Improving at Pickleball – Techniques to Elevate Your Game

Improving at Pickleball: Strategies and Techniques to Elevate Your Game

Pickleball has taken the world by storm, blending the best of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong into one exhilarating sport. If you’re looking to start improving at pickleball or aiming to take your game to the next level, understanding the finer points can make all the difference. Let’s dive into essential strategies and techniques that will help you outplay your opponents and enjoy the game even more.

Improving at Pickleball: Understanding Court Positioning and Movement

Shading and Middle Coverage

One of the first things I learned on the pickleball court was that the middle line, except during serves, doesn’t dictate play. However, the space it represents can be a hotbed of confusion. I remember countless times when my partner and I have hesitated, both unsure who should take the ball zipping down the middle. That’s when I discovered the art of shading.

What It Is: Shading involves both players moving laterally in sync to cover the court effectively. It’s about anticipating where the ball will go and adjusting your positions accordingly. Slide with your partner as if each of you have a connecting rubber band around your waist.

Why It’s Important: By shading towards the ball when you’re at the net, you close gaps that opponents love to exploit. This coordinated movement ensures that you’re always ready to defend or attack, reducing those frustrating moments of indecision.

Technique to Perform It Right:

• At the Kitchen Line:
  • Both players shift towards the side where the ball is headed.
  • Maintain a ready stance with knees bent and paddle up.
  • Communicate with your partner to ensure seamless movement.
• At the Back of the Court:
  • Shift away from the ball to cover wider angles.
  • Stay on the balls of your feet for quick reactions.
  • Keep an eye on your opponents’ positions to anticipate shots.

How to Practice It: Practice moving side to side with your partner without a ball. Once comfortable, introduce drills where a coach or friend feeds balls to different areas, requiring you to adjust and communicate.

When to Use It in a Game: Use shading throughout the match, especially during fast paced rallies at the net. It’s your secret weapon against teams trying to exploit the middle of the court.

Improving at Pickleball: Defining Roles

Left vs. Right Side Play

In doubles pickleball, harmony with your partner is crucial. Early on, I found that understanding our roles on the court dramatically improved our performance.

What It Is: Assigning specific roles to each player based on their position, left or right side of the court, to optimize team strategy.

Why It’s Important: Clear roles reduce confusion and allow each player to focus on their strengths. It streamlines decision making, especially when reacting to fast shots.

Technique to Perform It Right:

• Left Side Player (Aggressor):
  • Often the stronger forehand player.
  • Takes charge of middle balls and initiates attacks.
  • Positions slightly towards the center to cover more area.
• Right Side Player (Supporter):
  • Focuses on setting up the left side player.
  • Emphasizes consistency and placement over power.
  • Covers the sideline and supports defensive plays.

How to Practice It: Engage in role specific drills. For instance, the left side player can practice attacking middle balls while the right side player focuses on dinking and setting up shots. Communication exercises are also vital, develop cues to signal who takes each shot.

When to Use It in a Game: Establish roles from the get go but remain flexible. If you notice the opponents exploiting certain areas, adjust your strategy accordingly.

Improving at Pickleball: Advanced Shot Techniques

The Ernie Shot

The first time I pulled off an Erne shot, the look on my opponent’s face was priceless. It’s a very unexpected shot.

What It Is: An aggressive move where you step over or around the non volley zone (kitchen) to volley the ball close to the net.

Why It’s Important: The Erne catches opponents off guard, shrinking their perceived safe zone. It can shift the momentum of a rally in your favor.

Technique to Perform It Right:

• Recognition: Anticipate slow, high balls near the sideline. Watch for opponents who habitually hit cross court dinks to these areas.
• Footwork: Position close to the kitchen line. Just as the opponent lowers their head to strike, quickly step over or around the kitchen without touching it. Land outside the kitchen before and after hitting the ball. The ball must cross to your side of the net before contact. Do not touch the net.
• Execution: Keep your paddle up, strike decisively, and aim for open spaces on the court.

How to Practice It: Start by practicing the footwork without a ball. Once comfortable, have a partner feed you appropriate shots. Gradually increase the speed and intensity.

