Lesson 5: Basic Strategy and Beginner Tips

Now that you know the rules, here are practical strategies to start playing well.

Get to the kitchen line:

Controlling the area just behind the NVZ line gives you a strong court position. Most experienced players aim to move forward and play from there.

Use the Two-Bounce Rule to your advantage:

• As the returner, hit a deep return to push the serving team back and give yourself time to advance toward the kitchen.
• As the serving team, let the return bounce before moving forward.

Serve tips:

• Aim your serve deep into the service court to keep your opponent far from the net.
• Always stay behind the baseline and use the required underhand motion.

Avoid kitchen mistakes:

• Never step into the kitchen to volley — this is one of the most common beginner faults.
• You can enter the kitchen after the ball bounces there.

General beginner tips:

• Keep shots low over the net at the center (only 34 inches high) to reduce errors.
• Call the score before every serve to stay organized, especially in doubles.
• Focus on consistency over power — winning by 2 points rewards patient, steady play.

Most importantly, have fun — pickleball is meant to be enjoyed by players of all skill levels!