What Pickleball Coaches Want Every Adult Beginner to Understand

Welcome to pickleball, where the fun never ends, and neither does the learning curve! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills, we tapped top coaches to uncover the 10 things every adult beginner should know. Spoiler: It's not about how old you are, it's about how you play. Let's dive in:

1. You’re Not “Too Late” to Get Good—But You Need to Be Coachable

Here’s the deal: age is just a number. What really holds you back? Your attitude. If you show up open to feedback and ready to learn, you’ll see progress. Don’t let your ego get in the way of your growth.

Why It’s Important: The fastest learners are the ones who keep their minds open. When you stay curious and take feedback in stride, you unlock your true potential—no matter your age.

2. Your Tennis Background is Both a Blessing and a Curse

If you’ve got tennis experience, that’s great! It means you've got hand-eye coordination, but it also might mean you’re over-hitting every shot. Pickleball is about finesse, not power. Stop charging the net like you’re at Wimbledon and start embracing the soft game.

Why It’s Important: Patience is key in pickleball. Mastering soft shots like dinks and resets will have you winning points faster than your power-hitting counterparts. Let your control outsmart their aggression.

3. Don’t Just Play More—Practice with Purpose

Sure, playing games is fun, but if you want to get better, you need to do more than just show up. Practice with purpose. Spend time on drills, work on your form, and focus on specific skills you want to improve.

Why It’s Important: Repetition is your best friend. Drills build muscle memory and consistency—two things that are essential if you want to level up quickly and avoid ingraining bad habits.

4. Shot Selection > Shot Strength

It’s not about how hard you hit—it’s about where you hit. Too many beginners focus on powering through every shot, but pickleball is more about smart placement than brute strength. Aim for the spots that are hardest for your opponents to reach and make them work for it.

Why It’s Important: Smarter decisions keep you in control of the point. If you play with strategy instead of just relying on power, you’ll consistently win more points—and look way cooler doing it.

5. Footwork Matters—Especially as You Age

Good footwork might not be flashy, but it’s everything. Beginners often neglect it, thinking that just hitting the ball is the main thing, but bad footwork leads to missed shots and worse—injuries. Work on quick lateral moves, split steps, and controlled shuffling to stay nimble.

Why It’s Important: As we get older, staying agile on the court becomes crucial. Proper footwork helps with positioning, consistency, and avoiding injuries. Plus, it’ll make you feel like you’re gliding across the court.

6. You Don’t Need a $250 Paddle—You Need Patience

That shiny, expensive paddle won’t save you if your technique is all over the place. A solid paddle is important, but mastering the fundamentals will always be your best investment.

Why It’s Important: Your gear’s only as good as you are. By honing your skills first, you’ll get the most out of your paddle—and save that splurge for when you’re ready to upgrade your game.

7. Make Peace with the “Awkward” Stage

You will miss shots. You will feel awkward. And that’s totally okay! It’s part of the learning process. You’re not supposed to be perfect from the start—embrace it, and don’t be hard on yourself.

Why It’s Important: Everyone starts somewhere. The sooner you accept that mistakes are part of the journey, the faster you’ll grow. Plus, a little awkwardness is part of the charm, right?

8. Play with Better Players—But Ask First

Playing with more experienced players can push you to improve, but it’s all about the right approach. Don’t just jump in—ask politely if you can join, and show that you're there to learn.

Why It’s Important: Playing against stronger opponents will push you to raise your game. But remember: being respectful and asking first makes sure the vibe stays positive, and you get the best learning experience.

9. Pickleball is Mental, Too

Yes, you’ll miss shots. Yes, you’ll lose games. But the key is to reset quickly and keep your head in the game. Mental resilience is what separates the players who improve fast from those who get stuck in frustration.

Why It’s Important: Pickleball isn’t just physical—it’s a mental game, too. Staying calm, keeping your focus, and shaking off mistakes will make you a more consistent and confident player over time.

10. Play Every Point Smart, Not Just to Win

We know, winning is fun. But real growth comes from playing smarter, not harder. Focus on playing each point thoughtfully, and learn from every game—win or lose.

Why It’s Important: The goal isn’t just to win, it’s to grow. Every time you play, you’re gaining new insights into what works and what doesn’t. Play with intention, and the victories will follow.

Your Growth is Yours

Your pickleball journey is unique to you. It’s about steady progress, enjoying the process, and staying committed. Keep these tips in mind—and remember, the best players were beginners once too!