Learn to Play

We'll go through some basic terminology and introduce you to the basic shots you need to get started.

Then we're going to play a game.

That's right. We're going to play.

As we play, we'll stop when you have a question or when there is something that needs clarification. After about 30 to 40 minutes, you should have a good understanding of how to play the game.

You won't know everything. You're not supposed to.

The goal is to get you comfortable enough to play.

After that, you can continue your journey by playing and attending clinics where you can further your pickleball understanding and knowledge of the game.

We're going to start with the easiest shot in the game to hit, yet one that is challenging to master: the dink.

Why start with the dink?

The targets for the dink are easier to understand and hit because of proximity and the small amount of energy it takes to accomplish.

That gives a new player an opportunity to experience success early.

With IT Guy Pickleball as your guide, you will discover the fun in learning about the dink and all its applications.

But there's something else happening while you're learning to dink.

You're going to start learning how to watch the game.

One of the first habits we want you to develop is thinking about where you want the ball to go.

It's easy when you're beginning to think:

“I just need to get it back.”

We want to start changing that.

When you're dinking, begin aiming at a target.

At first, we'll make the target easier by having you aim inside your partner's stance. This makes the drill easier because your partner doesn't have to move very much.

As you become comfortable, we'll begin moving the target outside your partner's stance and alternating between targets.

As I like to say:

“Variety is the spice of life, and that absolutely applies to pickleball.”

Now you're beginning to discover something important:

Where you put the ball affects what your opponent has to do.

That's the beginning of learning the why behind the shot—not simply learning how to hit it.

While you're becoming comfortable with the dink, we're also going to introduce you to one of the most important habits you can develop as a pickleball player:

Watch your opponent's paddle.

But we're not going to ask you to watch everything.

In fact, we're going to ask you to watch just one thing.

When your opponent's paddle makes contact with the ball, take a little hop.

That's it.

Don't worry about trying to figure out everything the opponent is doing. Don't worry about the ball's entire flight.

Don't add five other things to think about.

“See the paddle hit the ball. Take a little hop.”

That little hop gets your body moving. Once you're moving, it is easier to change direction and get yourself into position before the ball arrives.

Eventually, you'll learn to see where the ball is going and move to meet it.

One of our coaching cues is:

“Beat the ball to the bounce.”

But for now, don't make it complicated.

“See the paddle hit the ball. Take a little hop.”

Too many cooks spoil the broth.

This is where your journey begins to change.

You're not just playing games anymore.

You're going to take specific situations we teach you and actively look for them while you play. You'll begin seeking knowledge and experience rather than simply waiting for the next ball.

All of those things are experiences.

And experiences are where learning begins.

You don't have to become an accomplished pickleball player before you can become a learning player.

In fact, we'd like you to start much sooner.

As you play, we'll give you things to look for. You'll learn to recognize situations, try something, see what happens, and begin connecting those experiences to your understanding of the game.

Little by little, you'll begin to see things you didn't see before.

You'll understand things that once seemed confusing.

You'll begin to see possibilities instead of simply reacting to whatever happens.

That's the journey.