13 Essential Pickleball Tips to Level Up Your Game Fast

Main Points

Tip 1: Use a relaxed, neutral ready position close to the body.
Tip 2: Hit returns with forward momentum to reach the non-volley zone quickly.
Tip 3: Use the third shot drive to set up an easier fifth shot drop.
Tip 4: Master proper shuffle steps for better footwork and positioning.
Tip 5: Push volleys out with an open paddle face instead of hitting downward.
Tip 6: Defend in transition with the backhand for better control and stability.
Tip 7: Attack or counterattack to the opponent’s dominant side first (the “chicken wing”).
Tip 8: Cover the middle ball as the crosscourt player.
Tip 9: Reset with a soft lifting motion instead of counter-punching.
Tip 10: Add power to serves by transferring weight forward and finishing inside the court.
Tip 11: Practice returns consistently to reduce free points.
Tip 12: Hit aggressive dinks that push opponents back to the non-volley zone line.
Tip 13: Maintain an aggressive mindset—attack high balls in transition when possible.

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Summary

This video breaks down 13 practical tips that any pickleball player can implement to see rapid improvement on the court. It starts with the ready position, emphasizing a relaxed, neutral stance with the paddle closer to the body rather than extended far forward. This positioning gives players quicker reaction time for counters and volleys. From there, the video stresses the importance of hitting returns with forward momentum, helping players close the gap to the non-volley zone and establish control early in the point.

The middle tips focus on shot selection, footwork, and defensive strategy. Players are encouraged to use the third shot drive not as a winner but as a setup for a fifth shot drop. Proper shuffle steps are highlighted as the key to staying balanced and reaching wide balls without overextending. On defense, players are advised to rely on their backhand, which provides more stability under pressure. When attacking, targeting the opponent’s dominant side is recommended, as most players struggle with shots aimed at their “chicken wing” area.

The video also highlights essential doubles strategy, like covering the middle as the crosscourt player and using controlled resets with a lifting motion instead of hard counter-volleying. Serving with body weight moving forward adds easy power, while consistently practicing returns reduces errors and keeps opponents from scoring easy points. To finish, the video stresses the importance of aggressive dinks that push opponents off the non-volley zone line and the mindset shift of attacking high balls in transition. Altogether, these 13 tips provide a complete roadmap for players to level up their pickleball skills quickly and effectively.