Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. Combining elements of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong, it’s easy to see why it’s becoming a favorite among all age groups. Its appeal lies in how simple it is for beginners to pick up while still offering plenty of fun. Whether you’re already playing or thinking about giving it a try, experts have valuable tips to help you improve your skills this year.
Pickleball might be really popular now, but it actually started in 1965. Three dads — Joel, Bill, and Barney — made it up to entertain their kids. The game grew in popularity, and you can play it with a partner (called doubles) or by yourself (called singles). No matter how you play, having the right pickleball paddles can make a big difference in your performance. Experts have some great tips to help you get better. Keep reading for their top five Pickleball tips!
Top 5 Tips to Boost Your Pickleball Game
1. Find a Pickleball Mentor to Help You Learn
The first tip is to find someone who can teach you the ropes — kind of like your own personal guide or mentor. When you’re learning something new, it’s really helpful to have someone experienced to show you what to do. In pickleball, having a mentor is a great idea.
According to pickleball expert Rachel Simon, even the best players started as beginners, just like you. To improve your skills and connect with others who play, head to a pickleball court and ask experienced players for help. Most are eager to introduce newcomers to the game and will likely be happy to assist.
When choosing a mentor, make sure you have the right pickleball paddles to enhance your gameplay. Paddles with advanced technology, like Strokess paddles featuring T700 Raw Carbon, can improve your control, spin, and overall performance on the court.
2. Practice on Your Own to Improve Faster
The second tip is to spend time practicing on your own. While it’s great to have someone teach you, it’s also important to practice by yourself.
Mario Musa, an expert on tennis and pickleball, says practicing alone helps you focus on specific skills without worrying about competition. It also helps you understand the game better and how to move around the court.
When practicing by yourself, work on different shots like serving, volleying, and dinking. It’s also a good time to improve your footwork and how you move on the court. Plus, it can help with things like hand-eye coordination, reaction speed, and overall fitness. Make sure you’re using the right pickleball paddles to improve your shot control, as having the proper equipment can significantly impact your game.
3. Learn the Dink Shot to Take Control
The third tip is to try “dinking,” which is a type of shot in pickleball. Dinking is a soft shot that helps you control the game.
Brandon Mackie, an expert, says that a dink shot gives you time to think and plan your next move. Unlike powerful shots, dinks are slower and make the opponent work harder because they don’t have much speed. It also gives you time to reset and get ready for their next shot.
A dink is typically executed near the net, in an area known as “the kitchen” — a seven-foot zone in front of the net where the ball must bounce before being hit. The shot is made with a low arc, aiming to land in your opponent’s kitchen, making it difficult for them to mount an attack.
Instead of focusing on high shots (called lobs), which can be risky, it’s better to use dinks, volleys, and groundstrokes because they’re more controlled and safer. Having the right pickleball racquet can also improve your control during these types of shots.
4. Keep Practicing to Get Better
The fourth tip is to practice a lot through drilling. Simon, an expert, says you can never practice too much. Whether you’re practicing alone or with a partner, try different drills like target hitting or volleying. You can focus on improving a specific skill or mix it up. The key is to practice until you really master each drill before moving on.
If you have the budget, a pickleball machine can be a great investment. It’s useful for practicing specific shots, like lobs or dinking, without needing a partner. Riley Chervinski, an aspiring pro, says having a machine has been really helpful for practicing the same shot repeatedly without interruptions.
Remember that equipment plays an important role as well. Picking up the right pickleball paddles suited for your style and needs can enhance your practice and performance. Brands like Strokess offer paddles that utilize innovative technology like T700 Raw Carbon and spin-boosting features for better control and precision, making them perfect for improving your game.
5. Play in Tournaments to Challenge Yourself
The fifth tip is to enter tournaments if you want to get serious about improving your game. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of competing.
Expert Rachel Simon suggests that pickleball tournaments are an excellent opportunity to practice and learn from other players. These events welcome players of all skill levels, not just professionals, and offer plenty of fun. Many tournaments also feature social activities, both on and off the court.
Chervinski, an aspiring pro, says playing against more skilled players helped her improve quickly. In tournaments, players are ranked from beginners (1.0 to 2.0) to top-level players (5.5 or above). Competing against better players can challenge you and help you grow faster.
Wrap-Up
Ready to level up your pickleball game in 2025? Start applying these Pickleball tips today, and you’ll see noticeable improvements. Whether it’s finding a mentor, practicing solo, mastering key shots, or diving into tournaments, every step counts. Get out on the court and make this your best year yet! Also, remember that your choice of pickleball paddles can make a significant difference in your performance on the pickleball court. Try a Strokess paddle today, and experience the difference with pro-level features that enhance your control, spin, and overall gameplay!
