Getting started with Pickleball
Pickleball is a fun sport that can be enjoyed by everyone. If you are just getting started, there a lot of things that you will eventually need to know. While it can seem overwhelming, you can best approach pickleball by picking 2-3 things to work on as a way to master some basic skills and then when you feel comfortable, pick a couple more. Before you know it, you’ll have improved greatly and are participating in longer and better points.
While each person learns differently, there are some key resources that can help you improve your game.
Resources
Read – There are plenty of websites, articles, and instruction on the internet. Search for the specific topic you’re looking for. (e.g. dinking)
Watch – There are literally hundreds of Pickleball videos posted on YouTube. Find someone who interests you and watch how they do it. The one caveat is to avoid advanced techniques/shots until you have a firm grip on the basics. Sure, everyone wants to learn how to spin the ball around the net pole, but work on getting the ball in consistently first.
Practice – While many people want to get right out and play, the repetition of practice actually does more to promote good technique and consistency than just going out and playing. Practicing for just 30 minutes per week can have an incredible impact on your play.
Lessons – Some of us don’t have the patience to do any of the above and need the structure that an instructor can provide. Check the Lessons page and find an instructor that meets your needs. Also, subscribe to the website (on the News Page) and stay informed as new clinics are announced.
Here are some introductory links from the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA). These will give you some ideas on what to focus on. (Some of them, you can learn and become comfortable with before even stepping on the court).
Pickleball Basics
- Rules Summary
- Scoring & Position
- Serving
- Return of Serve
- Dinks
- Drop Shots
- Groundstrokes
- Volleys
- Lobs
- Overhead Smash
- Judging a Ball ‘In’ or ‘Out’
- Tips for New Players
Getting Started Videos
I found these very good and short videos that do a nice job of laying out the basics. If you come across other resources that are good to help you with getting started, let me know via the Contact page.
If you have more time, while the video is older, it does a good job of covering the things to focus on as a beginner.