🏓 7 Simple Tips to Improve Your Pickleball Game (Without Changing Everything)
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So, you've caught the pickleball bug! But now you want to level up your game and stop sending every third shot into the net or sky. Whether you're playing socially in the backyard or getting serious at your local club, these simple tips will help you play smarter, move better, and win more rallies.
Let’s get dinking.
1. Master the Soft Game
Pickleball isn’t just about power, it’s about control. Learning how to “dink” (that soft, short shot just over the net) can turn the tide of any game. The goal? Keep it low and unattackable. Think chess, not checkers.
Tip: Practise dinking diagonally from the kitchen line with a mate. Soft hands, small swing, stay relaxed.
2. Serve Deep and Consistent
You don’t need a flashy serve. What you do need is depth and consistency. A deep serve keeps your opponent back and gives you time to prepare.
Tip: Aim for Âľ court, just inside the baseline. Use a smooth, underhand motion with a slight follow-through.
3. Work on Your Footwork
Your paddle is only as good as your positioning. Staying light on your feet and moving efficiently will help you get to the ball faster and hit it cleaner.
Tip: Stay low with knees slightly bent. Shuffle, don’t run. And always get back to ready position after each shot.
4. Know When to Drop and When to Drive
A third-shot drop (a soft shot into the kitchen after the return) is a key move in pickleball strategy. But sometimes, a drive (a fast, flat shot) is the better play. Mix it up based on your opponent's positioning.
Tip: If your opponent is hugging the net, drop it. If they’re backpedalling, drive it.
5. Stay Out of No-Man’s Land
That awkward spot between the baseline and the kitchen? That’s No-Man’s Land and it’s where pickleball dreams go to die. You're too far to dink, too close to handle fast drives.
Tip: After your third shot, move quickly up to the kitchen line and hold your ground.
6. Communicate With Your Partner
If you're playing doubles, talking is everything. Who’s taking the shot? Who’s covering middle? Saying “Mine!” or “Yours!” can be the difference between a clean winner and a confused mess.
Tip: Agree on signals or phrases before you start. It helps build rhythm and trust.
7. Upgrade Your Gear (When You’re Ready)
As your skills improve, so should your paddle. A better paddle means better touch, control, and power, especially with carbon-faced or thermoformed paddles.
Tip: Check out The Big D from our Performance Series if you're getting serious. Or grab a Play Series paddle to boost confidence without the price tag.
Final Thoughts
Improving at pickleball doesn’t mean reinventing your swing overnight. Focus on smart movement, thoughtful shot selection, and practising the fundamentals. The rest? It comes with time (and a few laughs along the way).
And remember: it’s called pickleball. It’s supposed to be fun.
Ready to step up your game? Check out our range of paddles, balls, and bundles at dink.co.nz.
Play better. Dink smarter.
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