Pickleball is easy to learn but challenging to master. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your skills or an experienced player aiming for the next level, there are always ways to refine your technique, strategy, and mindset.
To help you take your game to the next level, we’ve compiled expert tips from top pickleball pros covering:
- Improving your footwork and positioning
- Mastering key shots and techniques
- Upgrading your strategy for smarter play
- Building consistency and reducing unforced errors
- Boosting your endurance and fitness for better performance
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear action plan to become a more competitive player and start winning more matches!
1. Improve Your Footwork and Court Positioning
One of the biggest differences between amateur and pro players is footwork. Good movement allows you to get into position faster, hit cleaner shots, and react quickly to opponents’ plays.
Stay Light on Your Feet
- Always stay on the balls of your feet (not your heels) for quicker reactions.
- Use a split step before your opponent hits the ball to stay balanced.
Move with Purpose
- Don’t run randomly—move efficiently to cover the court without wasting energy.
- Use small, controlled steps to adjust your positioning rather than lunging.
📌 Pro Tip: If you often feel rushed or out of position, work on quick lateral movements and forward-back transitions to stay in control.
2. Master the Essential Pickleball Shots
A well-rounded player needs control over all types of shots to win at higher levels. Here are the key shots you must master:
The Serve: Start with an Advantage
A strong serve puts pressure on your opponent immediately.
✔️ Use deep, consistent serves to keep your opponent at the baseline.
✔️ Mix in different serve types (topspin, slice, lob) to keep them guessing.
✔️ Aim for their weaker side (usually the backhand).
The Third Shot Drop: The Most Important Shot in Pickleball
The third shot drop is crucial for transitioning from the baseline to the kitchen.
✔️ Hit it softly into the kitchen to prevent your opponent from attacking.
✔️ Focus on a smooth, upward motion—don’t flick or chop at the ball.
✔️ Follow through and move forward immediately after hitting the shot.
Dinking: Control the Soft Game
Dinking isn’t just about keeping the ball in play—it’s a strategic tool.
✔️ Keep dinks low and unattackable.
✔️ Vary placements to move your opponent around.
✔️ Use fast dinking exchanges to force errors.
📌 Pro Tip: If your opponent struggles with backhand dinks, target that weakness to set up easier shots.
Volleys: Dominate the Kitchen Line
Winning at the net requires quick, controlled volleys.
✔️ Use a punch volley to attack high balls.
✔️ Block and reset volleys when under pressure.
✔️ Keep your paddle up and out in front—don’t drop it below your waist.
📌 Pro Tip: If your opponent hits hard, don’t counter with power—use soft block volleys to reset the rally.
Lobs and Overheads: Keep Opponents Off Balance
Lobs and overheads are great tools to change the pace of the game.
✔️ A deep lob can push aggressive net players backward.
✔️ If you see a short lob, attack with an overhead smash.
✔️ Use lobs sparingly so opponents don’t anticipate them.
3. Upgrade Your Strategy for Smarter Play
Pickleball isn’t just about hitting shots—it’s about outthinking your opponent. Here are key strategic tips pros use:
Control the Kitchen Line
✔️ Move up to the kitchen as soon as possible—players at the net control the game.
✔️ Stay just behind the kitchen line to be ready for volleys.
✔️ Don’t backpedal—if you need to retreat, step back and reset.
Target Your Opponent’s Weaknesses
✔️ Observe their tendencies—do they struggle with backhands? Are they slow to react to fast shots?
✔️ Hit to their weaker side consistently.
✔️ If they’re a power player, slow the game down with dinks and resets.
📌 Pro Tip: The more you study your opponent’s habits, the easier it is to exploit their weaknesses.
Mix Up Your Shots to Stay Unpredictable
✔️ If your opponent expects a hard drive, throw in a soft drop shot.
✔️ Use angles instead of just hitting down the middle.
✔️ Keep them moving—don’t let them get comfortable.
4. Reduce Unforced Errors and Build Consistency
Many players lose games because of their own mistakes, not because their opponent is better. Here’s how to cut down on errors:
✔️ Hit with 80% effort, not 100%—controlled shots win more points than reckless power.
✔️ Avoid unnecessary speed-ups—only attack when you see a clear opportunity.
✔️ Focus on deep returns—keeping opponents at the baseline reduces their attack options.
📌 Pro Tip: The best players play safe shots 80% of the time and only attack when the setup is perfect.
5. Improve Your Fitness & Endurance for Better Performance
Physical conditioning directly impacts your pickleball performance. Pros focus on:
✔️ Leg strength – For fast movements and balance at the net.
✔️ Core strength – For stability and controlled shots.
✔️ Footwork drills – To move faster and more efficiently.
✔️ Stretching and recovery – To avoid injuries and stay flexible.
📌 Pro Tip: If you get tired late in matches, improving your endurance will give you a competitive edge.
Final Thoughts
Improving at pickleball isn’t just about playing more—it’s about training smarter. By focusing on footwork, shot selection, and strategy, you can level up your game faster and start winning more matches.
✔️ Master footwork and stay balanced for quicker reactions.
✔️ Develop key shots like the third shot drop, dinks, and volleys.
✔️ Use smart strategies like controlling the kitchen and targeting weaknesses.
✔️ Reduce errors by focusing on controlled, consistent play.
✔️ Build endurance and strength to stay sharp in long matches.
With dedicated practice and smart adjustments, you’ll become a stronger, more competitive player in no time!