When to Use It in a Game: Use the Erne sparingly to maintain the element of surprise, especially against players who send predictable shots down the line.

Around the Post (ATP) Shots

The ATP shot is as thrilling as it sounds. The first time I executed one, I felt like a pro.

What It Is: A shot that goes around the net post and lands in the opponent’s court without crossing over the net.

Why It’s Important: It turns defensive situations into offensive opportunities, especially when opponents try to pull you wide.

Technique to Perform It Right:

• Positioning: Reach the ball before it bounces twice. Stay low and extend your reach around the net post.
• Visualization: Imagine the ball’s path landing safely in bounds. Aim for areas hard for the opponent to reach.
• Execution: Drop your paddle head towards the outside of the court and brush up on the ball. Use a controlled swing, keeping the paddle angle precise to direct the ball accurately.

How to Practice It: Practice with a partner who sends you wide shots. Set up targets on the court to improve accuracy.

When to Use It in a Game: When you’re pulled off the court and have a clear path around the net. It’s a high reward shot when executed correctly.

Improving at Pickleball: Mastering Spin and Shot Selection

Spin Mirroring

Spin can be your ally or your nemesis. Learning to mirror spin transformed my game.

What It Is: Responding to an opponent’s spin with the opposite spin to neutralize their shot and gain control.

Why It’s Important: Counteracting spin reduces unforced errors and helps you dictate the rally’s pace.

Technique to Perform It Right:

• Against Topspin:
  • Use a slice or backspin shot.
  • Open your paddle face slightly and brush down the back of the ball.
• Against Slice (Backspin):
  • Apply topspin by brushing up on the back of the ball.
  • Close your paddle face and swing from low to high.

How to Practice It: Practice with a partner who alternates spin shots. Focus on adjusting your paddle angle and swing path. Wall drills can also help you develop muscle memory.

When to Use It in a Game: Use spin mirroring during baseline rallies and third shot drops to maintain control and keep opponents on their toes.

Improving at Pickleball: Optimizing Serves and Returns

Maximizing Your Serve

A strong serve sets the tone. I recall games where a powerful serve shifted the entire momentum in our favor.

What It Is: Developing a serve that’s powerful, deep, and varied to challenge opponents right from the start.

Why It’s Important: A well executed serve can limit your opponent’s options and force weak returns.

Technique to Perform It Right:

• Power and Depth:
  • Use your entire body to generate power.
  • Transfer your weight smoothly from back foot to front foot.
• Topspin Application:
  • Brush up on the ball during contact.
  • This adds dip to the ball, making it harder to return.
• Placement Variation:
  • Mix up your serves, deep, short, to the backhand, or down the middle.
  • Keep opponents guessing and disrupt their rhythm.

How to Practice It: Allocate dedicated time for serving. Set up targets in the service box and practice hitting them consistently. Gradually increase power while maintaining accuracy.

When to Use It in a Game: Right from your first serve. If you notice an opponent struggling with a particular serve, don’t hesitate to use it more often.

Capitalizing on Weak Serves

When life gives you lemons, or your opponent gives you a weak serve, you make lemonade.

What It Is: Taking advantage of weak serves by returning deep and aggressively to put your opponents on the defensive.

Why It’s Important: It allows you to seize control of the rally and sets you up for success.

Technique to Perform It Right:

• Aggressive Return:
  • Step into your return to generate power.
  • Aim deep to push opponents back.
• Topspin Usage:
  • Add topspin to keep the ball low and fast.
  • Force the server into a challenging third shot.

How to Practice It: Work on returning serves of varying speeds. Focus on footwork to get into the best position to attack the ball.

When to Use It in a Game: Any time you receive a weak or short serve. It’s your chance to take the upper hand.

Improving at Pickleball: Defensive Strategies

The Art of Resetting

When the game heats up, sometimes you need to cool it down. Resetting is your go to move.

What It Is: A defensive tactic where you softly place the ball into the opponent’s non volley zone to neutralize their attack.

Why It’s Important: It allows you to regain control and shift from defense to offense.

Technique to Perform It Right:

• Soft Hands: Loosen your grip to absorb the ball’s energy.
• Paddle Angle: Open the face slightly to add loft, ensuring the ball clears the net but stays short.
• Body Positioning: Stay low and balanced to handle low balls effectively.

