The BEST ways to learn how to play better pickleball – UPDATED

We all want to know how to play our best pickleball. Keeps us coming back to the courts. What, then, are the best ways to learn pickleball?

In this article, we will tell you.

Is it YouTube? The advice provided at your local courts? Perhaps it is a pickleball clinics or camps? The last alternative will likely come as a surprise (and it works).

Let’s dive in. We provide when the source of information might be useful, when not, and a pro tip on each.

Can I learn to play good pickleball from YouTube videos?

YouTube is, by far, the most popular source of pickleball knowledge. Each week pickleball videos get hundreds of thousands of views, attesting to the popularity of this approach. But though loaded with videos, YouTube has its limitations.

When to use YouTube. Use YouTube if you have no other choice. YouTube videos are designed to gain clicks (views) and are simply not set up to provide you the knowledge you need. There are also instances – not common but still happen – where the information in a YouTube video is just plain wrong. Relying on YouTube is a risky proposition.

When NOT to use YouTube. If you are serious about improvement, pick one of the last three options in this article. Your pickleball is too important to trust your journey to the whims of the YouTube algorithm. The saying “you get what you pay for” comes to mind.

PRO TIP. If you are so inclined, you can watch match play on YouTube to practice “seeing” the game as it is played. Match play are games that broadcast on YouTube without providing a tip or trick. Try to watch varied levels. There are thousands of videos showing play ranging from rec play to the top pro matches. Here is an example of a match you can watch in the Senior Pro Division at the US Open.

Can I learn to play good pickleball from other players at my courts?

When to use. Other players advice at the courts is tricky. Generally, it is ok to learn the basics when you are just getting started: how to keep score and paddle rotations at your facility. Things like that. Be careful when someone shares a “big” pickleball concept or strategy – these are often incorrect. A great example of this is “blindly” running up to the Non-Volley Zone after a third shot. That is a big no-no.

When NOT to use. Same as with YouTube, if you are serious about improvement, pick one of the last three options in this article. This time, instead of an algorithm, you are trusting your pickleball to the random tip given to you by a fellow player who, most times, lacks a real understanding of the game. You are still getting what you pay for.

PRO TIP. Local players will always – and I mean always – have pickleball advice to share with you. You need to be extra careful with this source of information. For your own good.

How helpful is it to take a pickleball lesson or clinic from a local coach near me?

Now we are getting into more constructive learning. The growth of pickleball has been accompanied by a growth in persons teaching pickleball. Some of these persons are qualified pros and others are not. The key is in figuring out who’s who.

When to use. If you have identified a qualified local coach, and are committed to your growth as a player, schedule some time with the coach, whether a clinic or lesson near you. Your coach will likely be particularly suited to helping you with the mechanics of pickleball (eg. how to hit a third shot drop). Don’t expect miracles. You will need several sessions to see improvement.

When NOT to use. If you cannot find a qualified local coach near you – or are unsure, then proceed with caution. There are as many (if not more) persons representing themselves as pickleball instructors as there are qualified professional instructors out there. The instances of wrong instruction harming players are in the thousands. Don’t add to the count.

PRO TIP. Ask your prospective coach about their teaching philosophy. How will they approach your growth as a player? Do they have a curriculum or teaching structure that they follow or are the lessons random?

EXTRA PRO TIP. If you want the most complete approach, look for a System Accredited Coach. These coaches have gone the extra mile in their coaching and have a clear structure that they follow, including the proven Three Pillars of Pickleball.

What are the benefits of attending a pickleball camp?

A pickleball camp can offer you the benefits of immersive learning combined with a reason to travel. What could be better? There are two principal types of camps: organizational camps and coach camps. While there is nothing wrong with organizational camps, we would recommend a coach camp when possible. You can find out more about each in this blog.

When to use. If you are ready to take a big step in your game, then camp may be the ticket. Specifically, a learning camp can give you a boost and get you going down your path to playing better. You can find out more about the different types of camps, including what makes a camp a learning camp, here. Take the time to find the camp that is right for you.

When NOT to use. An immersive pickleball experience is not for everyone. If you are unsure about whether camp is right for you, try out a clinic with a qualified local coach or online instruction first. Once you feel grounded in your learning, then look at the camp options and determine the camp that most closely suits your needs. This article dives more deeply into camps.

PRO TIP. Ask your camp provider who the head pros will be and some background on the head pros. Also ask if they have a camp curriculum and if you can have a copy of it. Camps are a big commitment of time, money, and energy. Make sure you are getting what you want out of it.

Can I learn pickleball from professional online instruction?

First, a distinction: we are not talking here about YouTube videos. These are professionally-designed online pickleball courses.

It is natural to be skeptical here. How can you learn a sport online? The reality, however, is that online instruction is tremendously effective. You can read the success stories from players just like you who learned how to play better pickleball online here (scrolls about halfway down). The main advantages of online instruction are that you can access your course 24/7, rain or shine, from the convenience of your electronic device. You can also come back to the lessons again and again without the pressure of performing in front of a coach or fellow players.

When to use. You want to learn pickleball for real – the whole story and not just bits and pieces. You are open to an approach that may seem counterintuitive but that you know thousands of others have successfully used. Think of YouTube videos, but actually made for you.

When NOT to use. If you are just unable to get past the idea of learning a sport online, then even the best professionally designed online course may not work for you. If you are even slightly open to it, it is worth a try – particularly if your online professional offers a money back guarantee (what’s the risk then?).

PRO TIP. Here are four online course that we personally know and can recommend:

• Dominating Doubles. The creator behind this course, Nicole Havlicek, is one of the original online pickleball professionals and is a great thinker of our game. This course is particularly well-suited for partner play decisionmaking. Learn more.
• Dynamite Doubles. The creator of this course, Helle Sparre, brought over concepts she honed as a high level tennis player and coach and adapted them to pickleball. This course is great for learning court angles and optimal coverage. Learn more.
• Barrett Kincheloe has created a course designed for players who want those extra tips to give them an edge. This course is a good addition once you have a solid foundation of the game. Learn more.
• The Pickleball System. This course was designed by me and my co-coach, CJ Johnson. We can tell you, without hesitation, that the System is the only course of its kind, offering a complete top-down curriculum covering the sport of pickleball. The proprietary FOSS Approach used in the System will revolutionize your pickleball. Learn more.

Clicking on these links may generate an affiliate payment that supports our ability to deliver quality content to you. This payment does not influence our recommendation and also does not affect your price. For each resource that we recommend, there are dozens of others that we do not.