Who is this for? Former tennis players and other racquet-sport returners whose big swings keep sending balls long. Journey time: 3 to 4 weeks.
1. Shrink your swing
A pickleball court is about a third the size of a tennis doubles court. On most shots, take the paddle back no further than your hip.
2. Use a continental grip
It lets you hit forehand and backhand dinks and volleys without changing grip, which you won’t have time to do at the net.
3. Get to the kitchen line
Most points are won by the team at the non-volley line. After the return, move up with your partner and stay level with each other.
4. Learn the dink
A soft shot from near the kitchen line that lands in your opponent’s kitchen. Lift with your legs and shoulder, not your wrist. Drill: cross-court dinks with a partner, counting to 20 without an error.
5. Learn the third shot drop
When your team serves, your third shot should be a soft, arcing ball that lands in their kitchen. It buys you time to move forward. Practice it from the baseline.
6. Learn the reset
When someone attacks you, loosen your grip and block the ball softly back into the kitchen. Absorb pace instead of matching it.
7. Keep your paddle up
Hold it in front of you at chest height between shots. Exchanges at the net are too fast to lift it from your knees.
8. Be patient
Wait for a ball above net height before speeding it up. Count your dinks before you attack, and try to make that number grow.
9. Film a few points
Watch for three habits: dropping the paddle, a big backswing, and staying back after the return.
You’re ready to begin. Your tennis hands are an asset once they learn to slow down. Win the soft game and the power comes later.
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