Learn Pickleball
Your guide to pickleball fundamentals, techniques, and strategy
Pickleball Fundamentals
Start here to learn the basics of pickleball - the court, scoring, equipment, and essential rules.
Test Lesson 1.1
Test Lesson Content
Key Points
- Array
- Array
Techniques & Strokes
Master the essential strokes and movement patterns to improve your game.
Grip & Ready Position
The continental grip (like shaking hands with your paddle) is the most versatile. Your ready position should be athletic: knees bent, weight forward, paddle up at chest level.
Key Points
- Continental grip recommended
- Paddle face slightly open
- Stay on balls of feet
💡 Practice Tip
Practice switching between forehand and backhand without changing your grip.
The Serve
The serve must be underhand with contact below waist level. Aim for depth and consistency. The ball must land in the diagonal service court.
Key Points
- Underhand, below waist
- Diagonal service box
- Both feet behind baseline
💡 Practice Tip
Focus on consistency before power. A reliable deep serve is better than a fast one that often faults.
Return of Serve
Position yourself 1-2 feet behind the baseline. Let the ball bounce (two-bounce rule), then return deep to give yourself time to advance to the net.
Key Points
- Stand behind baseline
- Let ball bounce first
- Return deep, then advance
💡 Practice Tip
After your return, immediately move toward the non-volley zone line.
Groundstrokes
Forehand and backhand groundstrokes are hit after the ball bounces. Keep your swing compact, use your legs, and follow through toward your target.
Key Points
- Compact backswing
- Contact in front of body
- Smooth follow-through
💡 Practice Tip
Practice crosscourt and down-the-line groundstrokes to develop court coverage.
Volleys
Volleys are hit before the ball bounces (except in the non-volley zone). Use a short punch motion rather than a full swing. Keep the paddle face stable.
Key Points
- No backswing - punch motion
- Paddle up and ready
- Step into the ball
💡 Practice Tip
Practice volleys against a wall to develop quick reflexes and a compact stroke.
The Dink
The dink is a soft shot that lands in the opponent's non-volley zone. It's a key strategic shot that sets up offensive opportunities.
Key Points
- Soft, arc trajectory
- Lands in NVZ
- Use legs, not arm
💡 Practice Tip
Dink crosscourt for safety (more room for error) and down the line for offense.
Footwork
Good footwork is essential. Use small adjustment steps, maintain balance, and always be ready to move. Side shuffle along the baseline, split step before opponent hits.
Key Points
- Small, quick steps
- Split step before opponent hits
- Stay balanced
💡 Practice Tip
Practice the split step timing - hop as your opponent makes contact.
Doubles Strategy
Learn the tactical elements that will help you and your partner play smarter pickleball.
Doubles Positioning
In doubles, work with your partner to cover the court efficiently. Generally, move together as a unit - if one player moves left, the other adjusts accordingly.
Key Points
- Move as a unit with partner
- Cover middle together
- Communicate constantly
The Non-Volley Zone
Also called "the kitchen," this 7-foot zone on each side of the net is crucial. You cannot volley while standing in or touching this zone. Controlling the NVZ line wins games.
Key Points
- No volleys in the kitchen
- Control the line
- Third shot gets you there
The Third Shot
The third shot (serving team's second hit) is critical. Options include a drop shot into the NVZ or a drive. The drop allows your team to advance to the net.
Key Points
- Drop: soft shot to NVZ
- Drive: hard, low shot
- Goal: get to the net
Communication
Call "mine," "yours," or "switch" clearly. Decide before the point who takes middle balls. Support your partner verbally throughout the rally.
Key Points
- Call shots early
- Decide middle ball coverage
- Stay positive with partner
Game Flow
Pickleball rewards patience. Work your way to the net, be consistent, and wait for opportunities. Unforced errors lose more points than winners gain.
Key Points
- Patience wins points
- Reduce unforced errors
- Attack only high balls