Top Beginner Pickleball Tips: What I Wish I Knew Before My First Game

A Welcoming Game With a Learning Curve

Pickleball may be one of the most accessible sports to pick up, but that doesn't mean it's easy to play well. What begins as a friendly paddle sport can quickly evolve into a fast-paced chess match, full of strategy, coordination, and surprisingly technical skills. For many newcomers, the learning curve comes not from the rules themselves—but from the unwritten lessons that only reveal themselves after a few games on the court.

For first-time players, the basics are simple enough: a court roughly a third the size of a tennis court, a plastic ball, a solid paddle, and a set of rules that combine elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. But beneath the surface lies a unique rhythm, a culture of etiquette, and a collection of habits that can make or break the beginner experience.

Here’s what I—and many others—wish we knew before stepping into that first match.

1. The Kitchen Is More Than a Quirky Name

Arguably the most misunderstood area in pickleball is the “kitchen”—a seven-foot non-volley zone on either side of the net. New players often forget (or are never told) that you can't volley the ball while standing inside it. That means no hitting the ball out of the air unless you're behind that line.

This rule changes the way the game is played near the net. Instead of charging forward for smashes, players must learn to develop control: dinking, resetting, and waiting for the right moment to attack. It's a mental shift for those coming from tennis or ping pong, where net dominance often means relentless aggression.

Tip: Spend time just understanding how to move in and out of the kitchen line, and focus on soft hands instead of big swings when you're close.

2. Power Won’t Carry You Far

Beginners often make the mistake of trying to hit the ball hard—every time. It’s natural: hitting a winner feels satisfying, and in many sports, power creates pressure. But in pickleball, especially in doubles play, overhitting often works against you. More experienced players use your pace against you, redirecting fast shots into precise placements.

Control and consistency trump brute force. A well-placed dink or third-shot drop can be more effective than a powerful drive.

Tip: Focus on keeping the ball in play and developing accuracy over velocity. Power will come naturally with better technique.

3. The Serve Isn’t Supposed to Win You the Point

In pickleball, the serve is underhand, and unlike in tennis, it’s not designed to be an offensive weapon. The goal is simply to start the point—and to land the ball deep in the opposing service box.

Trying to ace someone or applying too much spin typically leads to faults. Moreover, beginners often overlook the fact that the serving team must allow the return to bounce before hitting it (and vice versa), a key part of the sport's double-bounce rule.

Tip: Work on consistent, deep serves that give you time to get ready for the next shot. Accuracy and routine are more valuable than trying to outsmart opponents on the serve.

4. Footwork and Positioning Matter More Than You Expect

Because of the court’s smaller size, many players underestimate how important movement is. In truth, pickleball requires constant micro-adjustments, split steps, lateral shuffles, and synchronized movement in doubles.

The game rewards those who stay balanced and in the right position—not those who rely on reaching or reacting late.

Tip: Stay light on your feet, avoid crossing your legs when moving laterally, and always return to a neutral ready position after every shot.

5. Communication Is Key in Doubles

Pickleball is predominantly a doubles sport, and success relies heavily on teamwork. One of the most overlooked beginner habits is failing to call shots or clarify roles.

Who takes the middle ball? What’s the plan after a lob? Are we stacking or playing traditional positions? These questions don’t answer themselves.

Tip: Communicate early and often. Use clear verbal cues (“mine,” “yours,” “out”) and decide roles with your partner before the match begins.

6. Respect the Culture of the Game

Pickleball prides itself on being inclusive and friendly. Recreational games often involve players of different ages, backgrounds, and skill levels rotating in and out. This dynamic creates a unique court etiquette that newcomers are expected to observe.

That includes things like:

Not smashing directly at beginners during casual games.

Rotating out politely after a game to give others a turn.

Saying “good game” regardless of the score.

Tip: Ask questions and observe how regulars interact. Following local etiquette goes a long way in being welcomed into new playing circles.

7. Practice the Soft Game Early

The fastest-growing area of skill in pickleball is the “soft game”—dinks, resets, and drops that slow down the pace and open up strategic plays. Many beginners avoid these shots because they feel awkward or unproductive.

However, the soft game is what separates casual players from competitive ones. It’s especially important in doubles, where long kitchen exchanges are common.

Tip: Practice dinks from both forehand and backhand sides. Focus on arc, control, and foot positioning rather than trying to hit winners.

8. Expect to Be Humbled—and Then Addicted

Most people assume pickleball will be easy. It’s smaller than tennis, slower than squash, and accessible to all ages. But after a few games, beginners quickly realize that there’s far more depth than expected.

You'll miss easy shots. You'll struggle with consistency. You'll lose to players 20 years older than you. And still, you’ll come back—because the game is built for growth and built for fun.

Tip: Stick with it. The frustration of the first few games is part of the process. Improvement happens faster than you think.

9. Footwear and Paddle Choice Do Matter

New players often show up in running shoes and with borrowed paddles. While that’s fine to start, upgrading these two pieces of gear makes a noticeable difference.

Running shoes don’t provide the lateral support needed for quick movement and can increase the risk of ankle injuries. Likewise, not all paddles are created equal—differences in weight, grip size, and core thickness affect control and comfort.

Tip: Invest in court shoes (indoor or outdoor depending on your surface) and test different paddles through demos or borrowing before buying.

10. It’s Okay Not to Know the Rules—At First

Pickleball has some rules that feel counterintuitive at the beginning. The double-bounce rule, scoring system, kitchen violations, and server positioning can all be confusing.

New players often feel embarrassed about asking questions. But the community is, by and large, eager to help. Most experienced players were in your shoes not long ago.

Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask how something works. Watching games and reading a rulebook can help—but nothing replaces learning by doing.

The First Game Is Just the Beginning

The magic of pickleball lies in its balance. It’s both simple and intricate, social and strategic, playful and intensely competitive. What looks like a leisurely paddle game soon becomes a full-body workout wrapped in tactical nuance.

For beginners, the best advice is to play often, stay curious, and embrace the learning process. Your first game may feel like a whirlwind—but with time, you’ll discover the rhythm, the strategy, and the deep satisfaction that comes from mastering the soft shot, reading your opponent, and walking off the court wanting more.