Pickleball 101
The cross-court dink is the single most important and safest shot in pickleball. It's the most consistent way to keep the ball low, force your opponents into errors, and sustain rallies until you get the perfect chance to attack. Here is your guide to understanding the geometry, technique, and strategic safety of this game-changing shot.
The reset shot is your "panic button"—a controlled, soft shot hit from a difficult position that aims to drop the ball softly into your opponent's Kitchen (Non-Volley Zone). It's not a winner; it's a neutralizer. It takes the opponent’s pace away and allows you to "reset" the rally back to a slow, controlled dinking exchange. Here is the 3-step guide to mastering this essential defensive skill.
In pickleball, the battle for the net is everything. As the receiving team, the Return of Serve (the second shot) is your golden ticket to winning that battle. A weak, short return gives the serving team an easy third shot drop and a free pass to the net. A deep, controlled return, however, forces the serving team to hit a difficult, defensive third shot, giving you the time you need to sprint forward and take an early advantage. Here is your 3-step guide to mastering the deep, aggressive return of serve.
The serve is the only shot in pickleball where you are in complete control. Yet, many beginners either hit the ball out - or worse - hit a weak, short serve that hands the advantage directly to the opponent. To win a point, you must start with a deep, consistent serve that forces the receiver to step back and hit a defensive return. Forget trick serves and powerful slams for now; focus entirely on consistency and depth.
If you're new to pickleball, trying to hit every ball hard is the fastest way to lose. To win consistently, you need to master a few fundamental shots that allow you to start and control a rally. These 5 essential shots are the building blocks of every competitive player. Master these basics, and you will dramatically accelerate your progress from beginner to confident intermediate.