As a fast-growing game, pickleball is easy to learn but hard to master. Pickleball has several techniques you need to learn to be able to master the game. From being a beginner, start your journey here into becoming an expert pickleball player.
Set the Tone with a Proper Serve
Serving is the start of the game. If you serve it right, you set yourself and your team up for a win. There are different techniques you can try to master the art of serving.
- A serve is made with an underhand and the paddle must not go above the waist when hitting the ball. The paddle head must be below wrist level.
- The ball is dropped and bounces off the ground first before hitting. The ball can bounce inside the baseline, but the player must stay behind.
Deep Return That Serve
When receiving a serve shot, this is your chance to put your opponent on the defensive. Usually, receiving players use a soft return and hit it deep. When you use a deep soft return, you force your opponent to move further back in their court, giving them a lesser chance for an aggressive play. This allows you to have more control over the shots.
Mastering the Dink
The dink is a technique that requires precision and control. It is a soft drop shot intended to land on your opponent’s non-volley zone (NVZ) and make it difficult for your opponent to hit the ball hard. Patience is extremely important when dinking and may take a couple of shots before your opponent makes a mistake.
Volley Quick and Far
Volleying is when you hit the ball before it hits the ground. Volleying requires you to be quick and the main goal is to hit away from your opponent so they will have to reach farther for it. It can be hit with a backhand or forehand. Using lightweight pickleball paddles like the Diadem Hero or the Selkirk Vanguard Control Air Series can help with your speed and agility.
The Third Drop Shot
The third drop shot is where you reclaim your honor after your opponent has deep returned your serve. This shot is used to neutralize your opponent. A drop shot is a soft shot where the ball lands on your opponent’s NVZ. This neutralizes them and allows you to move closer to the net and regain control.
Mastering the third drop shot is hard, especially for beginners. This shot requires a lot of control so It requires a lot of patience and practice.
For the best control pickleball paddle, check out 101 Pickleball's Zen Control.
Topspins and Slice Shots: Keys to Owning the Game
A topspin makes the ball rotate forward and have a downward curve which is excellent for aggressive plays.
Slice shots change the angles or direction of the ball, making your opponents chase it. It can be made with a forehand or backhand, and a continental grip is used for effective slicing.
Lobs
A lob is intended to catch your opponent off guard and force them back to the baseline by hitting the ball high overhead. It can be used as an offensive shot, especially when the opponent is close to the net. This makes the ball go further back into their court and makes your opponent catch it. You can also use it as a defense shot to give you time to approach the net and take control of the game.
Pickleball moves and techniques are basic when you read about them, but it’s harder to master them once you’re already on the court playing. It takes a lot of practice and patience to become a skilled player. If you don’t master the techniques right away, it’s ok. Don’t give up, just keep on trying.
Using the right pickleball equipment can also make a big difference. For instance, edgeless pickleball paddles provide a larger sweet spot for better control. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced player, investing in the best gear can enhance your performance on the court. Make sure to always warm up before playing pickleball to avoid any pickleball injuries.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Set the Tone with a Proper Serve | Serving is the start of the game. Master different techniques for effective serves. Aim to hit behind the baseline diagonally and below the waist. |
| Underhand (Volley) Serve | Serve with an underhand motion, ensuring the paddle stays below the waist and wrist level. Watch here |
| Drop Serve | Drop the ball and let it bounce before hitting it. The ball can bounce inside the baseline, but the player must stay behind. Watch here |
| Deep Return That Serve | Use a deep soft return to force your opponent back, gaining control of the rally and limiting their aggressive options. Watch here |
| Mastering the Dink | Perfect the soft, precise dink to challenge opponents in their non-volley zone (NVZ). Patience is key. Watch here |
| Volley Quick and Far | Master quick volleys to maintain offensive momentum and pressure on opponents. Lightweight paddles like Diadem Hero or Selkirk Vanguard Control Air Series can help. Watch here |
| The Third Drop Shot | Neutralize opponents and regain control with a strategic drop shot into their NVZ. Watch here |
| Topspins and Slice Shots | Use topspin for aggressive play and slice shots to change ball angles effectively. The Zen Control Paddle from 101 Pickleball is recommended. Topspin |
FAQs
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What is the best serve to use in pickleball?
The underhand serve is the standard, but the drop serve offers more flexibility for beginners looking for better control. -
What is the third shot drop in pickleball?
It’s a soft shot aimed at your opponent’s non-volley zone, neutralizing their offensive advantage and allowing you to move to the net. -
How do I execute a proper dink?
Use a gentle touch, aim for your opponent’s non-volley zone, and stay patient, as the dink is about precision, not power. -
When should I use a lob shot?
Use a lob when your opponent is positioned near the net, giving you time to regroup while forcing them to retreat. -
How does topspin affect my shots?
Topspin causes the ball to dip quickly, making it harder for opponents to return aggressively. -
What’s the difference between a slice and a topspin?
A slice shot creates a backward spin and keeps the ball low, while topspin propels the ball forward and downwards. -
Why is the volley important in pickleball?
Volleys help maintain offensive pressure by taking time away from your opponent, keeping them on the defensive.