10 Winning Pickleball Strategies & Tips for New Players

Want to go from beginner to competitive player faster? These 10 proven strategies will transform your pickleball game. Whether you're struggling to win points or looking to take your skills to the next level, these tips work for players at every stage.

Strategy 1: Master the Third Shot Drop

The third shot drop is the most important shot in pickleball. After serving (shot 1) and receiving the return (shot 2), your third shot determines whether you can advance to the net.

How to Execute:

• Use a continental grip (like holding a hammer)
• Keep your paddle face open (angled upward)
• Use a lifting motion, not a swing
• Aim for the ball to peak on your side and drop into the kitchen

Strategy 2: Get to the Kitchen Line

The team that controls the net wins most points. Your goal should be to get both players to the non-volley zone (kitchen) line as quickly as possible.

Strategy 3: Keep the Ball Low

High balls invite attacks. Low balls force your opponents to hit up, giving you the advantage.

• Aim for balls to clear the net by just 2-6 inches
• Use dinks (soft shots) to keep rallies low
• Avoid "pop-ups" that your opponents can smash
• When in doubt, hit it lower rather than higher

Strategy 4: Target the Backhand

Most players have a weaker backhand than forehand. Strategically targeting backhands increases your chances of forcing errors.

Strategy 5: Be Patient - Avoid Unforced Errors

At the recreational level, most points are lost on errors, not won on winners. The player who makes fewer mistakes usually wins.

Strategy 6: Serve Deep and Consistent

A deep serve pushes your opponent back, making their return more difficult and giving you time to prepare.

• Aim deep: Target the back third of the service box
• Be consistent: A serve in play beats a fancy serve that misses
• Vary placement: Mix up corners to keep opponents guessing

Strategy 7: Return Deep and Move Forward

Your return of serve is your first opportunity to gain position. Hit it deep and immediately advance to the kitchen line.

Strategy 8: Communicate with Your Partner

Doubles is a team sport. Good communication prevents confusion and builds chemistry.

Strategy 9: Watch the Ball, Not the Player

Many beginners watch their opponent instead of the ball, leading to late reactions and poor positioning.

• Keep your eyes on the ball from your opponent's paddle to yours
• Track the ball through contact with your paddle
• Use peripheral vision to track opponent positioning
• Stay in the "ready position" between shots

Strategy 10: Move as a Unit with Your Partner

Think of you and your partner as connected by a 10-foot rope. When one moves, the other should follow to maintain court coverage.

Bonus: The Ready Position

Return to this position after every shot:

• Knees slightly bent, weight on balls of feet
• Paddle up in front of your body
• Eyes forward, watching the ball
• Ready to move in any direction

Putting It All Together

Don't try to implement all 10 strategies at once. Focus on one or two per session:

1. Week 1-2: Focus on consistent serves and returns
2. Week 3-4: Work on getting to the kitchen line
3. Week 5-6: Practice the third shot drop
4. Week 7-8: Emphasize patience and reducing errors
5. Ongoing: Communication and movement with partner

Conclusion

These 10 strategies form the foundation of winning pickleball. Master these fundamentals, and you'll see rapid improvement in your game. Remember: consistency beats power, patience beats aggression, and teamwork beats individual skill. Get out there, practice these strategies, and watch your game transform!