Player Development
This collection of articles and videos offers information and tips on various aspects of the game of pickleball.
Videos
Basics: Rules of the Game
Everything You Need to Know About Pickleball Scoring Rules
Warm Up Drills
Fundamental Mechanics
Top Beginner Mistakes
Watch the Ball
Join the Howard County Pickleball Association to access more than 120 instructional videos and 50+ articles (covering all PB skills from Levels 1 to 5), as well as schedules of Association-sponsored clinic, drill sessions and tournaments.
Articles
Official USA Pickleball Rulebook
2023 Edition (Updated 8/14/2023)
https://usapickleball.org/what-is-pickleball/official-rules/
Here is a very readable version of the above from Paddleballers. Recommended for beginners!
Pickleball FAQs: Common Pickleball Questions Answered
This article provides a good overview of the sport and includes a link to a free Beginner’s Guide to Pickleball.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Pickleball
from Paddle Ballers March 2023
We're going to clearly lay out why pickleball is "good for you" by listing five physical health benefits, five mental health benefits, and end with the answers to common FAQs. Read more here…
https://paddleballers.com/blogs/pickleball-pros/top-10-health-benefits-of-pickleball
Pickleball Serving Rules & Tips for Beginners
by Brandon Mackie The PICKLEHEADS July 2022
Here, we'll cover the rules, basic techniques, and tips to improve your serving game. Read more here:
https://www.pickleheads.com/guides/pickleball-serving-rules
Best Practice Pickleball Strategy
by Jaci West Reynolds OnixAs you are wanting to grow your playing skills in the game of pickleball, you will start to learn pickleball strategy and you will most likely not know where to start. Professional pickleball player, Jaci West Reynolds, shares her tips on the best practice for efficient pickleball strategy. Read more here…https://www.onixpickleball.com/blogs/learn-pickleball/best-practice-strategies-from-onix-pro-player
Tips on Playing Better as Partners
by Marc Austin Gamma Sports April 2021
Is anyone confused out there when playing doubles? Do you hear things like, “that was mine” or “stay on your side”or “this is my area” or “don’t take my backhand”? When this happens, you are not sure how to react so you just keep playing, ultimately ending the game unsettled or even frustrated. These situations are unfortunate but happen too much in this great game. In this article, I am providing doubles players some things to consider to help them work better together as partners in both recreational and competitive play. Read more here…
https://gammasports.blog/tips-on-playing-better-as-partners/
Pickleball Rating Description
Rating 3.0
- Has a consistent serve and returns medium-paced balls reliably.
- Able to make all basic strokes. Lacks control when trying to place the ball.
- Attempts lobs and dinks with limited success.
Rating 3.5
- Consistent control and placement of medium-paced shots.
- Able to return fast-paced shots with slightly less success.
- Improved control and placement of the ball.
- Needs more shot variety.
- Can play aggressively at the non-volley zone.
- Anticipates opponent’s shots.
- Learning the strategy of doubles play.
Rating 4.0
- Consistent both forehand and backhand strokes.
- Can use spin with some success.
- Can occasionally force errors when serving.
- May lose rallies due to impatience.
- Uses the dink and drop shot successfully.
- Demonstrates 3rd shot strategies.
- Aggressive net play in doubles.
- Full understanding of the rules.
Rating 4.5
- Beginning to master placement and spin.
- Beginning to master 3rd shot choices.
- Good footwork and positioning.
- Adjusts game style to account for opponent’s strengths/weaknesses and court position.
- Good shot selection. Does not force shots.
- Serves consistently and can vary speed and spin.
- Good court positioning. Anticipates opponent’s shot.
Rating 5.0
- Mastered all shot types.
- Excellent shot anticipation.
- Accurate shot placement.
- Forces errors. Limits their own unforced errors.
- Mastered dinks and 3rd shot dropshots.
- Mastered different strategies and can vary play style.
- Raw athletic ability is often what separates 5.0 players from the rest.