Recently start playing pickleball and now looking for tips for beginners? Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It’s fun, social, and easy to learn. Whether you’re new to the game or looking to improve, these beginner-friendly tips will help you develop your skills and enjoy the game.
10 Pickleball Tips For Beginners
Here are some great tips to start with when starting your new pickleball journey:
1. Learn the Basic Rules
Pickleball is a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. It’s played on a small court with a paddle and a plastic ball.
The game starts with an underhand serve. The ball must bounce once on each side before players can hit it in the air.
Games are played to 11 points, and you must win by two. Only the serving team can score points.
If you're new, read the official rules or watch videos to understand how the game flows.
Suggested reading: Official Pickleball Rules in 2025: A Complete Guide to New Updates
2. Choose the Right Equipment
Using the right gear helps you play better and stay comfortable on the court. Here’s what you need:
- Paddle: A lightweight paddle (7-8.5 oz) offers better control and reduces strain, making it ideal for beginners.
- Ball: Pickleball balls have holes and come in indoor and outdoor varieties. Use indoor balls for smooth courts and outdoor balls for rougher surfaces.
- Shoes: Wear non-marking court shoes with good traction to prevent slipping and improve movement.
- Clothing: Choose lightweight, breathable outfits that allow easy movement and keep you cool during games.
Investing in the right equipment helps improve performance, reduces injuries, and makes pickleball more enjoyable. As you gain experience, you can explore advanced gear to enhance your skills further.
Suggested reading: Pickleball Paddles With Largest Sweet Spot
3. Master the Serve
A strong serve sets the tone for every point. Mastering your serve helps you gain control and put pressure on your opponent.
One of the top pickleball tips that is given for beginners is to really focus on your serve. This is because this will likely be the easiest shot you get the whole game.
Focus on placement, control, and starting to build more velocity as you get comfortable. Of course, you also can't forget about that top spin, either!
Suggested reading: Pickleball Singles Tips: Expert Guide To Winning Singles Matches
Key Serving Tips:
- Use an underhand motion: Keep the paddle below your waist for a legal serve.
- Position correctly: Stand behind the baseline and serve diagonally across the court.
- Aim deep: A deep serve pushes your opponent back, limiting their offensive options.
- Prioritize consistency: A well-placed serve is more effective than a powerful one.
Practice different serves, such as high, soft serves and fast, low serves, to keep opponents guessing. A reliable serve improves your confidence and gives you a strategic advantage in every game.
4. Move Your Feet and Stay Balanced
Good footwork helps you reach the ball faster and stay in control. Proper movement improves your reaction time and shot accuracy.
- Stay on your toes, not your heels.
- Bend your knees slightly for better movement.
- Avoid crossing your feet—shuffle instead.
Practicing good footwork reduces errors and helps you stay ready for every shot. Strong movement skills give you an edge in pickleball!
5. Control Your Shots
Pickleball isn’t just about hitting hard. Controlled shots are more effective.
- Dinks: Soft shots near the net that force mistakes from your opponent.
- Drop Shots: Light hits from the back of the court that land softly near the net.
- Third Shot Drop: A gentle shot after the serve return, helping you move to the net.
The more control you have, the harder it is for your opponent to attack.
6. Understand the “Kitchen” Rule
The non-volley zone, called the “kitchen,” is the area near the net. You cannot hit a volley (a shot without letting the ball bounce) while standing in this area.
To avoid faults:
- Stay behind the kitchen line when volleying.
- If you step into the kitchen, let the ball bounce before hitting it.
- Don’t rush the net unless you control the shot.
Understanding kitchen rules will help you avoid unnecessary mistakes.
7. Communicate with Your Partner in Doubles
Doubles pickleball is all about teamwork. Good communication prevents confusion and keeps you in sync.
- Call out who takes the shot to avoid collisions.
- Decide in advance who covers which areas.
- Move together—don’t leave gaps in the court.
The best doubles teams work as one unit, staying balanced and covering the court effectively.
8. Focus on Consistency Over Power
Many beginners try to hit hard, but consistency wins games. Keep the ball in play instead of going for risky shots.
- Aim for deep, controlled shots rather than fast, aggressive hits.
- Keep returns low to make it harder for your opponent to attack.
- Play smart—wait for the right opportunity to go for a winner.
A steady game will frustrate opponents and lead to more wins.
9. Watch the Ball at All Times
One of the biggest beginner mistakes is losing focus on the ball.
- Keep your eyes on the ball until after you hit it.
- Follow the ball’s movement to anticipate your opponent’s shots.
- Stay focused, even on easy shots—many errors happen on simple plays.
Good focus improves your reaction time and shot accuracy.
10. Have Fun and Keep Learning
Pickleball is meant to be fun! Enjoy the game, meet new people, and focus on improvement.
- Play often to gain experience.
- Watch experienced players to learn strategies.
- Ask for tips from advanced players—they’re usually happy to help.
Improving takes time, but every game is a chance to learn something new.
Suggested reading: A Beginner’s Guide to Playing Pickleball in Santa Cruz
Final Thoughts On Pickleball Tips For Beginners
Pickleball is an easy sport to start, but improving your skills takes time, practice, and strategy. By following these beginner tips, you’ll develop better control, movement, and game awareness.
Every game is an opportunity to improve. Play regularly, observe experienced players, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Most importantly, have fun! Pickleball is a social, exciting sport that welcomes all skill levels.
The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel. Now grab your paddle, step onto the court, and enjoy every moment of the game!
