Pickleball – once seen as a retirement sport – is now one of the fastest-growing games in Singapore and around the world. A fun, fast-paced hybrid of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, it’s easy to pick up but tricky to master. Whether you’re playing casually at your SAFRA clubhouse courts or getting serious about weekend matches, improving your pickleball game is as rewarding as it is social.
We’ve rounded up 10 practical, beginner-to-intermediate-friendly tips to help you elevate your skills, win more rallies, and enjoy the game even more.
1. Master the Ready Position
Your stance is everything. Stay light on your feet with knees slightly bent, weight forward, and paddle up in front of you at chest height. This “ready” position ensures you can react swiftly to balls coming at any angle – especially during fast exchanges at the net. Don’t rest your paddle low or by your side – you’ll lose precious reaction time.
2. Dink With Purpose, Not Power
Dinking is a soft shot that lands in the opponent’s no-volley zone (a.k.a. “the kitchen”). It might look easy, but it’s a strategic weapon. Focus on control and finesse over brute force. Aim for low, arcing dinks that bounce near your opponent’s feet – making it hard for them to attack without popping the ball up. Patience is key here: wait for your chance to strike.
3. Serve Deep and Keep It Legal
While pickleball serves must be underhand and below the waist, that doesn’t mean they can’t be effective. The goal is consistency and placement, not speed. Serve deep toward the baseline to keep opponents pinned back and reduce their attack options. Vary your targets to keep them guessing, but always prioritise getting the serve in – an unforced error gives away free points.
4. Respect the Kitchen
The “no-volley zone” or “kitchen” extends 7 feet from the net on either side. You can’t volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in this zone. Many players get caught forgetting this. Step into the kitchen only to hit a dink or drop shot, then step back immediately. Hover just behind the line for optimal positioning during net play.
5. Communicate Clearly in Doubles
Pickleball is often played in doubles, and like any team sport, communication is critical. Call out “mine,” “yours,” or “leave it” to avoid confusion. Discuss strategy before the match – who takes lobs, who covers middle shots, etc. Miscommunication can cost you easy points, especially when both players hesitate or go for the same ball.
6. Watch the Ball – Not the Opponent
It’s easy to get distracted by your opponent’s movements or paddle. But the real secret to better shot accuracy is simple: watch the ball all the way to your paddle. Keep your eye on it through contact to reduce mishits and increase control. This is especially important during fast-paced volleys or return-of-serve situations.
7. Use the Third Shot Drop Wisely
After the serve and return, the third shot often sets the tone for the rally. Rather than smashing, try a third shot drop – a soft, arcing shot that lands gently in the kitchen. It gives you time to advance to the net (where most points are won) and resets the rally in your favour. This technique takes practice, but it’s a game-changer once mastered.
8. Footwork Over Power
You don’t need to hit like a tennis pro to be effective in pickleball. Often, it’s your footwork that wins the point. Take small, quick steps to stay balanced and ready to adjust. Avoid lunging or overreaching it throws off your timing and increases the chance of injury. Think of it as a dance: controlled, fluid, and always on your toes.
9. Be Patient – Wait for the Right Shot
In pickleball, patience truly is a virtue. Rushing to smash every ball often backfires, especially against experienced players who know how to redirect pace. Instead, build the point. Keep the rally going with smart dinks or deep resets, and wait for a ball that’s high enough to attack. Smart shot selection beats brute force every time.
10. Have Fun and Keep It Social
At its heart, pickleball is about fun and community. Whether you’re playing competitively or just rallying with friends, enjoy the moments in between points. Laugh off mistakes, celebrate good rallies, and don’t be afraid to play with new partners or players of different levels. The more you play, the more you learn – and the more enjoyable it becomes.
Ready to Rally?
Pickleball is here to stay – and with SAFRA clubs offering courts and growing interest among NSmen and families, there’s no better time to jump in. So grab your paddle, apply these tips, and see how your game levels up.
See you on the court! 🏓
Ready to level up your pickleball skills? Grab your bro or bestie and book a game or two at our pickleball courts available at SAFRA Tampines, SAFRA Jurong, SAFRA Yishun or SAFRA Mount Faber. Click here for more information.
SAFRA members pay lower rates starting from $3.30/hr, while public rates start from $5.10/hr, making it more affordable for members to enjoy pickleball courts across SAFRA locations. Plus, members get exclusive online booking privileges and complimentary equipment rental for a limited time. Complimentary rental of paddles and balls is available by request.
