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In your first year, try very quickly to master some components of your game.
WHEN SERVING
- Make sure that you strike the ball before touching the line with your feet or entering the court
- Serve below the waist when striking the ball in an upward motion
- Make sure that the top of the paddle is lower than your wrist when striking the ball
- With the new alternative bounce serve 2021 rule – it is an option – after it bounces, you can hit it however you like
- Serving deep is best as it keeps the defender back
ALL serves IN > is your ultimate goal
WHEN RETURNING
- Observe the server’s motion to anticipate how the ball will bounce
- Return deep is best to keep the opponents back
- Return to the backhand if you can
- Return wide spreads them out
- Return down the middle causes some confusion
- Put some topspin or back/side spin on the shot for some movement after the bounce
ALL returns IN > is your goal
KITCHEN OR NVZ (Non Volley Zone) LINE
- Always get to the kitchen quickly as that is where the game happens
- If you are back – the opposing team will always hit it to you (player at the back) to put pressure on
- Stand or plant myself 6 inches from the line – don’t want to take any chances of stepping on the line
- It is OK to step into the kitchen if the ball bounces
- Move to the sides or back as needed
- Block the driving shots that are hit at you – aim for open space
- Slam any high shots to drive them back or win the point with an angle slam
- Occasional soft drop shot IF they are really far back – has to be short, otherwise they will advance up to the net
ALL shots LOW if possible – aim for the feet
The more consistent you become, the better the result.
ROTATIONS
- Playing inside or outside – we often have extra players waiting to play – set up to take your turn sitting out
- Best for everyone to have equal playing time
- Some places line up the paddles to decide who’s next
- Some have a box with winners and non-winners
- Next 4 paddles take the first available court
- Some places allow you to band your paddles with your partner – sometimes you can band 4 together to play the next game
- Patience and fairness helps so that everyone is treated fairly for a fun pickleball day
THE GAME
- Is social while being competitive
- Get to play with a variety of players therefore respect and fun is important
- Know how to call out the score
- Any ball that strikes a line on your side:
- If you are unsure… call it IN
- If you did not see it… then you cannot call it out
HAVE FUN
