Pickleball 101: 5 tips for beginners to get started

Pickleball is a sport that’s easy to learn, but it does have specific rules that players must follow. Don’t put put off by the rules – once you have the basics covered, things fall into place. Don’t be hesitant to start playing pickleball.

The game is played on a unique pickleball court that’s 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, with a net in the center that’s 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches high in the middle. To put it into perspective: you can fit as many as four pickleball courts on one tennis court.

The rules of pickleball are similar to other racquet sports like tennis, badminton or even ping pong ball – but there are some key differences.

The game begins with a serve, which must be made underhand and diagonally across the court. The ball must bounce once on the serve and the receiving team must let it bounce before returning it.

Once the ball is in play, both teams must let it bounce once before they can hit, or serve back. The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is a 7-foot area on either side of the net. Players are not allowed to hit the ball in this zone.

If you’re new to pickleball, a few tips can help you get started and improve your skills.

Listen and accept suggestions if you have made a mistake or violated a rule.

Pickleball has specific rules, just like any other sport. If you’re new to pickleball, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of the game. If you’re not sure about a rule, don’t hesitate to your teammate of even your opponent. It’s better to get it right than to keep playing incorrectly.

If someone points out that you’ve violated a rule, take the advice and try to avoid it next time. Learn from your pickleball mistakes. The more you play the game, the more you’ll become familiar with the rules.

Always get to the non-volley line as soon as you can. It’s the strongest position and the best place to be on the court.

Always get to the non-volley line as soon as you can. It’s the strongest position. The non-volley line, also known as the kitchen, is a key part of pickleball strategy. When you’re at the non-volley line, you have more options for hitting the ball and can better control the game. Make it a priority to get to the non-volley line as soon as possible after each serve or return. This will give you the best chance to score points and stay ahead of your opponents.

Face the player who is going to hit or serve the ball – do not face the net. You will be better placed to hit the ball.

Face the player who will hit the ball, not the net. You will be better placed to hit the ball. It may be tempting to watch the ball or the net, but it’s crucial to face your opponent when they’re about to hit the ball. This will give you a better sense of where the ball is going and help you anticipate where to position yourself for your own shot. By keeping your eye on the opponent and their paddle, you’ll be better placed to react quickly and hit the ball effectively.

Keep your pickleball paddle high, near your chest; your reaction time will be quicker from here as opposed, for example, down by your thigh.

One of the most common mistakes that beginners make is holding their paddle too low. By keeping your paddle up near your chest, you’ll be able to react more quickly to shots. This will give you a better chance of returning the ball and keeping the rally going.

Keep your paddle high, near your chest; your reaction time will be quicker. When you’re playing pickleball, it’s important to keep your paddle up and ready to hit the ball. Holding your paddle close to your chest and at waist level will give you the best chance to react quickly to incoming shots. This will also help you maintain good posture and avoid fatigue or injury during long games.

Pay attention whether your opponent is right or left handed. Avoid hitting to their strong side.

If you’re playing against someone who is left-handed, it’s important to take note of this and adjust your shots accordingly avoid their strong side. Hitting to their strong side will give them an advantage and make it harder for you. Instead, try to hit to their weaker side or aim for areas of the court where they may be less comfortable.

By following these tips, beginners can get a strong start in pickleball and develop the skills they need to play the game effectively. Remember to always listen and accept suggestions from more experienced players, and to familiarize yourself with the basic rules of the game. With practice and persistence, you’ll soon be able to hold your own on the pickleball court!