Best Pickleball Tips 2024 | How to Play Pickleball Well

Look no further if you’re looking for pickleball tips to help you up your game. We’ve compiled a list of 9 simple and effective tips to help you become a better pickleball player. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate, these pickleball tips will help you take your game to the next level. Read on to learn more!

Pickleball Tips | Play like a Pro

1) Get the Right Equipment

Having the right equipment is essential for playing pickleball. You should have a good-quality paddle, durable pickleball balls, and a good-height net.

Paddle:

When it comes to paddles, there are a few things to consider. You should ensure that the paddle is lightweight, as heavier paddles can be challenging to move. Choose a paddle that fits your hand comfortably.

Ball:

The type of pickleball balls you use will also affect your game. Generally, it’s best to go with plastic balls, which last longer and provide more control. 

Net Height: 

Finally, make sure you have a net with the proper height. The net’s top should measure 34 inches (86 cm) from the ground in the centre and 36 inches (91 cm) at the sidelines. 

By getting the right equipment, you’ll be able to play pickleball safely and enjoyably.

2) Use the Right Grip

One of the most important aspects of pickleball is your grip. Correctly holding the paddle can have a huge impact on your game.

Experiment with different grips until you find one that feels comfortable and works for you. Remember that you don’t need a strong grip to make a powerful shot, but practice makes perfect!

3) Use Proper Footwork

Proper footwork is an essential tip to playing pickleball well. With proper footwork, you can hit the ball accurately and powerfully. To improve your footwork, follow these tips:

1. Make sure your feet are parallel to the baseline. It will help you get into a balanced stance when hitting the ball.

2. Keep your feet in motion. When the ball is being hit toward you, take small steps to quickly reach it and make an accurate shot.

3. Learn how to use your non-dominant foot. Many pickleball players rely too heavily on their dominant foot when hitting the ball. Learning how to use both feet is important, as it will give you more control over your shots.

4. Practice different types of shots. Experiment with different shots until you find one that feels comfortable and works for you.

4) Maintain flexibility

It’s important to stay relaxed when playing pickleball, as tense muscles can lead to fatigue and sloppy shots. To stay relaxed, focus on your breathing and try to relax your body from head to toe. With these pickleball tips, you’ll be able to stay relaxed and enjoy your time on the court.

5) Use Wrist Action

Using wrist action is a key skill when it comes to pickleball. You can rotate the ball with your wrist by generating various angles and shots. It gives you more control over the ball’s direction and makes it harder for your opponent to predict where it will go.

To properly use wrist action, place your hand in a neutral posture with the palm facing up. Make sure to rotate your hand slightly as you swing through the ball, ensuring that the palm is facing down. It will allow you to hit the ball with more power and spin. Keep your wrist loose and relaxed while you swing.

Also, remember to keep your arm straight and close to your body when using wrist action. If you move your arm too far away from your body, you will lose power in your shot.

6) Use an Underhand Serve

In pickleball, learning how to serve underhand is very important. This type of serve gives you greater control over the direction and speed of your shot. To make an underhanded serve:

1. Stand close to the net, slightly to one side.
2. Hold the pickleball paddle with a forehand grip and keep your arm relaxed.
3. Swing the paddle in an arc beneath your waist and extend your arm towards the opposite side of the court as you release the ball.
4. Aim for a spot on the court that will make it difficult for your opponent to return the shot.

Once you’ve mastered this technique, you can control your shots and keep your opponent guessing. So, practice your serve, and soon you’ll be able to start winning more points with your new-found skill.

7) Vary Your Shots

To improve your pickleball game, you must be able to strike strokes at various speeds and angles. You can use different techniques, like adding spin, backspin or topspin, or drop shot, to keep your opponent off balance.

Another important stroke in pickleball is the drop shot, which you may use to keep your opponent on their toes. It is a light shot that lands just over the net and drops quickly. It requires precise placement and timing, so it’s important to practice this shot as much as possible.

To be effective at pickleball, you must be able to vary your shots. Different techniques like spin, backspin, topspin and drop shots will help you become a well-rounded player and give you an edge over your opponents.

8) Don’t Let the Ball Drop

One of the most important tips in pickleball is to ensure you never let the ball drop. It means that you must constantly be moving and aware of where the ball is. By being active consistently, you can ensure that the ball never drops and boost your chances of gaining points.

9) Practice, practice, practice!

The best tip to become a better pickleball player is to practice. When practising, focus on perfecting your technique. Work on your backhand, forehand, and volleys. Spend time refining your service, getting the right spin and power on the ball.  

Another great way to practice is to use a wall. It will help you hone your reflexes and your control over the ball. You can also use a wall to practice different shots, such as topspin and backspin shots.

Finally, remember to take breaks when practising. Keep a healthy balance between practice sessions and rest. It will help you stay energized and avoid injuries. By practising regularly, you’ll see improvements in your pickleball game quickly.

Conclusion

These pickleball tips will help you improve your game and master how to play pickleball well. Keep an eye on your game, and have fun.