Pickleball feels like a simple game when you’re playing smart. If you’re a newer player in the 2.5 range, you don’t need fancy tricks or aggressive slams to improve. You just need to focus on a few fundamentals that make the game easier and you more effective.
Here are five simple pickleball tips to help you win more points, avoid common beginner mistakes, and enjoy the game more.
1. Get Your Serves In – “Possession Wins Points”
Serving is important, but not because of aces—most points aren’t won on the serve. Instead, your job is to get the ball in play so you can compete for the point. The defending team already has a big advantage, so don’t make it any easier on them. Missed serves are free giveaways that cost your team momentum and scoring opportunities. As you learn to add power or spin to your serve, you can start with more consistent looping serves that eager players may over hit.
Best Against: Players who struggle with consistency and return errors.
2. Protect the Kitchen Line – “Own the Line, Own the Game”
While serving, or attacking, you need to use energy and move quickly, or hit a nice drop to gain the line. So, once you earn it, resist the urge to back up from the kitchen. The strongest position in pickleball is right at the non-volley zone, where you can control the game and cut off angles. When you back up, you give your opponents more space to attack, making it harder to defend. Many players drift back into “no mans land” which is something you must keep an eye on.
Best Against: Players who rely on soft shots and drop shots to push opponents off the line.
3. Aim for the Middle – “Simple Shots Win Rallies”
Fancy angles look great—until they sail out or give your opponent an easy put-away. Instead of trying for sharp winners, aim for the middle. This reduces errors, forces your opponents into awkward returns, and keeps you in control of the point. This is another game theory strategy similar to #1 that keeps the ball in play. Returning or slamming down the middle won’t end the point like an angled slam, but can often cause a miscommunication and gives you more leeway as a new player.
Best Against: Aggressive players who lunge for wide shots but struggle with footwork.
4. Favor Your Forehand – “The Forehand Rules”
Unless your partner is dominant on their backhand, take more shots on your forehand. It’s generally stronger, more controlled, and easier to direct. Talk with your partner, communicate on shots, and decide who takes what to avoid confusion and improve teamwork. If you’re on your forehand side, don’t begin to run toward the net until you’re certain that the return is going to your partner.
Best Against: Opponents who target indecisive teams or weaker backhands.
5. Hold Your Ground – “Stable Feet, Stable Shots”
Hitting while backing up leads to weak and inconsistent shots, especially from the back line. Instead, plant your feet or move forward to meet the ball. A steady stance creates better control, improves accuracy, and prevents unnecessary errors.
Best Against: Players who rely on deep shots to push opponents out of position.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun
None of these tips require advanced skills or complex strategies—they’re simple because good pickleball is simple. Focus on these five keys, and you’ll start playing smarter, winning more points, and avoiding beginner mistakes that hold players back. Stick to these fundamentals, and you’ll improve faster while having more fun on the court.