considering the factors that affect the paddle’s performance, you can find the best paddle for you. By trying different paddles and seeing how they feel and work for you, you can test and compare different options. By investing in a quality paddle that is durable, comfortable, and reliable, you can enjoy the game for a long time.

Pickleball Tips and Strategies for Beginners

Here are some more pickleball tips and strategies for beginners that will help you improve your game and win more matches:

Learn how to dink early on

One of the most important pickleball tips and strategies for beginners is to learn how to dink early on. As we mentioned before, a dink is a short and gentle shot that lands in the non-volley zone of your opponent’s court. Learning how to dink early on can give you a huge advantage in pickleball, as it can help you:

• Control the game and dictate the pace and direction of the ball
• Neutralize your opponents’ power and force them to play your game
• Create openings and opportunities for your own offense
• Reduce your own errors and unforced errors

To learn how to dink early on, you need to:

• Practice the dink shot with a partner or a wall
• Aim for the center of the non-volley zone, not the edges
• Use a soft and smooth stroke, not a hard and jerky one
• Keep your paddle low and level, not high and tilted
• Hit the ball with a slight backspin, not a topspin or a sidespin

By learning how to dink early on, you can master one of the most essential and effective skills in pickleball.

Perfect your “3rd shot”

Another pickleball tip and strategy for beginners is to perfect your “3rd shot”. The 3rd shot is the shot that you hit after your opponent returns your serve. The 3rd shot is one of the most important and challenging shots in pickleball, as it can determine the outcome of the point. The 3rd shot can be either a drop shot or a drive shot, depending on the situation and your preference.

A drop shot is a soft and low shot that lands in the non-volley zone of your opponent’s court, forcing them to move up to the net. A drive shot is a hard and fast shot that lands deep in your opponent’s court, forcing them to move back to the baseline. Perfecting your 3rd shot can help you:

• Transition from the baseline to the net
• Put pressure on your opponent and make them hit a weak shot
• Set up your next shot and gain an advantage

To perfect your 3rd shot, you need to:

• Practice the drop shot and the drive shot with a partner or a machine
• Choose the best shot for the situation and your preference
• Aim for the center of the non-volley zone or the baseline, not the edges
• Use a smooth and controlled stroke, not a tense and rushed one
• Hit the ball with a slight topspin or a flat spin, not a backspin or a sidespin

By perfecting your 3rd shot, you can master one of the most crucial and difficult skills in pickleball.

Sync movement with your partner

A third pickleball tip and strategy for beginners is to sync movement with your partner. This means that you need to move in sync with your partner, especially when you are playing doubles. Syncing movement with your partner can help you:

• Cover the court and avoid gaps and overlaps
• Communicate and coordinate better
• Support and complement each other
• Confuse and disrupt your opponents

To sync movement with your partner, you need to:

• Move up and down the court together, not separately
• Move side to side together, not independently
• Move forward and backward together, not differently
• Watch your partner and follow their lead
• Talk to your partner and listen to their cues

By syncing movement with your partner, you can play as a team and win as a team.

Communicate with your partner

A fourth pickleball tip and strategy for beginners is to communicate with your partner. This means that you need to talk to your partner, especially when you are playing doubles. Communicating with your partner can help you:

• Plan and execute your strategy
• Avoid confusion and conflict
• Encourage and motivate each other
• Have fun and enjoy the game

To communicate with your partner, you need to:

• Talk to your partner before, during, and after the game
• Use clear and simple words, not vague and complex ones
• Use positive and constructive feedback, not negative and destructive criticism
• Use verbal and non-verbal signals, such as words, gestures, and eye contact

By communicating with your partner, you can play better and have more fun.

Simplify shot selection

A fifth pickleball tip and strategy for beginners is to simplify shot selection. This means that you need to choose the best shot for the situation, not the fanciest or the most difficult one. Simplifying shot selection can help you:

• Hit the ball more consistently and accurately
• Reduce your own errors and unforced errors
• Increase your confidence and comfort
• Save your energy and stamina

To simplify shot selection, you need to:

• Choose the shot that you can hit well, not the one that you can’t
• Choose the shot that gives you an advantage, not the one that gives your opponent an advantage
• Choose the shot that is easy and safe, not the one that is hard and risky
• Choose the shot that works for you, not the one that works for someone else

By simplifying shot selection, you can play smarter and more effectively.

Keep out of “no-man’s land”

A sixth pickleball tip and strategy for beginners is to keep out of “no-man’s land”. As we mentioned before, no-man’s-land is the area between the non-volley zone and the baseline, where you are too far from the net to hit a good shot, and too close to the baseline to hit a good return. Keeping out of no-man’s-land can help you:

• Avoid being in a vulnerable and disadvantageous position
• Hit more offensive and defensive shots
• Control the game and dictate the pace and direction of the ball
• Reduce your opponents’ options and opportunities

To keep out of no-man’s-land, you need to:

• Move up to the net as soon as possible, especially after hitting a good serve or return
• Stay at the net as long as possible, unless you need to retreat or switch sides
• Move back to the baseline as soon as possible, if you are forced to hit a lob or a deep shot
• Stay at the baseline as long as possible, unless you need to advance or change sides

By keeping out of no-man’s-land, you can play better and win more.

