Smart Pickleball Tactics Every Beginner Should Know
If you’re new to pickleball, it can feel like there’s a lot to learn but don’t worry! You don’t need fancy spins or powerful shots to play smart. In fact, learning just a few simple tactics can help you win more points and feel more confident on the court.
Here are four beginner-friendly strategies to get you started.
1. Serve Deep, Return Deep
One of the easiest ways to improve your game is to hit your serve and return of serve deep. We teach players to pick a target 4 feet from the baseline. This keeps your opponent’s farther back and gives you more time to get ready for the next shot. It’s a small change that makes a big difference!
Beginner Tip: Aim for a safe, high arc that lands deep in the court—don’t worry about speed just yet.
2. Get to the Kitchen Line on the Return Side
The most important spot on the court? Right up near the kitchen (the Non-Volley Zone). Teams that control this area usually win the rally. After you hit your return of serve, get to the non-volley zone line (kitchen line) as quickly as possible. When your team is at the non-volley zone (NVZ) line, you gain control over the court.
Beginner Tip: Move up slowly, under control, and then get balanced at the NVZ.
3. Talk to Your Partner
Pickleball is a team sport when you play doubles. That means talking with your partner is super important. Saying things like “mine,” “yours,” or “bounce” helps avoid confusion and missed shots.
Beginner Tip: Make it a habit to call every ball, even if it seems obvious.
4. Don’t Rush the Net On the Serve Side – Split Step First
It’s exciting to move toward the net, but if you charge in too quickly, you might get caught off guard with a ball coming toward your feet. Instead, no matter where you are take a small hop right before your opponent hits the ball. This “split step” helps you stay balanced and ready to move in any direction.
Beginner Tip: Think of it as stopping your momentum. You can either do a tiny bounce or step out so your feet are about shoulder width, with the weight on the front of your foot.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to play perfect pickleball to win more points; you just need to play smart. These four easy strategies will help you build confidence, improve teamwork, and have more fun on the court.
Start with one tactic at a time, and soon you’ll feel like a seasoned player.
-
Want to play smarter pickleball? Learn how to build a better pickleball game from the ground up with simple, effective techniques. Start learning today. Check out Better Pickleball for everything pickleball! Including our Free Beginner Guide and Video course to help you get started.
- Ready to take your game to the next level? Join us at the Better Pickleball Academy for proven lessons to improve every aspect of your game.
CJ Johnson
Hey there — I’m a professional three-sport athlete and coach who has spent my entire adult life earning a living from playing and coaching sports. Since I started coaching more than three decades ago, one thing has remained the same: My commitment to see students not as they are but as what they can become and to move heaven and earth to help them realize their untapped potential. You should know that when it comes to helping pickleball players over 50 live their best lives on and off the courts, I'm an expert. Good pickleball is not just technique; it's the mind and body working holistically. That's why I'm also a personal trainer and weight management specialist. When I’m chillin', you'll find me watching Star Trek with my husband John and our two fur babies, Shirley and Ralph. (Yes, Happy Days)