If you’re new to pickleball, the first step is understanding that success isn’t all about power—it’s about control, placement, and patience. The best beginner strategy is to keep the ball in play. Focus on consistent, controlled shots rather than trying to win every rally with speed or spin. Keep your paddle up, stay balanced, and aim for steady returns that land deep in your opponent’s court.
1️⃣ Master the Serve and Return
A good serve sets the tone. Aim deep and steady rather than hard and risky. When returning, hit the ball deep as well—this gives you time to move forward toward the non-volley zone (the kitchen). You’ll practice these fundamentals in our Pickleball 101 class, designed to help new players build confidence and master the basics.
2️⃣ Get to the Kitchen Line
After returning serve, move up quickly but under control. Standing at the kitchen line allows you to volley balls out of the air and put pressure on your opponents. This position is where most points are won, and it’s a big focus in our Pickleball 201 sessions—perfect for players who already know the rules and want to improve positioning and shot strategy.
3️⃣ Dink with Purpose
Once you’re at the net, work on your dink game—those soft, controlled shots that drop into your opponent’s kitchen. Dinking isn’t about luck; it’s about patience. Aim for low, slow shots that force mistakes. In our 301 and advanced clinics, you’ll practice when to reset, when to attack, and how to control the tempo of play.
4️⃣ Communicate and Move Together
If you’re playing doubles, move as a team. Stay roughly in line with your partner—when one moves up, the other follows. Call shots early and clearly, and stay positive. Communication and positioning often matter more than raw skill at the beginner level, and our guided open plays and coached sessions are a great way to build those habits in a friendly, social setting.
5️⃣ Learn from Every Rally
Each game teaches you something new: how the ball bounces, how to read opponents, when to attack or reset. Keep practicing, take a class or join a round robin at The Pickleball Club of Tysons, and don’t be afraid of mistakes.
