Pickleball Coaching Tips for All Skill Levels

Whether you are a beginner just picking up a paddle or an advanced player looking to refine your skills. Practice, yes, I'm talking about Practice, can make a significant difference in your game. In this post, we will explore tips that cater to all skill levels, helping you elevate your pickleball experience.

Understanding the Basics of Pickleball

It’s crucial to understand the fundamentals of pickleball. The game combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, played on a court with a net. Here are some key aspects:

• Court Dimensions: A standard pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for doubles play.

• Equipment: Players use a paddle and a plastic ball with holes. The paddles come in various materials and weights, affecting play style.

• Scoring: Games are typically played to 11 points using 'side-out' scoring (can only win points when serving) and must win by 2 points.

  
  

Tips for Beginners

1. Grip and Stance

For beginners, mastering the grip and stance is fundamental. Here’s how to guide new players:

• Grip: Start with the continental grip, (THINK: how you would hold a hammer) this allows for shot versatility and consistency.

• Grip Pressure: Is light, 3 or 4, (scale of 1 - 10, 10 being the max)

• Stance: Use a balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart. This position helps in quick movements and maintaining stability.

  
  

2. Footwork Is Important, VERY Important

Good footwork is essential in pickleball. Here are some drills to improve footwork:

• Lateral Movement Drills: Set up cones and have players practice shuffling side to side.

• Forward and Backward Movement: Use a line on the court to have players practice moving forward and backward while maintaining balance.

  
  

3. Basic Shots

Start with the fundamental shots in pickleball:

• Forehand and Backhand: Players need to be able to hit the ball on either side of their body. Hitting on a wall, 'Wall Ball', is a great way to practice both shots.

• Dinks: The soft shot known as a "dink," which is crucial for controlling the game at the net. Dinks and drops are difficult and require practice.

  
  

Intermediate Tips for Skill Development

As players progress, they need to refine their skills and develop strategies. Here are some tips for intermediate players:

1. Strategic Play

Players need to think strategically during matches. (not just whack it) 2 concepts:

• Placement Over Power: 'Feet over Heat'! Hit to your opponent's feet when possible, good things happen when you make your opponent swing up on the ball.

• Reading Opponents: Players need to ALWAYS observe their opponents’ when the ball is on the other side of the net. Over time players are able to anticipate where opponents will likely hit their next shot.

  
  

2. Develop a Strong Serve

A strong serve means getting the ball 'Over & In' consistently... there are no aces in pickleball, so a medium paced serve landing in the back 1/3 of the court is very effective.

• Types of Serves: Forehand, backhand, top spin, slice, lob. Remember the swing path must be low to high and the ball struck below the belly button.

• Consistency: Just like tennis, having a consistent service routine is a must.

  
  

3. Improve Net Play

Net play is crucial in pickleball. Try skills with these tips:

• Positioning: Players should strive to maintain position at the Non-Volley Zone (kitchen) toes 2" behind the line. Strategically Critical for competitive play.

• Volleys: Practice volleying on a wall or with a partner, go slow at first, focus on keeping the paddle in front of your body and using very small crisp swings.

  
  

Advanced Coaching Tips for Competitive Players

For advanced players, the focus shifts to refining techniques and enhancing competitive strategies. Here are some tips:

1. Analyze Game Footage

If you play tournaments, video/ record your matches and analyze performance. Look for:

• Mistakes: Identify recurring errors, count your errors, and work to correct them.

• Strengths: Highlight effective strategies and shots that worked well during the game. Find what works against each opponent, then keep doing it until they stop making errors.

  
  

2. Mental Toughness

Mental resilience is key in competitive play. Tennis great Roger Federer lost 48% of all points he played, he had to work on letting the last point go, forget it, move forward.

• Visualization Techniques: Players need to visualize successful plays and outcomes before matches. This really works, take it to warm up, mentally feel good shots

• Breathing Exercises: Learn relaxation techniques to manage stress during high-pressure situations. (QUESTION: Do you hold your breath when dinking?)

  
  

3. Advanced Shot Techniques

Introduce advanced shots that can give players an edge:

• Swing Path & Body Weight: Consistency on all shots comes from swing path and the transfer of body weight into each shot. Topspin, backspin, dinks, and DROPS all them! Pickleball is a large muscle sport (legs, hips, abs, shoulders)

• No Wrist: Using your wrist causes errors & will earn you pickleball shaped tattoos.

• Drop Shot: Try executing drop shots without using/ swinging your arm... use your body weight to drop the ball... 'bunt drop'. It works for the pros.

  
  

The Role of Drills

Drills are vital for skill development at all levels.

Consider the following:

Playing rec for 2 hours, a 3.0 player might hit the ball 200-300 times -vs- drilling on a wall will allow a player to hit 500 forehands in 10 minutes. Added benefit of drilling on a wall: players are less focused on the outcome of points and can focus more on improving skills.

Drills are essential above 4.0. To progress a player needs to hit 1,000s of balls with good balance and technique... there is no substitute. When is the last time you hit 100 mid-court defensive resets? Drills: The game 7/11 is always helpful, figure 8 volleys, return high cross court off both forehand and backhand., etc...

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Conclusion

By focusing on the fundamentals for beginners, strategic play for intermediates, and advanced techniques for competitive players, all can raise their skill levels and improve their games.

Lastly, because I saw this today, pickleball is a game and only a game, it is not heart surgery, no lives are a stake. If you get mad or frustrated... GO HOME! Pickleball at its best is a social game with your peeps, the game should be fun for you and all of the players who come out to play.