The basics of a successful pickleball game: top 5 useful tips

Playing pickleball is not only a healthy way to spend time, but also a great opportunity to conquer the top in this exciting sport. Find out in our article, how to start playing pickleball and become a true professional by following just a few simple but effective principles. Earlier we wrote about the rules of pickleballand we share useful life hacks that will help you understand how to play pickleball and how to win.

So, here are 5 useful tips for a successful pickleball game:

1. Learn how to hold the racket up and maintain an athletic stance with bent knees.

Unlike tennis, pickleball is played with a paddle, not a racket. The latter has strings, but the paddle does not. Make short backswings before hitting the ball and be patient. Pickleball requires quick lateral movements and agility.

2. Be in the right place at the right time.

In pickleball, there is a zone that is not intended for bouncing the ball, which distinguishes this game from others – it is a zone on the court, and you cannot enter it until the ball bounces.

This area is called the “kitchen” (it is located next to the net on both sides.) You win every play in the game if you throw the ball into the opponent’s court and they either don’t hit the ball at all, hit the net, or go out of bounds.

The main rule is to make your way to the offside line or the “kitchen” line as quickly as possible, as most of the points in pickleball are won there.

3. Remember the two-bounce rule.

The serve may only be returned after the ball has bounced off the court. The serving side must also return the ball after it has bounced. The serving side is not allowed to hit on the fly. After these two bounced shots, any shots are allowed.

This is why, when you play for the serving team, you must stay near the baseline to prepare for a return to serve, as you are not allowed to serve out. By staying behind the baseline, you will ensure that you have enough room for the ball to bounce back after the third hit.

4. Stay away from the non-game area.

Rules of pickleball stipulate that the non-playing area is adjacent to the net on both sides (approximately 2 meters). It is forbidden to strike on the fly while in the offside zone at any time during the game. The line of the non-playing area is included in its area.

5. Find your own style of play.

You can be aggressive on the court, move dynamically and move quickly to make a shot. Or you can be more consistent, and move only when you know that your position allows you to make a good shot.

In conclusion, all pickleball tips can be summarized as follows:

1. Follow the ball’s flight to block the most likely shots from your opponents.
2. Secondly, be one step ahead of your opponent, make contact to prepare for your shot.
3. Third, stay 2-2.5 meters away from your partner to avoid unprotected space on the playing field.

In pickleball, it is very important to have good technique, the ability to move quickly on the court and be in the right position. To do this, players need to change their position frequently and move to hit the ball.

Read also: What equipment do you need to play pickleball?