GENERAL PICKLEBALL CONCEPTS

Here are some of the basics to keep in mind as you learn to play. You may see more advanced players deviate from these commonly accepted practices, but we encourage a philosophy of sticking with the basics, learning good habits, and refining your style after you have played for a while.

Paddle grip – Hold the paddle with the base of your hand at the end of the handle, rather than choking up on it (like table tennis). This way, you will have more leverage and strength in getting the ball over the net. Some players elect to extend their index finger for support, which is optional.

Wrist – Keep your wrist stiff, instead of floppy, for a more powerful hit. Note: In advanced play, there are certain special shots that utilize a more fluid/loose wrist.

Foot position – Keep your feet about shoulder-width apart. If you spread your feet too far apart, it is difficult to shift and move quickly around the court.

Ready position – Stay in the ready position. Keep your paddle up near your face, holding it so it’s perpendicular to your body and you can see around each side of it. It’s easier to react to hard shots and be ready to hit whatever comes your way. It takes longer to hit shots if you hold your paddle down by your side. Always go back to the “ready position” between shots. Put your weight on the balls of your feet and remember to bend your knees.

Face the action – Face the player who will be hitting the ball back. You will be in a better position to return it.

Keep your eye on the ball - This is a basic rule for any sport involving a ball, yet it is SO important. Watch the ball as it comes over the net and hits your paddle, not where you plan to hit it. Focusing on the holes in the ball will help to ensure that you actually hit it, and not whiff it! If your game starts to flounder, it’s always good to go back to this basic.

NEVER run backwards – and we mean never! Instead of running backwards to get to a lob, turn and run towards the ball. Running backwards is one of the number one causes of falls on the pickleball court. If it’s too hard to get, let it go.

Get up to the non-volley zone line (aka The Kitchen) – The game is won at the non-volley (kitchen) line. When serving: Once you get through the serve and double-bounce rule, you and your partner need to quickly move together to get up to the non-volley (kitchen) line. When receiving: Once you receive the ball, immediately move up to the non-volley (kitchen) line and join your partner who is already up there. Don’t wait to see what the opponents are going to hit back at you before moving up there. 

Stay at the non-volley zone line – Once at this line, stay there.  Don’t let your opponents back you away from this spot. If they back you up, they will acquire the advantage. You can hit almost every shot while standing just behind this line. The exception to this is the lob, in which case you’re going to have to turn and run back to get it. Just remember to quickly work your way back up to the line again.

Stay out of the kitchen – In reality, you can stand in the kitchen (non-volley zone) all day long, but if you hit the ball from there without it bouncing somewhere on the court, it’s a FAULT. This includes the kitchen and the line surrounding it.  Don’t be afraid of the kitchen because you’re going to have to go in there quite frequently to return dinks (a shot that drops just over the net). Just get in and out – quickly! If you are outside of the kitchen and hit a ball mid-air and then fall into the kitchen or step on the line surrounding it – it’s a FAULT! So be careful that your momentum doesn’t carry you into the kitchen. This often occurs when a player is charging from the back of the court to get to the ball.

Avoid “No Man’s Land” – “No man’s land” is that area halfway between the base line and the non-volley zone. It’s a dangerous place to get stuck in because the ball tends to land at your feet and it’s hard to hit. You should move through this area, but not get stuck there. If you do get stuck in “No man’s land”, stop, hit, and then move forward to the non-volley zone line.

Hit the ball deep and down the middle – Most of your shots should be aimed down the middle towards the baseline. Why?  It’s a safe shot and it’s better at creating confusion between your opponents. If it hits the middle line it skips, making it harder for your opponents to return it.

Keep the ball low -  Unless you’re trying to lob, hit the ball low and just over the net. If you hit it up too high, your opponents are likely to return it with a hard overhead smash!

Change it up – Some players just want to power hit or spin the ball every time, which often results in a fault. It’s the unpredictable finesse shots that are challenging. Change up your game and use all different types of shots.

Let the ball do the work – Let the ball come to you before you hit it instead of running towards it. You have more time than you think you do! If you find yourself running towards the ball, stop, hit the ball, and then continue to the proper court position. Running forward while hitting the ball often results in poor accuracy or an out-of-bounds call. 

Out or In – When the ball is on your side of the court, you are responsible to make the call. If neither you nor your partner sees a close call, the ball is considered “in.”

Communicate with your partner – Be aware of your partner. Good doubles teams communicate well, move together on the court, and call confusing shots.