How to Get Better at Pickleball

So you want to get better at pickleball? There are a lot of options out there for you.

Check out these things you can do to elevate your game:

Ball machine

Machines are designed to feed balls to the same spot, so if you want to work on your volleys, your dinks, drives, and drops, a machine is a great option. Now, they can be pricey, but it may be worth it, as a ball machine means you’ll see consistency and accurate shots, so no worries about chasing down errant balls. 

Some machines even have oscillating features that can help you simulate game-like scenarios.

Targets

Something as simple as cones or plastic discs work great and they are perfect for spreading out around the court to help you really focus on placement.

Find a partner, and put some targets down around the non-volley zone to work on dink accuracy. Put some targets down near the baseline to work on those deep returns of serve. Practicing with a purpose and a goal makes players better and more ready when the real action starts.

Rebound net

Ready to work on your reflexes and get your hands quicker? Well, a rebound net will do the trick. Hit it fast, the ball comes back fast. Be ready. This is a great training aid, because all you need to do is mark a line seven feet from the rebound net and you’ve got yourself standing right at the non-volley zone. Work on dinks, work on speed-ups, work on getting that paddle up and ready for action.

Don’t want to buy a net? Fair. Well, a wall works well, too. Make a mark 36 inches high and stay seven feet back and you have an imaginary net and kitchen line to deal with.

Go online

All it takes is an internet connection to open up a world of tips, tricks, and strategies to get better. Want to work on how and when to drive the ball? There’s got to be 10,000 videos available. Want to learn how to stack and take advantage of a strong left-side player? Well, that’s definitely accessible.

In addition to YouTube, Google, and other internet options, go check out a tournament – either in person or online. Watching the pros play is an excellent way to see and understand when and why to hit particular shots. You may not be able to play as well as Ben Johns or Anna Leigh Waters, but by watching them, their shots, strokes, and court position, you certainly will be smarter when you hit the court again.

Drill … a lot

There’s no question that playing games will help. Obviously, the more you play, the more different shots, strategies, and scenarios will have to be tackled. However, getting set for those situations is important,

If you have a partner, spend time practicing instead of playing. Working on a single skill for an extended period of time will pay off in the long run. Whether it’s a deep serve, a cross-court dink, or a deep return, repetition is the key. 

Hire a coach

You probably don’t need to commit to a dozen lessons or even multiple lessons, but having an instructor who can spot flaws and also show you practical ways to improve is definitely worth the money.

Do some research, ask around. Find out who in your area is a good instructor. It might just be a friend who is a high-level player, but if you do decide to get a coach, make sure you tell him or her what your goals are. If you’re a beginner and you just want to learn the rules, let them know. If you’re a 3.0 player trying to be a 4.0, make sure you speak your mind. 

Play with better players

Seems simple enough, but if you can get into a game or two with players who are level better than you are, you will learn. Now they may pick on you and your weaknesses, but you’ll see better shots, get better quality shots in return and see some improvement.

Be patient, though. Realize if you’re in a game where everyone is better, the process, not the result of the game, is your goal. Work on getting better, not necessarily winning.

And also, this is an important aspect of playing with better players – be appreciative. Not everyone is understanding and not everyone wants to play with weaker players, so if you do get the chance to play with those who are better, ask questions, ask for help, get some tips, and say, “Thanks!”

Hit the gym

Work on your cardio, maybe try the stairmaster or the treadmill. Work with weights. Find a trainer. The more well-rounded you are, the better your pickleball game will be. After all, if you’re in the fourth or fifth game of the day and you’re in good shape, you’re less likely to tire out when you need that final dink to win a game.