Pickleball Tips for All Levels: After spending six years playing pickleball on courts across the country, Barrett Bass and Danea Bass have shared their top 20 tips to help players improve. These tips cover key parts of the game like movement, shot control, teamwork, and smart strategy. Their goal is to help players of all levels get better and enjoy the sport even more.
Pickleball has grown fast over the years, and so has the experience of players like Barrett Bass and Danea Bass. Through tournaments, practices, and everyday play, they’ve learned what works on the court. Now they’re offering those lessons to others, focusing on small changes that can make a big difference in any match.
Footwork and Grip Are Essential
One major point from Barrett Bass and Danea Bass is to stay active between shots. “Footwork doesn’t stop after your shot. Staying active on your feet between shots keeps you balanced and ready for what’s next. Being flat-footed leads to missed balls and poor form. Movement is key to consistency.”
They also advise players to hold the paddle with less tension. “Too tight a grip leads to pop-ups on dinks and drops. For finesse shots, try a grip strength of 3–4 out of 10. This softer hold absorbs impact and improves control.”
Smart Communication and Serve Placement
Talking to your teammate is key when moving forward. “Advancing to the kitchen line is essential, but timing is everything. Communicate with your partner so you both move forward after hitting an unattackable ball. That teamwork gets you into scoring position more effectively.”
When serving, they suggest being more targeted. “Don’t just get the serve in—place it with purpose. Aim to your opponent’s backhand or target their inside foot. Starting the point offensively sets the tone for the rally.”
Returning and Swing Control
Good returns need good footwork. “Hit your return while stepping forward. This motion adds power without extra swing and positions you to move quickly to the kitchen. Avoid returning flat-footed.”
Shorter swings are better closer to the net. “At the baseline, longer backswings are okay. But in midcourt or near the net, shorten it to maintain control. A long swing close to the net often results in the ball flying out.”
Mastering Spin and Anticipation
They encourage learning topspin using a brushing motion. “Mastering topspin starts with brushing the ball from low to high. Practice at the net using a ‘windshield wiper’ motion with your paddle to generate reliable spin.”
Watching the opponent’s paddle helps with guessing their next move. “Watch your opponent’s paddle position. If their paddle is high, prepare low. If their paddle is low, raise yours. This paddle-awareness improves anticipation and response time.”
Power Shots and Team Strength
When hitting hard, wrist movement matters. “A tight wrist limits power and spin. Keep your wrist loose and allow some lag as you drive through the ball. This helps you generate natural topspin and speed.”
They also stress working to your strengths. “Strategize based on your team’s strengths. If your partner has a killer drive—even on your side—let them take it. Adjust your roles based on who’s playing best that day.”
Kitchen Control and Transition Play
Paddle grip helps in fast exchanges. “When countering at the kitchen, avoid ‘chopping’ the ball. Point your knuckles down and use a simple tricep extension to counter shots cleanly and consistently.”
Confidence in the transition zone is important. “Don’t fear the dreaded ‘no man’s land.’ Instead, stop and split-step to hit balanced shots. You’ll feel more confident in the transition zone and reach the kitchen more effectively.”
Two-Handed Shots and Quick Recovery
Adding power with both hands is a strong move. “For added power and spin, develop a strong two-handed backhand. Let the non-dominant hand do most of the work, whether it’s a dink or a drive.”
Getting ready for the next shot is just as important. “After attacking a ball at the net, quickly bring your paddle back to the ready position. Avoid lingering in a follow-through. Being ready for the next shot is essential in fast exchanges.”
Strategy and Shot Selection
Use geometry to plan returns. “When pulled wide and you hit to the middle, anticipate the return along a triangle-shaped path. Position yourself based on this likely angle of return and you’ll defend better.”
Wait for the right moment when dinking. “Want to add topspin to your dinks? Wait for the ball to reach its apex after the bounce before brushing it. Hitting too early flattens your shot and limits spin.”
Middle Control and Margin for Error
Targeting the middle works against strong players. “Neutralize better players by dinking to the middle. This removes sharp attack angles and forces them to play more conservatively, leveling the playing field.”
Don’t take unnecessary risks near the net. “Simple but overlooked—don’t flirt with the net. Aim a little higher and give yourself margin for error. Lost points from net balls are easily avoidable.”
Smart Targets and Focused Practice
Aim low to put opponents in trouble. “Whether driving or dropping, aim at the feet. It’s one of the hardest spots to defend and forces awkward returns, setting you up for a winning third shot.”
Barrett Bass and Danea Bass strongly believe in focused drills. “Drills beat games when it comes to improvement. Pick one skill—like resets, dinks, or drives—and rep it out intentionally. This focused practice leads to faster gains.”
News in Brief: Pickleball Tips for All Levels
Barrett Bass and Danea Bass shared 20 helpful pickleball tips based on their six years of experience. Their advice includes smart footwork, paddle grip, communication, and shot strategy. These simple tips are designed to help players improve, enjoy the game more, and grow their skills on the court.
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