Pickleball is a sport that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Especially, during the pandemic, when people were looking for fun and safe ways to stay active and social. It is easy to learn, inexpensive to play, and suitable for all ages and skill levels.
If you want to play pickleball like a pro, you need to master some tips and tricks that will help you improve your skills and strategy. In this blog post, we will share with you four tips from the experts that will help you play pickleball like a pro.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, these tips will help you take your game to the next level and have more fun on the court.
Tips to Play Like Pro Pickleball Player
If you want to take your game to the next level, you need to master some tips and tricks that will help you play like a pro. Here are four tips that will improve your pickleball skills and make you a formidable opponent on the court.
Tip 1: Master the Basics
Before you can play like a pro, you need to master the basic rules and skills of pickleball. Some of the most important ones are:
- Serve: You must hit the ball underhand and below your waist, and make it land diagonally in the opposite service court beyond the non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen). Furthermore, you only get one serve attempt, unless the ball touches the net and lands in play (called a let). So, you can only score points when you are serving.
- Double bounce rule: The ball must bounce once on each side before you can hit it in the air (called a volley). This means that the serve and the return of the service must bounce, but after that, you can volley or let the ball bounce as you wish.
- Non-volley zone: This is the area 7 feet from the net on both sides of the court. You cannot hit the ball in the air while standing in this zone unless the ball bounces first. Plus, you also cannot step into this zone while volleying or after volleying until you regain your balance. This rule prevents players from smashing the ball at the net and makes the game more challenging and fun.
Tip 2: Develop a Strategy
Pickleball is not just about hitting the ball hard and fast. You also need to have a strategy that suits your style and strengths and exploits your opponent’s weaknesses. Some things to consider when developing your strategy are:
- Placement: You want to hit the ball where your opponent is not, or where they have trouble reaching. For example, you can aim for their backhand, their feet, or the corners of their court. Further, you also want to avoid hitting the ball too high or too close to the net, as that gives them an easy opportunity to smash it back at you.
- Spin: You can add spin to your shots by angling your paddle and brushing it against the ball. Spin can make your shots more unpredictable and difficult to return, as well as give you more control over the direction and speed of the ball. For example, you can use topspin to make the ball bounce higher and faster, or backspin to make it bounce lower and slower.
- Dinking: This is a soft shot that barely clears the net and lands in the non-volley zone. It is a great way to keep your opponent at bay and force them to make errors or give up their position at the net. Dinking requires patience and finesse, as you need to hit the ball gently and accurately without hitting it into the net or out of bounds.
Tip 3: Practice Consistently
Like any sport, pickleball requires practice to improve your skills and confidence. You can practice by yourself, with a partner, or with a group of players. Some ways to practice are:
- Drills: These are exercises that focus on specific aspects of your game, such as serving, volleying, dinking, or footwork. You can find many drills online or create your own based on your needs and goals. It also helps you develop muscle memory, consistency, and accuracy in your shots.
- Games: These are matches that simulate real game situations and challenges. You can play games with different rules, formats, or scoring systems to test your skills and adaptability. Also, help you apply what you learned from drills, as well as learn from your mistakes and successes.
- Feedback: This is input from others that helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as areas for improvement. You can get feedback from coaches, partners, opponents, or even yourself by recording your games and watching them later. It also, helps you set realistic goals, track your progress, and celebrate your achievements.
Tip 4: Learn from the Experts
One of the best ways to play like a pro is to learn from them. You can watch videos of professional pickleball players online or attend live tournaments and clinics near you. You can also read books, blogs, or articles written by experts or join online forums and communities where you can ask questions and share tips. Some benefits of learning from the experts are:
- Inspiration: You can see how the pros play and what makes them successful. You can also learn about their stories, challenges, and achievements, and how they overcame them. It is advisable to use their examples as motivation and guidance for your own journey.
- Innovation: You can discover new techniques, strategies, or tricks that you can incorporate into your own game. You can also learn how to adapt to different situations, opponents, or conditions, and how to overcome common problems or mistakes.
- Interaction: Interact with the pros and other players who share your passion and interest in pickleball. You can ask for advice, feedback, or support, or offer the same to others. You can also make new friends, have fun, and enjoy the social aspect of pickleball.
By following these tips, you can play like a pro pickleball player and have a blast on the court. Happy pickleballing!
FAQs
How do you get better at pickleball?
One way to improve your pickleball skills is to practice regularly with a partner or a group of players who are at your level or slightly higher. You can also watch videos of professional players and learn from their techniques and strategies. Another tip is to work on your fitness and agility, as pickleball requires quick movements and endurance.
How do you hit low balls in pickleball?
To hit low balls in pickleball, you need to bend your knees and lower your center of gravity. You also need to keep your paddle in front of you and swing it upward to lift the ball over the net. Avoid hitting the ball too hard or too soft, as it may go out of bounds or into the net. Aim for a deep and consistent shot that puts pressure on your opponent.
How do you become a 4.0 pickleball player?
Becoming a 4.0 pickleball player requires a lot of dedication and practice. You need to master the basic skills of serving, returning, dinking, volleying, and smashing. You also need to develop a solid game plan and adapt to different situations and opponents. A 4.0 player should be able to execute a variety of shots with accuracy and control, as well as anticipate and react to the ball’s movement.
Conclusion
Pickleball is a fun and exciting sport that anyone can play and enjoy. But if you want to play like a pro, you need to work hard and smart. By following these tips and tricks from the experts, you can improve your game and reach new heights.
We hope, our blog on: How to Play Pickleball Like a Pro: Tips and Tricks From the Experts has been helpful and informative for you.
Happy playing!
