Q: There is a lot written about pickleball strategy. If you had to boil it all down to just a couple sentences what would you say?
A: Pickleball has a lot of layers to it but, in our opinion, here are the most important basics:
#1: Do your best to not make mistakes. This seems obvious but how many times do you try to hit a little too close to the line or with a bit more power than is comfortable? Limit those mistakes as much as possible and let your opponent make them.
#2: Next, (and this relates to the first point), be patient and play within yourself. By this we mean play under control and don't feel like you need to "over-hit" or hit a winner to end the point. Be a consistent "Steady Eddie" out there. Again, let your opponent make the unforced error versus you going for a hero shot.
#3: Lastly, take time to learn proper court positioning and do your best to ensure you are in that right place at all times. The first rule of court positioning that we see new players make is not getting to the kitchen line as soon as possible. Doing that alone will help your game immensely.
Most importantly, don't worry if you have mishaps on anything from keeping score, forgetting to come to the net, faulting on your serve, etc. We've all been there. The important thing is to keep persisting; soon enough what seemed difficult at first will become second nature.
Want to learn more? Check out our free ebook for lots more info about how to improve your game. Pickle on friends!
Well put! I teach beginning classes in a local adult Continuing Ed. class and I also preach this!