Top Tips for Young Pickleball Players

Chicago Pickleball Academy
Aug 9, 2025
4 min read

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. It combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, making it fun and accessible for players of all ages. For young players, getting started in pickleball can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. With the right tips and guidance, young athletes can improve their skills and enjoy the game even more. In this post, we will explore some essential tips for young pickleball players to help them thrive on the court.

Understand the Basics of the Game

Before jumping into advanced techniques, it is crucial to understand the basic rules and objectives of pickleball.

Court Dimensions: A pickleball court is 20 feet wide and 44 feet long for doubles play. The net is 36 inches high at the sidelines and 34 inches at the center.
Scoring System: Pickleball uses a unique scoring system. Only the serving team can score points. Games are typically played to 11 points, and a team must win by at least 2 points.
Serving: The serve must be made underhand and hit diagonally to the opponent's service court.

Familiarizing yourself with these basics will provide a solid foundation for your pickleball journey.

Practice Regularly

Like any sport, practice is key to improvement. Young players should aim to practice regularly to develop their skills. Here are some effective practice tips:

Set a Schedule: Dedicate specific days and times for practice. Consistency is essential for skill development.
Focus on Different Skills: Each practice session should focus on different aspects of the game, such as serving, volleying, and footwork.
Play with Different Partners: Playing with various partners can expose young players to different playing styles and strategies.

Regular practice not only improves skills but also builds confidence on the court.

Work on Footwork

Good footwork is essential in pickleball. It allows players to position themselves effectively for shots. Here are some footwork tips:

Stay Light on Your Feet: Always be ready to move. Staying light on your feet helps you react quickly to the ball.
Use Small Steps: Instead of large strides, use small, quick steps to adjust your position. This will help maintain balance and control.
Practice Lateral Movement: Pickleball often requires side-to-side movement. Set up cones and practice moving laterally to improve agility.

Improving footwork can significantly enhance a player's overall performance.

Develop a Strong Serve

A strong serve can set the tone for the entire game. Young players should focus on developing a reliable serve. Here are some tips:

Practice Different Serves: Experiment with various types of serves, such as the underhand serve and the topspin serve.
Aim for Placement: Instead of just hitting the ball hard, focus on placing your serve in different areas of the service box to keep opponents guessing.
Use Spin: Adding spin to your serve can make it more challenging for opponents to return.

A strong serve can give young players a significant advantage in matches.

Improve Your Volleying Skills

Volleys are crucial in pickleball, especially at the net. Here are some tips to improve volleying skills:

Keep Your Paddle Up: Always keep your paddle at the ready position. This allows for quicker reactions to incoming shots.
Practice Timing: Work on timing your volleys. Aim to hit the ball just before it bounces for maximum control.
Use Soft Hands: When volleying, use a gentle grip on the paddle. This helps absorb the ball's impact and allows for better placement.

Improving volleying skills can lead to more successful points during matches.

Learn to Communicate with Your Partner

In doubles play, communication is key. Young players should learn to communicate effectively with their partners. Here are some tips:

Call the Shots: Always call out who will take the shot, especially when the ball is close to the centerline.
Use Hand Signals: Develop simple hand signals to indicate strategies or plays without verbal communication.
Encourage Each Other: Positive communication can boost confidence and morale during matches.

Effective communication can lead to better teamwork and improved performance.

Watch and Learn from Others

One of the best ways to improve is to watch experienced players. Here are some ways to learn from others:

Attend Local Matches: Watching local pickleball matches can provide insights into strategies and techniques.
Online Tutorials: There are many online resources, including videos and tutorials, that can help young players learn new skills.
Join a Club: Joining a pickleball club can provide opportunities to play with and learn from more experienced players.

Observing others can inspire young players and provide valuable lessons.

Stay Positive and Have Fun

Lastly, it is essential for young players to maintain a positive attitude and have fun while playing. Here are some tips to keep the joy in the game:

Set Realistic Goals: Focus on personal improvement rather than just winning. Setting achievable goals can keep motivation high.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate small achievements, whether it is mastering a new skill or winning a point.
Enjoy the Social Aspect: Pickleball is a social game. Enjoy the camaraderie and friendships that come with playing.

Keeping a positive mindset can enhance the overall experience of playing pickleball.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

Becoming a skilled pickleball player takes time, practice, and dedication. By following these tips, young players can improve their skills and enjoy the game to the fullest. Remember to stay positive, practice regularly, and most importantly, have fun on the court. The journey of learning and growing in pickleball is just as rewarding as the game itself.