Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, with about 5 million estimated players and 35,000 courts in the U.S.—including several right here at The Ranch!
Why has this unique sport (think of it as a blend of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton) become so popular? There are a lot of reasons: It’s low-impact, easy to learn, and just about anybody can play, from kids to seniors. It’s also pretty easy to play—the game uses a plastic ball that doesn’t move as fast as a tennis ball, the paddles are shorter and lighter than tennis racquets, and the court is a lot smaller than a tennis court. (Almost four pickleball courts could fit on one tennis court!)
But while playing might be easy, playing well takes practice and know-how. Here are four tips from our pros to help improve your game, whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned veteran.
Patience pays off in pickleball.
Instead of going for a scoring shot no matter what—even if it has a low chance of success—be thinking about the next shot. The shots that put your opponents into bad or awkward positions, while you stay in the right positions, will lead to winning points. It might take a little longer, but you’ll be reducing the chances of hitting a ball out of play (and increasing your chances of victory).
Don’t drop your paddle.
We’re not talking about dropping your paddle to the ground, although of course you don’t want to do that! But don’t let your paddle drop down around your waist, either—instead, keep it up at chest level. That way, you’ll be able to react more quickly when the ball comes at you.
Stop swinging so hard.
Power isn’t everything. In fact, the “dink” is one of the most important shots in pickleball! It’s pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a soft shot that just barely crosses the net and drops straight to the ground.
Go low.
It can be tempting to aim shots right at your opponents—even if they’re your friends—but if they’re holding the paddle where they should be (that is, up by the chest), they’ll have an easier time returning it. Instead, aim low! Hitting the ball around their feet, either in front of them or on either side, can put them in a difficult off-balance position.
Play well!
We’ve got pickleball clinics and other fun events to get you playing at The Ranch—we’ll see you on the court!