Basics rules of pickleball are:
- The court is a rectangle that is 20 feet by 44 feet. There are non-volley lines running parallel to the net that are seven feet from it. The service line is located on either side of the court and serves as a boundary for when players can hit volleys or groundstrokes.
- Players must serve the ball diagonally, starting from the right side of their court to the opposite service zone.
- The server must keep one foot on or behind the back line during the serve and hit it in an underhand motion. 4. Once served, players can hit groundstrokes or volleys within the boundaries of the court.
- Shots can be hit cross-court or down the middle, but they must not land within the non-volley lines (also known as the “kitchen”). If a shot goes into the kitchen area, it is a fault and the opposing team gets to serve.
- The ball can bounce once on each side of the court before it is returned. If a player hits the ball without allowing it to bounce, it is a fault and the opposing team gets to serve.
- Games are played up to 11 points, with one point being scored per rally (The first person or team to reach 11 points wins).
How to Master the Different Strokes
The Forehand:
This is the most basic stroke which involves swinging your paddle from the back of the court to hit the ball in front of you.
The Backhand:
This stroke is similar to a forehand, but it requires you to swing your paddle across your body and slightly up towards the top of your court.
The Volley:
This is a shot that is hit before the ball bounces on the ground. It requires you to move quickly and accurately position your paddle in order to hit the ball cleanly.
The Overhead Smash:
This stroke allows you to hit the ball with power and accuracy, thus allowing you to clear your opponent’s side of the court.
The Drop Shot:
This involves hitting the ball softly and accurately over the net, so that it lands just on or in front of the non-volley line (the kitchen).
The Lob:
This is a high arching shot that is hit over the net and lands in the backcourt of your opponent. It is used to disrupt their rhythm and force them to move further back in order to return the shot.
The Serve:
This stroke requires you to start each point off with an accurate serve that not only makes it hard for your opponent to return.
Understand Court Positioning and Footwork
Footwork:
Footwork is essential in pickleball as it allows you to move around the court quickly and accurately get into position for each shot. The most important footwork skills include a Split Step, Side Shuffle and Backpedal.
Court Positioning:
It’s important to understand where you need to be on the court in order to hit each shot effectively. Generally, the best way to position yourself is to stand a few feet back from the net and slightly behind your baseline.
Angles:
This involves anticipating where your opponent’s shot is going in order to get into position before they hit it and set up your next shot. It’s important to understand the angles of the court so that you can use them to your advantage.
Reading Your Opponent:
This involves watching your opponent’s body and paddle in order to predict where they are going to hit the ball.
Know Your Opponent’s Style of Play
Offensive Player:
An offensive player is someone who likes to hit the ball hard and fast in order to force their opponent into mistakes. They will often use aggressive strategies such as drop shots, lobs and smashes in order to win points.
Defensive Player:
A defensive player is someone who prefers to play a slower, controlled game. They will often use tactics such as positioning and angles to try and disrupt their opponent’s rhythm and keep the ball in play for a longer period of time.
Rally Player:
A rally player is someone who enjoys long rallies and follows the rules of pickleball, but still has the ability to mix up their shots when needed. They will often use a combination of defensive and offensive strategies in order to keep their opponent guessing.
All-Around Player:
An all-around player is someone who enjoys playing different styles depending on the situation. They will often mix up their shots, positioning and footwork in order to take advantage of any opportunities they can find.
Conclusion:
Pickleball is a fun and exciting sport that requires skill, strategy and finesse. In order to become a better player it’s important to understand the different strokes, court positioning and footwork, angles, reading your opponent and their style of play. With enough practice and dedication anyone can master pickleball.
