After konwing the basic rules of pickleball, here comes to our practical step by step guide of playing pickleball, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the basics of how to play pickleball effectively.
Step 1: Starting the Game
Pickleball begins with a serve, and understanding how to start the game properly is essential for setting the tone of the match.
Positioning: The server starts from the right-hand service area and serves diagonally to the opponent’s service court. The aim is to land the ball in the opposite diagonal box without letting it touch the kitchen (the non-volley zone) or the baseline.
The Serve: The ball must be hit underhand and must not bounce before contact. The paddle should strike the ball below the waist to ensure compliance with the rules.
Service Rotation: In doubles, each player on a team serves until they commit a fault. Once both players have served and lost a point, the serve goes to the other team. In singles, the server changes sides after each point scored.
Pro Tip:
A good serve can put your opponent on the defensive right from the start. Focus on accuracy rather than power when learning to serve.
Step 2: Serving Techniques
A strong serve is one of the most important skills to develop in pickleball. There are three main types of serves to master, each offering unique advantages depending on your strategy.
- Underhand Serve (Standard Serve)
This is the most basic serve in pickleball and is ideal for beginners. It’s consistent and easy to control. To perform the underhand serve, swing your paddle upward, making contact with the ball below waist level.
- Lob Serve
The lob serve is a high, arcing serve designed to push your opponent back deep into their court. It gives you time to get into position and can be used strategically to disrupt your opponent's rhythm. The key here is height and placement.
- Drive Serve
This is a more aggressive serve that involves hitting the ball fast and low. The drive serve can be difficult for your opponent to return due to its speed and low trajectory. It’s a great option if you want to put pressure on your opponent right from the start.
Pro Tip:
Experiment with different serves during practice to find out which works best for you. Mixing up your serves during a game can keep your opponent guessing and give you an advantage.
Step 3: Basic Pickleball Strokes
Learning the essential strokes is crucial for engaging in rallies and controlling the game. The three most important strokes are the forehand, backhand, and dink.
- Forehand
The forehand stroke is your go-to shot when the ball comes to your dominant side. Hold the paddle firmly, and swing it forward with your arm extended. The paddle face should strike the ball with a controlled follow-through. This stroke is used for both defensive and offensive plays.
- Backhand
The backhand is used when the ball is on your non-dominant side. It requires you to pivot your body and use the back of the paddle to hit the ball. While it can be a bit trickier than the forehand, mastering the backhand will give you more versatility during a match.
- Dinks
A dink is a soft, controlled shot that is hit gently over the net into the non-volley zone (also known as the kitchen). Dinks are vital for slowing the pace of the game and forcing your opponent to make mistakes. They require precision and finesse rather than power.
Pro Tip:
During practice, focus on consistency. Make sure you can execute both forehand and backhand shots comfortably, and don’t underestimate the strategic value of the dink shot.
Step 4: Movement and Footwork
Effective movement and footwork are key to becoming a better pickleball player. In pickleball, reacting to the ball and getting into position quickly are essential to maintaining control.
Stay Light on Your Feet: Keep your knees slightly bent and stay on the balls of your feet. This will allow you to move quickly and make adjustments as the ball comes your way.
Lateral Movement: Particularly in doubles, you’ll need to move side-to-side across the court. Stay aligned with your partner and maintain good court coverage. Move laterally with small, quick steps to maintain balance and positioning.
Anticipation: Watch the ball closely and anticipate where it will land. Good anticipation helps you prepare your footwork and positioning before the ball reaches you, giving you an edge over your opponent.
Pro Tip:
Drills that focus on agility and lateral movement will greatly improve your performance. The quicker you can move into position, the more control you'll have over the game.
Step 5: Scoring and Ending the Game
Pickleball uses a unique scoring system, and knowing how to track the score is important for both singles and doubles play.
Points: Points can only be scored by the serving team. When the receiving team commits a fault, the serving team earns a point.
Winning: Games are typically played to 11 points, but you must win by a margin of two points. For instance, if the score is 10-10, the game continues until one team leads by two points.
Faults: A fault occurs when a player hits the ball out of bounds, into the net, or steps into the non-volley zone while volleying. Committing a fault ends the rally and either gives the point to the serving team or results in a side-out (the other team takes over the serve).
Pro Tip:
Stay calm and focused as the game reaches critical points. Don’t rush your shots—maintain control and wait for the right moment to close out the game.
Conclusion
Pickleball is an exciting, fast-paced game that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels. By mastering the basics of serving, strokes, footwork, and scoring, you’ll be well on your way to success on the pickleball court. Remember that practice and consistency are key—so grab your paddle, hit the court, and start enjoying the game!