How to Practice It: Have a partner feed you fast shots. Focus on controlling the ball softly into the kitchen. Wall drills can also help refine your touch.

When to Use It in a Game: When you’re under pressure, being forced back, or need to disrupt your opponent’s aggressive play.

Improving at Pickleball: Equipment Matters

Choosing the Right Paddle

Your paddle is your trusty sidekick. The right one can elevate your game significantly.

What It Is: Selecting a paddle that suits your playstyle and enhances your performance.

Why It’s Important: A paddle that feels right can improve control, power, and comfort.

Technique to Perform It Right:

• Sweet Spot Size: Larger sweet spots offer more forgiveness on off center hits.
• Material and Surface Texture: Carbon Fiber or Kevlar paddles provide a good balance. Textured surfaces can help with spin.
• Weight and Balance: Heavier paddles add power but can reduce maneuverability. Lighter paddles offer better control.

How to Practice It: Try out different paddles during practice sessions. Many clubs offer demo paddles. Try paddles before you buy one. Pay attention to how each one affects your shots.

When to Use It in a Game: Always play with a paddle you’re comfortable with. If you find your current paddle limiting, consider an upgrade that aligns with your evolving playstyle.

Improving at Pickleball: Effective Communication with Your Partner

Teamwork makes the dream work. I’ve learned that clear communication with your partner is as important as any shot.

What It Is: Using verbal and non verbal cues to coordinate strategies and movements.

Why It’s Important: It prevents confusion, reduces errors, and ensures both players operate as a cohesive unit.

Technique to Perform It Right:

• Hand Signals:
  • Closed Fist: Stay in your positions.
  • Open Hand: Switch sides after the serve or return.
• Verbal Cues:
  • Use clear calls like “mine,” “yours,” “leave it” or “switch.”
  • Establish terminology before the game to avoid misunderstandings.
• Regular Check Ins: Discuss strategies between points and provide positive feedback.

How to Practice It: Simulate game scenarios where communication is key. Practice making quick decisions and calls under pressure. Team building activities off the court can also strengthen your partnership.

When to Use It in a Game: Constantly. From planning serves to adjusting mid rally, effective communication is a continuous process.

Improving at Pickleball: Continuous Improvement and Practice

Improving at pickleball is a journey, not a destination. The game is always evolving, and so should you.

What It Is: A commitment to refining skills, learning new techniques, and analyzing your performance.

Why It’s Important: Regular practice and learning keep your game sharp and adaptable to new challenges.

Technique to Perform It Right:

• Focused Practice Sessions: Set specific goals for each session, whether it’s mastering the drop shot or improving footwork.
• Varied Drills: Incorporate drills that target different aspects of your game, including technical skills and physical conditioning.
• Feedback and Analysis: Seek advice from coaches or experienced players. Record your matches to identify strengths and areas for improvement.

How to Practice It: Establish a regular training schedule. Attend clinics. Participate in competitive matches to test your skills under pressure.

When to Use It in a Game: Apply new techniques confidently when opportunities arise. Use each game as a learning experience to fuel your continuous improvement.

Improving at Pickleball: Q&A Section

What is the most effective way to improve at pickleball quickly?

Focus on mastering the fundamentals, such as proper footwork, paddle control, and shot selection. Engaging in regular practice sessions and seeking feedback from more experienced players can accelerate your improvement.

How important is communication in doubles pickleball?

Communication is vital. It ensures that both players are coordinated, reducing errors and enhancing teamwork. Establishing signals and verbal cues can make a significant difference in your performance.

When should I attempt advanced shots like the Erne or ATP?

Advanced shots should be used strategically and sparingly. Attempt them when you recognize the right opportunity, such as predictable opponent shots, and when you feel confident in your execution.

Elevate Your Game Today

By embracing these strategies and techniques, you’re well on your way to improving at pickleball. Remember, the key is not just understanding the “how” but also the “why” behind each move. Stay dedicated, practice deliberately, and most importantly, enjoy every moment on the court. After all, pickleball is not just a game, it’s a passion that brings people together.