1. Serve from close to the centerline.
This ensures that you have control of the court and can easily get to the return.
2. Try to keep serves deep and in the corner.
When you get your opponent to one side of the court, they lose control and you can more likely hit a winning shot.
3. Try to keep returns deep and in the corners.
Again, aim to get your opponent to one side of the court. This frees up the court for you to hit a quick winner.
4. Move with your opponent.
Where they go, you go. If they move to the left side of the court follow them. If they move to the right you move to the right. However, always stay somewhat close to the centerline.
5. Always face your opponent.
This will put you in a better position to anticipate the return and hit a shot on either side.
6. If your opponent manages to get to the kitchen line, a lob might be necessary.
However, the right lob takes practice. You do not want to give your opponent the opportunity for an overhead which is usually a winning shot.
7. Try to hit the ball to your opponents backhand.
Typically the backhand is your opponents weaker shot.
8. When in doubt, stay in the back third of the court.
This gives you control and access to get to just about any shot.
9. If your opponent does get to the kitchen line, you have a few options.
Try to hit the ball at your opponents feet. This is a really hard get for your opponent.
10. When in doubt hit a deep shot.
You want to keep your opponent away from the kitchen line. When you keep the ball deep they are forced to stay back. In addition, this gives you an opportunity to get to the non-volley line (aka the kitchen).
Pickleball Necessities
Two Pickleball Paddles + Three Pickleballs + 1 Court Bag
Recess has everything you need to get started with pickleball. Grab a Recess Set today!
