Pickleball

Essential Questions

• What are the basic shots you need to be successful in pickleball?

• What's a strategy you can use in doubles to put pressure on your opponent?

• What qualities do you want to see out of your partner?

• What qualities do you want to see out of your opponent?

Pickleball Rules

1. Objective: Score points by hitting the ball over the net so the opponent can’t return it.

2. Court Setup: 20x44-foot court with a net in the middle and two service boxes on each side. No-volley-zone line 7 feet away from the net on both sides.

3. Serving: Serve underhand, below the waist, and diagonally. Only one serve attempt, except if it touches the net and lands in the correct box ("let"/redo)

4. Rotation in Doubles:

   - The first server starts from the right side.

   - After each point, the server switches sides.

   - The second teammate serves after the first loses their serve, starting from whatever side they're on.

   - When both teammates lose their serve, a "side-out" occurs and the opposing team serves.

5. Serve and Return Double Bounce Serve Rule: After the serve, both sides must let the ball bounce once on their side before hitting it. 

6. No-Volley Zone (Kitchen): No volleys allowed in front of the 7-foot line near the net.  A foot on the line counts as being in the no-volley zone.  Your momentum may not carry you into the no-volley zone after hitting the ball.

7. Scoring: Only the serving team can score. Games are played to 11 and teams must win by 2 points.

8. Faults: Occur when the ball goes out, volleys happen in the no-volley zone, or a shot isn’t returned successfully.

Pickleball Cues

Serve

1. “Set and balance” – Start with feet shoulder-width, stable stance (neutral or open).

2. “Drop and swing” – Drop the ball smoothly, don’t toss.

3. “Low to high” – Swing upward under the ball for clean contact.

4. “Finish forward” – Follow through toward your target

Drop

1. “See it early” – Read the ball and prepare before it bounces.

2. “Smooth swing” – Use a slow, controlled motion (no big hit).

3. “Lift and guide” – Brush under the ball to add loft and control.

4. “Drop into the kitchen” – Aim to land soft just past the net.

Dink

1. “Stay low” – Bend knees and keep paddle below the net.

2. “Soft hands” – Relax grip to absorb the ball’s energy.

3. “Push through, pendulum motion” – Use a gentle forward motion, not a big swing.

4. “Land short” – Aim just over the net into the kitchen.

Forehand Drive

1. "Load the legs" – Bend knees slightly and shift weight to the back foot.

2. "Turn the hips" – Rotate your torso as you prepare to swing.

3. "Lead with the shoulder" – Let your front shoulder guide the swing path.

4. "Snap the wrist" – Finish with a controlled flick for speed and spin.

Overhead Attack

1. “Turn and track” – Pivot early and follow the lob.

2. “Point up” – Use your non-hitting hand to spot the ball.

3. “Reach high” – Make contact at full extension in front like a hive five.

4. “Snap down” – Drive the ball down with control.

Pickleball Strategy

• Control the NVZ Line – Stay near the non-volley zone to dominate the net and cut off your opponent’s angles.

• Use the Third Shot Drop – A well-placed drop shot from the serving team that lands in the no-volley-zone neutralizes your opponent’s advantage and sets you up for a strong rally.

• Keep Your Shots Low – Hitting low and controlled shots makes it harder for your opponents to attack.

• Communicate with Your Partner – In doubles, constant communication prevents confusion and maximizes court coverage.

• Be Patient and Strategic – Instead of going for power shots, focus on placement, consistency, and forcing your opponent into errors.

Resources

• What is Pickleball? USA Pickleball

• Pickleball.com | Tournaments

• Pickleheads | Local group for events