Pickleball Beginner’s Handbook

In the rapidly growing world of sports, pickleball stands out with its approachable style and exciting gameplay.

For newcomers, understanding the fundamentals is the best way to begin this enjoyable journey on the court.

Getting to Know Pickleball and the Gear

Pickleball blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, making it both dynamic and beginner-friendly.

A pickleball paddle is smaller than a tennis racket and features a shorter, slimmer grip for easier handling.

Paddles come in various materials—wood, composite, and carbon fiber—each offering different levels of control and power. Choosing a paddle that feels comfortable and balanced in your hand is essential.

The pickleball itself is a lightweight, hard, hollow ball about 7.3 cm in diameter, designed with evenly spaced holes.

This specialized design gives the ball a unique flight pattern and bounce, contributing to the distinctive feel of the sport.

Learning the Correct Grip

Your grip is the foundation of every successful shot in pickleball. Most beginners start with one of two main grip styles:

1. Continental Grip

Perfect for beginners, the continental grip offers great control.

Hold the paddle as if you're shaking hands with it.

The “V” formed by your thumb and index finger should point toward the top edge of the paddle.

This grip makes it easier to handle both forehand and backhand shots with improved stability and directional control.

2. Eastern Grip

If you want more power in your strokes, try the eastern grip.

Hold the paddle upright and place the base of your palm against the right side of the handle (for right-handed players), letting your fingers wrap naturally.

This grip delivers stronger forehand shots, but it may take some time to adjust to.

Basic Stance and Ready Position

A good ready stance sets the stage for quick reactions.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight leaning forward.

Hold the paddle in front of you with the head up, staying focused on your opponent or the incoming ball.

This position helps you move faster and reach the ideal hitting point.

Fundamental Hitting Techniques

Forehand Stroke

When the ball comes to your forehand side, rotate your body slightly and bring the paddle backward.

As you strike, transfer force from your legs through your waist and into your arm.

Hit the ball in front of your body—around waist height—for a solid, controlled forehand.

Backhand Stroke

For a backhand, turn your body to the side and pull the paddle across your torso.

Use leg power and body rotation to swing upward, striking the ball in front of your body’s opposite side.

Pay attention to paddle angle to keep the ball clear of the net.

Serving Basics

Every point begins with a serve, so mastering this skill is important.

Stand with feet staggered and your body leaning slightly forward.

Pick from two common serve styles:

Underhand Serve

This beginner-friendly serve involves a gentle toss followed by an upward swing from below the ball.

Aim for a low, smooth shot that lands deep in the opponent’s court, making it harder for them to return.

Overhand Serve

More advanced and aggressive, the overhand serve starts with a toss above your head, followed by a downward power strike.

It adds speed and height but requires practice to control.

Simple Tactics and Basic Rules

As a new player, understanding simple strategy will instantly improve your game.

Try hitting the ball toward the opponent’s backcourt to force weaker returns, or use angled shots to open up space.

Familiarize yourself with key rules, such as valid landing zones, service rules, and the scoring system, so you can enjoy games with confidence.

Pickleball is easy to learn and incredibly rewarding.

By practicing grip, footwork, basic strokes, and serves—along with understanding simple strategies—you’ll quickly find yourself improving. Soon, you’ll be confidently rallying on the court and discovering the excitement and fun that pickleball has to offer.

Welcome to the pickleball community—your journey has just begun!

BHI Pickleball-Custom pickleball paddle