3 Rules Every Pickleball Player Should Know, According to a Pro

On the Pickleball Fire podcast, I recently spoke with Thaddea Lock, England's top female player. She shared her three basic rules of Pickleball which I think are great reminders for us as we play the game.

Rule #1: Get the Ball Over the Net

This is a simple rule and indeed the goal of any rally. However, Thaddea mentions this because one of her tennis coaches told her the player getting the ball over the net more times than their opponent will likely win the match. So do not worry about hitting the perfect shot. Just get the ball over the net and in the court. An example of this idea is when you hit the third shot drop. If you worry too much about placing the ball in the kitchen near the net, you may make an error and hit the ball in the net. Instead, make sure the ball goes over the net, even if it is deeper in the kitchen than you would like. At least you have the opportunity to play some defense if your third shot drop is hit too long. That is a much better situation than if you hit the ball in the net.

Rule #2: Be Ready for Every Ball

Thaddea said the first rule is linked to the second, which is to be ready for every shot. So even if you hit a high ball or a shot that your opponent should put away, try to get a paddle on their return. Because the Pickleball court is not as large as a tennis court, it is harder to put the ball away. Thaddea said, "I think that's something that frustrates me a little bit. Watch maybe like 3.5 and 4.0 players play. They'll hit a ball, and they're like, oh, that's really easy for the opponent. Then they turn their back, and it's what are you doing? Like you can get the next ball back. Stay in the point, be ready." Remember to keep playing until the ball goes past you.

Rule #3: Have Fun on the Court

I always hope people are having fun on the Pickleball court. But sometimes, players can forget to do just that in stressful situations. Most people perform better when they enjoy what they are doing. If you can stay in the moment, you will have more fun and win more games.