Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and with millions of new players joining the game each year, coaching and teaching pickleball has never been more important. Whether you’re an experienced player helping a friend or a coach training beginners, knowing how to effectively teach pickleball will make the learning experience fun, engaging, and rewarding.
So, what’s the best way to introduce new players to the game?
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ How to explain pickleball rules simply
✅ The best beginner drills to develop essential skills
✅ Key strategies for coaching effectively
✅ Common mistakes new players make (and how to fix them)
✅ How to make learning fun and engaging
Whether you’re coaching a group at your local club or teaching a friend, this guide will help you break down the game in a way that’s easy to understand.
1. Start with the Basics: What Is Pickleball?
Before diving into technique, make sure new players understand the game itself.
a. Explain the Objective of Pickleball
- Pickleball is played on a 20x44-foot court, similar in size to a badminton court.
- The goal is to hit the ball over the net and win points by forcing errors from your opponent.
- It’s played as singles (1 vs. 1) or doubles (2 vs. 2).
- The ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed.
Keep it simple—focus on the fun aspect and let them learn by playing rather than overwhelming them with rules.
b. Show Them the Court Layout
- Baseline – The back boundary where serves are hit.
- Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone) – Players can’t volley while standing inside this area.
- Sidelines – The boundaries for singles and doubles play.
Let new players walk around the court before playing so they can visualize the boundaries.
2. Teach the Basic Pickleball Rules
Many beginners feel overwhelmed by the rules, so break them down step by step.
a. Serving Rules
- The serve must be underhand with the paddle making contact below the waist.
- The ball must be hit diagonally into the opponent’s service box.
- Only one serve attempt is allowed (unless the ball clips the net and lands in, then it's a "let" and is replayed).
Pro Tip: Have new players practice shadow swings before actually serving. This builds muscle memory.
b. The Double Bounce Rule
One of the most confusing rules for beginners is the double bounce rule:
1️⃣ The serve must bounce once before being returned.
2️⃣ The return must bounce once before being hit by the serving team.
After this, volleys (hitting without bouncing) are allowed, except in the kitchen.
c. The Kitchen Rule (Non-Volley Zone)
- Players cannot volley (hit the ball in the air) while standing in the kitchen.
- They can step into the kitchen only after the ball has bounced.
A fun way to teach this rule is to have players stand in the kitchen and pretend the floor is lava—if they volley inside, they “burn” a point!
3. Teach the Fundamental Shots
Once players understand the court and rules, it’s time to teach the essential pickleball shots.
a. The Serve
- Encourage an underhand swing with a relaxed grip.
- Focus on aiming deep in the opponent’s court to keep them back.
- Keep it consistent and controlled rather than focusing on power.
b. The Return of Serve
- Players should return the serve deep and high, giving themselves time to move forward.
- Emphasize control over speed—a well-placed shot is better than a fast one.
c. Dinking (Soft Shots at the Net)
- Teach them to hit soft, controlled shots into the kitchen.
- The goal is to force opponents into mistakes rather than going for power.
d. Volleys (Hitting Without a Bounce)
- Players should keep their paddle up and ready at the net.
- Have them practice light volley exchanges to develop control.
e. The Third Shot Drop
- This is a key strategy shot that transitions players from the baseline to the net.
- Teach them to hit a soft, arching shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen.
4. The Best Drills for Teaching Pickleball
The best way to learn pickleball quickly is through fun and effective drills. Here are a few beginner-friendly exercises:
a. Serve & Return Practice
🎯 Goal: Improve serving accuracy and return consistency.
- Players serve 10 times to a target (cones or markers in the service box).
- Switch roles and practice returning deep shots.
b. Kitchen Dink Rally
🎯 Goal: Develop control and patience.
- Players stand at the kitchen line and practice dinking back and forth.
- Challenge them to reach 20 dinks in a row without missing!
c. Volleys at the Net
🎯 Goal: Build quick reflexes.
- Stand at the kitchen line and exchange volleys without letting the ball drop.
- Focus on short, controlled shots, not power.
d. Third Shot Drop Drill
🎯 Goal: Learn the essential transition shot.
- One player stands at the baseline and the other at the kitchen line.
- The baseline player practices hitting soft, controlled shots that drop into the kitchen.
Pro Tip: Players sweat a lot when drilling, so it’s best to wear a moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirt from BigGreenPickle.com to stay cool and dry!
5. Common Mistakes New Players Make (And How to Fix Them)
❌ Mistake 1: Running Into the Kitchen After a Volley
✅ Solution: Remind them to stay behind the kitchen line unless the ball bounces first.
❌ Mistake 2: Hitting Too Hard on Dinks
✅ Solution: Encourage soft hands and relaxed grips to keep dinks controlled.
❌ Mistake 3: Standing Too Far Back in Doubles
✅ Solution: Teach players to move up to the kitchen line quickly after the return.
❌ Mistake 4: Not Watching the Ball
✅ Solution: Have players track the ball with their eyes until contact.
6. How to Make Pickleball Fun for Beginners
Pickleball is best learned through fun, engaging activities. Here’s how to keep it enjoyable:
✅ Use Games Instead of Just Drills – Play short games like “first to 5 points” to keep the excitement level up.
✅ Encourage Friendly Competition – Challenge players to improve without making it stressful.
✅ Keep Them Hydrated – A pickleball tumbler from BigGreenPickle.com ensures players stay refreshed during long sessions.
✅ Celebrate Small Wins – Whether they master a dink or score their first point, make every achievement feel big!
Final Thoughts: Teaching Pickleball the Right Way
Coaching and teaching pickleball should be simple, fun, and rewarding. By starting with the basics, using engaging drills, and keeping things lighthearted, you’ll help new players fall in love with the sport.
And if you’re serious about playing, make sure to get the right gear:
✅ Moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirts for comfort.
✅ Pickleball tumblers to stay hydrated.
Pickleball is growing faster than ever—so grab a paddle and start teaching the next generation of players!
