Pickleball Tips and Tricks: How to Get Better at Pickleball at Every Level

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Whether you’re brand new or have years of experience, there’s always room to improve.

In this guide, we’ll share practical tips for every stage of the game—from beginners learning the basics, to intermediate players honing consistency, to advanced players developing pro-level strategies. We’ll also cover serving techniques, senior-specific advice, and gear recommendations to help you play smarter, safer and with more confidence.

General Pickleball Tips for Every Level

No matter your skill level, the fundamentals of pickleball stay the same. Players who focus on consistency, strategy and mindset often see the biggest improvements in their game.

Here are a few core tips that apply to everyone—from beginners to advanced-level pickleball players:

1. Consistency Builds Confidence: The more consistently you land your serves and returns, the more confident you’ll feel as rallies develop. One of the quickest ways to lose points is by missing a serve or return. Every missed ball is essentially a free point for your opponent, so focus on simply keeping the ball in play to set up the point.

2. Strategy: Pickleball is as much about strategy as it is about mechanics. Mixing in variety of shots keeps your opponent guessing and gives you the upper hand. Identify your opponent’s weaknesses and focus on strategies that exploit them.

3. Repetition Builds Skill: Repetition sharpens accuracy and gives you the control you need in competitive play. Aiming for 100+ reps (serves, forehands, backhands, dinks, etc.) in practice sessions is a way to build accuracy and confidence on the court.

4. Mindset Matters: Pickleball isn’t just physical—it’s also mental. Staying calm under pressure, bouncing back after mistakes and approaching each point with a positive mindset can make the difference between a win and a loss. The best players don’t just play hard; they play smart, composed and with intention. And remember to always have fun!

Pickleball Tips for Beginners

1. Start with the Right Paddle: There’s no need to invest in a top-tier paddle when you’re just starting out. A moderately priced paddle (around $100)—especially one designed for control—will help you develop touch and accuracy before moving into more advanced equipment.

2. Master the Ready Position and Keep the Ball in Play: Stand in a balanced ready position with your paddle up, and focus on simply getting your serves and returns into the court. This may sound simple, but it’s the foundation of every pickleball point.

3. Take Advantage of Free Clinics: Many local parks, recreation centers and pickleball clubs offer free or low-cost beginner clinics. These are great ways to learn the basics, meet other players and start playing games without pressure.

Pickleball Tips for Intermediate Players

1. Patience and Consistency are Key: Focus on staying in the rally and waiting for the right opportunity to attack. Many points are won simply by letting your opponent make the first mistake. Patience pays off, especially against players who try to rush the point or force errors.

2. Drill with Intention: Improvement comes from focused practice, not just casual play. Whether it’s with a coach, a drilling partner, a ball machine or even a wall, spend time refining your fundamentals. Cone drills, for example, are excellent for practicing serve placement and building accuracy.

3. Play to Your Opponent’s Weaknesses: Learn to recognize patterns—like an opponent who struggles with backhands or has slower footwork—and adjust your game accordingly. Serving or returning to their weaker side forces your opponent into mistakes and gives you the advantage.

Pickleball Tips for Advanced Players

1. Strategy First: Mix up your serves and shot placement to keep your opponents guessing. Don’t just react—set up your points with intention. Think two or three shots ahead, using controlled dinks or cross-court shots to create openings for a put-away.

2. Refine the Details: Even advanced players sometimes overlook the fundamentals, like hand speed and dink variation. Practice reaction drills to sharpen your hands at the kitchen line and practice mixing in soft dinks, angled dinks and deeper resets to stay unpredictable.

3. Expand Your Shot Arsenal: Work on adding spins, deceptive shots and specialty plays—like a disguised drop shot, a roll volley, or a heavy topspin serve. Watch how the pros vary their shot selection and borrow techniques that fit your style.

Pickleball Serving Tips

1. Power Comes from the Body, Not Just the Arms: Generate power through your waist and core rotation. Using your whole body creates a smoother motion, more consistency and extra speed with less strain.

2. Don’t Rely on Just One Serve: If your opponent sees the same serve repeatedly, they’ll adapt quickly. Mix it up with different speeds, spins and heights—like a flat serve, topspin serve or a softer lob serve. Variety forces your opponent to reset every time, giving you the edge.

3. Placement Beats Power: Smart serving is about precision. Target your opponent’s weaker side or use angles to pull them out of position. Well-placed serves create opportunities for you to control the rally right from the return.

4. Consistency Comes from Repetition: Use cone drills to sharpen your accuracy. The more serves you hit in practice, the more natural and reliable your serve will feel under pressure.

Pickleball Tips for Seniors 

1. Warm Up the Right Way: Instead of static stretches, focus on dynamic warmups like lunges, scoops, or jumping jacks to get your body moving and prepared for play. Adding in simple drills like the slinky drill (moving and dinking at the same time) helps build consistency while keeping your body moving.

2. Choose the Right Paddle: Heavier paddles can strain wrists and shoulders over time. Opt for a lighter, control-oriented paddle to maintain precision without putting unnecessary stress on your body. This is especially important for seniors and players prone to arm injuries.

3. Prioritize Footwear: Invest in quality court shoes designed for multi-directional movement. The right shoes protect your joints and ankles, reducing the risk of injury from quick stops and changes in direction. Visit your local racket sports store to find the perfect fit.

4. Keep Fun the Priority: Above all, remember that pickleball is about enjoyment. Don’t over-exert yourself chasing every ball—stay safe and focus on the social and fitness benefits of the game.

Pickleball Gear Tips

1. Pick the Right Paddle for You: There’s no one-size-fits-all pickleball paddle or one that’s better than all others. If you like to hit with power, look for a paddle with a thinner core for more pop. If you value precision and touch, go for a control-focused option with a thicker core. Game-Set-Match, Inc. offers a paddle demo program: Try up to three paddles at a time for just $10 each (for a 5 day demo). If you decide to buy one, you’ll get your demo fees credited back from the cost of a full-price paddle.

2. Wear High Quality Court Shoes: Running shoes aren’t built for pickleball or other racket sports. Court shoes are designed for quick side-to-side movements, sudden stops and enhanced stability to protect your feet, joints and ankles during play. Good court shoes are one of the most important investments you can make.

3. Don’t Forget Grips and Balls: Replacing your pickleball paddle grip regularly keeps it comfortable, easier to grip in your hands and can prevent tennis elbow. Remember—indoor and outdoor balls are different. Using the right ball for the right setting makes a big difference in play.

Closing Thoughts

No matter your skill level, the key to improving your pickleball play is staying consistent, being open to learning, and most importantly, having fun! Whether you’re just starting out or competing at higher levels, there’s always something new to practice and refine.

Pickleball Courts Near Me

Looking for pickleball courts near you? We’re here to help. You can check out a list of local pickleball courts on our website.

Also check out our pickleball resources page to find local pickleball leagues and clinics as well as fun pickleball Facebook groups to join. Be sure to check it out, grab your gear and put these tips into action!

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