If you could rewind time and give your beginner self a few game-changing tips, you’d save yourself a lot of frustration on the court — and progress much faster. Whether you’re brand new to pickleball or still finding your rhythm, these five beginner-friendly strategies will dramatically boost your confidence and skill level.
Tip #1: Be smart with your serve and return positioning
Serving and returning aren’t just about hitting the ball — they’re about where you stand and what you do next. Many beginners make the mistake of serving and then casually stepping forward into the court. The problem? Your opponent’s return must bounce before you hit it, so moving in too soon puts you out of position.
Tips for your serve & return of serve:
- Serve and stay back to give yourself room to set up the all-important third shot.
- When returning, do the opposite: hit your return deep and run up to the net. By getting to the kitchen line quickly, you put pressure on your opponents during their third shot.
Positioning is everything — use it to your advantage.
Tip #2: Hit your returns deep
Depth matters. A shallow return gives your opponent an easy chance to attack or move forward. Instead, focus on sending the ball deep toward the baseline.
Tips for hitting your returns:
- A deep return keeps your opponent back, making their next shot harder.
- It buys you time to move into position at the net.
Think of your return as your setup shot — don’t just get it over the net, make it count.
Tip #3: Stay patient and avoid the slam
It’s tempting to go for the big winner early in the rally — but that’s where beginners often lose points. In pickleball, patience pays off.
Tips for having patience:
- Focus on control over power.
- Build the rally and wait for the right moment.
- Aim for consistency: fewer unforced errors mean more wins.
Pickleball isn’t about who hits hardest — it’s about who plays the smartest.
Tip #4: Respect the pickleball kitchen
The non-volley zone (or kitchen) is a defining feature of pickleball strategy. Many beginners either fear it or ignore it, but mastering this zone can elevate your game.
Tips for navigating the pickleball kitchen:
- Don’t volley while standing in the kitchen — that’s a fault.
- Instead, move up to the line after your return and be ready for dinks.
- Practice soft shots to control the pace and keep your opponents on their toes.
The kitchen is your battlefield — learn its rules and own it.
Tip #5: Focus on footwork and court awareness
Your paddle skills are important, but your feet win games. Poor footwork leads to bad positioning, rushed shots, and mistakes.
Tips for footwork and court positioning:
- Always stay light on your feet.
- Move efficiently: side steps, quick pivots, and balanced stances.
- Anticipate your opponent’s shot to stay ahead of the play.
Better footwork = better positioning = better shots.
Beginner pickleball tips
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports for a reason — it’s fun, social, and easy to learn. But like any sport, starting with solid fundamentals will fast-track your improvement. Master these five tips, and you’ll notice your confidence soar and your game reach new heights.