Mastering pickleball - Step by step guide for beginners

Mastering Pickleball: Step-by-Step Guide For Beginers

March 11, 2025 Dink Quest 8 min read

Mastering Pickleball requires a combination of technique, strategy, and practice. Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve or an experienced player aiming to dominate the court, this step-by-step guide will help you level up your game.

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Pickleball

Before diving into advanced techniques, it’s important to have a solid foundation.

1.1 Learn the Rules

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Here are the key rules:

The game is played on a court similar to a badminton court but with a lower net.
You serve diagonally and must keep one foot behind the baseline.
The double-bounce rule means the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed.
The kitchen (non-volley zone) prevents players from smashing at the net.
Games are typically played to 11 points (win by 2).

👉 Action Tip: Read the official Pickleball UK rulebook or watch tutorial videos to familiarise yourself with the rules.

Step 2: Master Your Pickleball Grip

Your grip is crucial for control, power, and consistency.

2.1 Use the Right Grip

There are three common grips in pickleball:

Eastern Grip (Shake Hands Grip) – Best for beginners; allows easy forehand and backhand play.
Continental Grip – Ideal for volleys and dinks; often used by advanced players.
Western Grip – Adds more spin but is harder to control.

👉 Action Tip: Hold the paddle lightly, like shaking someone’s hand, and avoid gripping too tightly, which can reduce control.

Step 3: Develop Strong Serving Skills

A good serve can set the tone for the entire point.

3.1 Perfect the Basic Serve

Keep the serve underhand and below waist level.
Aim for deep serves to push opponents back.
Mix up your serves between fast, slow, deep, and short.

3.2 Learn Advanced Serves

Topspin Serve – Creates a higher bounce, making it harder for opponents to return.
Lob Serve – Forces your opponent to move backward.
Power Serve – A faster, low serve to challenge weaker returns.

👉 Action Tip: Practice serving 100 times a day to develop consistency and placement.

Step 4: Improve Your Return of Serve

Your return of serve should set you up for an offensive advantage.

4.1 Key Tips for Better Returns

Aim for deep returns to push your opponent away from the net.
Use a low, controlled shot to limit their attack options.
Position yourself near the baseline to react quickly.

👉 Action Tip: Play return drills where a partner serves and you practice deep, controlled returns.

Step 5: Master Dinking and Soft Game Strategy

A strong soft game controls the pace and forces errors from opponents.

5.1 What is Dinking?

Dinking is a soft shot played just over the net into the non-volley zone (kitchen). It slows the game down and forces your opponent into mistakes.

5.2 How to Execute a Perfect Dink

Use a light grip to soften the shot.
Keep the paddle low and hit the ball with a slight upward motion.
Aim for cross-court dinks to create difficult angles for your opponent.

👉 Action Tip: Drill dinking by rallying with a partner inside the kitchen without trying to overpower the ball.

Step 6: Develop Volleying Skills

Volleys are shots hit before the ball bounces and are key to winning fast exchanges at the net.

6.1 Mastering Volleys

Keep a compact swing – avoid overextending.
Stand with knees slightly bent and paddle up.
Use a soft grip to absorb the power of fast shots.

6.2 Blocking Powerful Shots

When facing hard shots:

Angle your paddle slightly back to absorb the ball’s speed.
Don’t swing – just redirect the shot back into play.

👉 Action Tip: Stand at the kitchen line and practice volleying against a wall to improve reaction time.

Step 7: Learn How to Dominate the Net

Controlling the net gives you an advantage in both singles and doubles.

7.1 Key Net Strategies

Move quickly to the net after serving and returning.
Stay in an athletic stance with knees bent and paddle ready.
Use soft dinks to draw opponents forward, then attack with a fast volley.

👉 Action Tip: Play “net control” drills where you and a partner battle to keep the ball inside the non-volley zone.

Step 8: Improve Your Footwork

Quick and efficient footwork allows for better shot execution and positioning.

8.1 Footwork Drills

Side Shuffles – Improve lateral movement.
Split Step – Helps you react faster.
Drop Step – Crucial for moving back quickly.

👉 Action Tip: Set up cones on the court and practice moving quickly between them.

Step 9: Play Smart and Use Strategy

Winning in pickleball isn’t just about hitting hard – it’s about playing smart.

9.1 Read Your Opponent

Identify their weaknesses (e.g. backhand struggles, slow movement).
Adjust your strategy based on their positioning.

9.2 Mix Up Your Shots

Don’t be predictable – use a combination of power shots, dinks, and lobs.
Keep your opponent moving side to side.

👉 Action Tip: Watch pro matches to study strategy and movement patterns.

Step 10: Play More, Compete, and Have Fun!

The best way to improve is through regular play and competition.

10.1 Find Places to Play

Join a local Pickleball UK club.
Play in casual and competitive leagues.

10.2 Challenge Yourself

Compete against better players to push your skills.
Play in tournaments to experience different play styles.

👉 Action Tip: Visit Pickleball Mastered to find UK-based pickleball events, clubs, and leagues!

Final Thoughts on Mastering Pickleball

Mastering pickleball takes time, practice, and smart gameplay. By following these step-by-step techniques, you’ll build a well-rounded skill set and become a more confident and strategic player.

Are you ready to take your game to the next level? Grab your paddle, hit the court, and start mastering pickleball today!