Pickleball is a racquet sport similar to tennis and badminton. According to the USA Pickle Ball Association, it is played on a badminton court using wood or composite paddles and a ball similar to a Whiffle ball. Learning some simple tips for pickleball can help you become a better player.
Watch Your Opponent's Paddle
Knowing what kind of shot your opponents are anticipating can help you take the opposite approach and keep them off balance, says veteran pickleball player and author Mark Friedenberg. Paying attention to your opponent's paddle helps you know if he's ready for a drop shot, a lob or a smash hit, allowing you to play a different shot and catch him off guard.
Learn Opponents' Tendencies
Some players have a certain tick, such as an arm or leg movement, before they hit a certain type of shot, says Friedenberg. Learning these ticks and tells can help you back up and prepare for a smash hit or run to the net for a drop shot.
Use a Drop Shot to Get Back Into Position
In pickleball, a no-volley zone exists, where a player is not allowed to volley the ball back over the net without allowing it to hit. Using this zone can help give you a second or two to get back into defensive position if you find yourself out of place, says USAPA president Bill Booth.
Don't Be Afraid to Poach
In doubles pickleball, poaching means moving into your partner's area to hit a shot. Poaching can be an effective tool for keeping your opponents guessing and off balance. Communicate with your partner before and during the game so poaching doesn't come as a surprise, however. You can discuss in what situations you plan to poach and how your partner should react. You can even use audible or hand signals to indicate you are going to poach or that you want your partner to poach depending on the game situation.
Don't Try to Kill the Ball
Taking a smash-mouth approach to pickleball may be fun, but it's a sure way to increase your game errors, says Friedenberg. Some plays call for a smash hit, but resist the urge to send the ball screaming over the net every time. Sometimes a little finesse is needed, depending on the type of opponents you're facing or where they are positioned on the court.
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