Basic Pickleball Techniques
Master the fundamental shots and skills every player needs
💪 Master These in Order
Essential First (Weeks 1-4)
- 1. Basic serving technique
- 2. Groundstroke fundamentals
- 3. Dinking (soft shots)
- 4. Basic positioning
Build Next (Weeks 5-12)
- 1. Volleying technique
- 2. Return of serve
- 3. Third shot drop
- 4. Advanced positioning
Serving Technique
The serve starts every point and must be executed properly. Unlike tennis, pickleball serves must be underhand and contact the ball below waist level.
Step-by-Step Serving
Stance & Position
- • Stand behind baseline with both feet
- • Side-on stance (sideways to net)
- • Weight on back foot initially
- • Hold paddle like a handshake
Ball Drop & Contact
- • Hold ball in non-paddle hand
- • Drop ball (don't toss up)
- • Let ball bounce once
- • Contact below waist level on rise
Swing & Follow Through
- • Underhand pendulum motion
- • Paddle face below wrist at contact
- • Weight shifts from back to front foot
- • Follow through toward target
✅ Good Serving Habits
- • Aim deep to baseline
- • Consistent rhythm and routine
- • Vary placement (left/right)
- • Keep serves in play rather than aces
- • Practice both forehand and backhand serves
❌ Common Serving Errors
- • Hitting ball above waist
- • Paddle face above wrist at contact
- • Tossing ball up instead of dropping
- • Stepping on or over baseline
- • Serving too hard, losing control
💥Groundstroke Fundamentals
Groundstrokes are shots hit after the ball bounces. These form the foundation of your game and are used for baseline rallies, approach shots, and defensive play.
Forehand Groundstroke
Backhand Groundstroke
🎯 Groundstroke Practice Drills
Wall Rally:
Hit against a wall, focus on consistency and control rather than power.
Cross-Court Rally:
Rally diagonally with partner, keep ball deep and in play.
Target Practice:
Place cones on court, try to hit specific targets consistently.
Feed Drills:
Have partner feed balls to your forehand/backhand alternately.
🎯Dinking (The Soft Game)
Dinking is the art of hitting soft, controlled shots that land in the opponent's Kitchen. This is arguably the most important skill in pickleball and separates good players from great ones.
Dinking Technique
Body Position
- • Athletic stance, knees slightly bent
- • Stay low, get down to ball's level
- • Weight on balls of feet
- • Paddle up, ready position
Paddle Work
- • Gentle, controlled stroke
- • Use minimal backswing
- • Contact ball in front of body
- • Follow through low and forward
🎯 Dinking Goals
- • Keep ball low over net (6-12 inches)
- • Land ball in opponent's Kitchen
- • Force opponent to hit up
- • Create opportunities for winners
- • Maintain patience in rallies
⚠️ Dinking Mistakes
- • Hitting ball too high (easy attack)
- • Standing too far back
- • Using too much force
- • Not getting low enough
- • Impatience - going for winners too early
🏃♂️ Dinking Practice Progression
⚡Volleying Basics
Volleys are shots hit before the ball bounces. In pickleball, you can only volley outside the Kitchen/Non-Volley Zone, making positioning crucial.
Volley Technique
Ready Position
Paddle up, elbows away from body, weight forward, knees bent
Contact Point
Hit ball in front of body, firm wrist, minimal backswing
Follow Through
Short, controlled follow through, step into shot
🚫 Kitchen Volley Rules
Cannot Volley:
- • While standing in Kitchen
- • While touching Kitchen line
- • If momentum carries you in
- • Any part of body/equipment in Kitchen
Safe Volleying:
- • Both feet behind Kitchen line
- • Balanced after shot
- • Re-establish position before next volley
- • When in doubt, let it bounce
↩️Return of Serve
The return of serve is crucial because it must bounce before the serving team can hit it (double bounce rule). A good return sets up the point in your favor.
Return Strategy
- •Deep & Safe: Hit to baseline, keep in play
- •Down the Middle: Reduces angles, causes confusion
- •To Backhand: Usually weaker side for most players
- •Be Ready: Anticipate serve location
After the Return
- •Move Forward: Advance toward Kitchen line
- •Stay Balanced: Be ready for next shot
- •Communicate: Call shots with partner
- •Watch Ball: Track opponent's response
🎨Third Shot Drop (Advanced)
The third shot drop is an advanced technique where the serving team hits a soft shot that lands in the opponent's Kitchen, allowing them to advance to the net.
🎯 When to Use Third Shot Drop
Perfect Situations:
- • Deep return of serve
- • Both opponents at net
- • You're back at baseline
- • Need to neutralize point
Execution Tips:
- • Hit with soft touch
- • Arc ball over net
- • Land in Kitchen area
- • Follow shot forward
⏰ Learning Timeline
The third shot drop is challenging and typically takes months to master. Focus on basic shots first, then gradually add this to your game.
📅30-Day Practice Plan
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Ready for Strategy & Tactics?
Now that you have the basic techniques, learn game strategy and advanced tips