5 Tips for Pickleball Beginners

Here are some more tips for pickleball beginners that will help you improve your game and have more fun:

Keep it simple as you start

One of the tips for pickleball beginners is to keep it simple as you start. This means that you don’t need to worry about learning all the rules, techniques, and strategies of pickleball right away. You Start with the basics and learn the fundamentals of pickleball, such as how to hold the paddle, how to hit the ball, how to serve and return, and how to score and keep track of the game.

• Play with other beginners or friendly players who can teach you the ropes and give you tips and feedback.
• Have fun and enjoy the game, without worrying too much about winning or losing, or making mistakes or errors.

By keeping it simple as you start, you can learn pickleball at your own pace and have a positive and rewarding experience.

Every mistake is a lesson

Another tip for pickleball beginners is to treat every mistake as a lesson. This means that you don’t need to be afraid of making mistakes or errors, as they are inevitable and natural in any sport. Instead, you need to learn from your mistakes and errors, and use them as opportunities to improve and grow.

To treat every mistake as a lesson, you need to:

• Accept your mistakes and errors, without being too hard on yourself or blaming others.
• Analyze your mistakes and errors, and identify what went wrong and why.
• Correct your mistakes and errors, and practice how to avoid or fix them in the future.
• Move on from your mistakes and errors, and focus on the next point or game.

By treating every mistake as a lesson, you can improve your skills and confidence, and prevent your mistakes and errors from holding you back.

Comfortable clothes and shoes

A third tip for pickleball beginners is to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. This means that you need to wear clothes and shoes that fit you well, that allow you to move freely and comfortably, and that protect you from injuries and discomforts.

To wear comfortable clothes and shoes, you need to:

• Wear clothes that are breathable, lightweight, and flexible, such as t-shirts, shorts, or leggings.
• Wear shoes that are supportive, cushioned, and stable, such as tennis shoes, running shoes, or pickleball shoes.
• Avoid clothes that are too tight, too loose, or too heavy, such as jeans, jackets, or sweaters.
• Avoid shoes that are too small, too big, or too slippery, such as sandals, flip-flops, or heels.

By wearing comfortable clothes and shoes, you can play pickleball better and safer, and enjoy the game more.

Stretch before you play and stay loose

A fourth tip for pickleball beginners is to stretch before you play and stay loose. This means that you need to warm up your muscles and joints before you start playing pickleball, and keep them relaxed and flexible during and after the game.

To stretch before you play and stay loose, you need to:

• Stretch your whole body, especially your arms, legs, back, and neck, before you play pickleball. You can do some dynamic stretches, such as arm circles, leg swings, torso twists, and neck rolls, or some static stretches, such as shoulder stretches, hamstring stretches, back stretches, and neck stretches.
• Stay loose and relaxed while you play pickleball, and avoid tensing up your muscles or holding your breath. You can do some deep breathing, shaking, or massaging, or some light movements, such as jogging, skipping, or hopping, to keep your muscles and joints loose and relaxed.
• Stretch your whole body again, especially your arms, legs, back, and neck, after you play pickleball. You can do some static stretches, such as shoulder stretches, hamstring stretches, back stretches, and neck stretches, or some foam rolling, icing, or heating, to prevent soreness and stiffness.

By stretching before you play and staying loose, you can prevent injuries and pains, and improve your performance and recovery.

Invest in quality pickleball equipment

A fifth tip for pickleball beginners is to invest in quality pickleball equipment. This means that you need to buy or borrow pickleball equipment that is suitable for your level, style, and preference, and that is durable, comfortable, and reliable.

To invest in quality pickleball equipment, you need to:

• Choose a pickleball paddle that matches your level, style, and preference, as we discussed before. You can also consider the factors that affect the paddle’s performance, such as weight, size, shape, material, core, surface, grip, and edge, as we discussed before. You can also try different paddles and see how they feel and work for you, as we discussed before.
• Choose a pickleball ball that matches the type of court you are playing on, and the level of play you are aiming for. There are two types of pickleball balls: indoor and outdoor. Indoor balls are softer, lighter, and smoother, and have larger holes. Outdoor balls are harder, heavier, and rougher, and have smaller holes. Indoor balls are better for beginners, as they are easier to control and hit. Outdoor balls are better for advanced players, as they are faster and more durable.
• Choose other pickleball accessories that can enhance your game and enjoyment, such as a pickleball net, a pickleball bag, a pickleball hat, a pickleball glove, a pickleball towel, a pickleball water bottle, or a pickleball band holder. These accessories can help you set up your own court, carry your equipment, protect yourself from the sun, improve your grip, dry your sweat, hydrate yourself, or store your balls.

By investing in quality pickleball equipment, you can play pickleball better and have more fun.