Whether you’re playing pickleball in Bhutan for the first time or looking to improve your game, these simple tips and strategies will help you become a more confident player. Pickleball is easy to learn, but good technique, smart positioning and regular practice will help you improve much faster. Many of these skills can be practised during coaching sessions and social games at Bebena Sports Center in Thimphu.

Beginner Tips

Every great player starts with the basics. Focus on building good habits from the beginning.

• Keep your paddle up and ready after every shot.
• Watch the ball all the way onto your paddle.
• Move your feet instead of reaching for the ball.
• Stay balanced before hitting.
• Aim for consistency rather than power.
• Communicate with your partner when playing doubles.

New players usually improve faster by keeping the ball in play instead of trying to hit powerful winners.

Serving Tips

A consistent serve gives you a strong start to every rally.

• Serve deep whenever possible.
• Aim towards your opponent’s backhand.
• Develop a simple serving routine.
• Keep your serve legal by striking the ball below your waist.
• Focus on placement before power.

A reliable serve wins more points over time than an occasional powerful serve.

Returning the Serve

The return of serve is one of the most important shots in pickleball.

A deep return gives you time to move towards the kitchen line while forcing your opponents to hit from the back of the court.

Remember to:

• Return deep.
• Move quickly towards the kitchen.
• Stay balanced and ready for the next shot.

Control the Kitchen

The non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, is where many rallies are won.

Players who control the kitchen line usually have the advantage because they can volley more effectively and reduce their opponents’ options.

Good kitchen play includes:

• Soft dinks
• Patience
• Good footwork
• Waiting for the right ball before attacking

Avoid trying to hit every shot hard.

Doubles Strategy

Most pickleball is played as doubles.

Successful teams move together and communicate well.

Move Together

When one player moves, the partner should move too. This prevents gaps from opening between you.

Communicate

Call “Mine” or “Yours” early and discuss who will cover the middle before each point.

Get to the Kitchen

After serving and returning, work your way to the kitchen line as quickly as possible.

Be Patient

Long rallies are common. Wait for the right opportunity before attacking.

Singles Strategy

Singles requires more movement and endurance.

To improve your singles game:

• Recover to the centre after every shot.
• Hit deep to push your opponent back.
• Make your opponent move before attempting winners.
• Stay patient during long rallies.
• Keep your footwork light and balanced.

Shot Selection

Choosing the right shot is often more important than hitting hard.

Dink

A soft shot that lands in your opponent’s kitchen. It slows the game and creates attacking opportunities.

Drive

A faster shot used to apply pressure. Use it when the opportunity is there, but don’t rely on it for every shot.

Lob

A high shot over your opponents’ heads. It works best as an occasional surprise.

Volley

A shot taken before the ball bounces. Good volleys require quick reactions and paddle control.

Common Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes when learning pickleball. Recognising them helps you improve faster.

• Standing too far back after serving.
• Trying to hit every shot hard.
• Forgetting the kitchen rules.
• Poor communication with your partner.
• Reaching for the ball instead of moving your feet.
• Watching the ball instead of recovering your position after each shot.

Practice Drills

The fastest way to improve is through regular practice.

Dinking Drill

Stand at the kitchen line with a partner and exchange soft dinks for several minutes.

Serve Accuracy

Place targets in the service court and practise serving to different areas.

Volley Drill

Stand at the kitchen line and exchange controlled volleys without trying to hit winners.

Third Shot Practice

Practise both third-shot drops and drives to become comfortable using each during a match.

Improve Your Game Faster

If you want to improve quickly:

• Play regularly.
• Practise with players who are slightly better than you.
• Focus on consistency before power.
• Watch experienced players.
• Learn from your mistakes.
• Join coaching sessions to improve your technique.

At Bebena Sports Center in Thimphu, players of all ages and skill levels can join coaching sessions, practise on indoor courts and play with Bhutan’s growing pickleball community.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can beginners improve quickly?

Focus on consistency, good footwork and learning the basic rules before trying advanced shots.

Should I play singles or doubles?

Most beginners find doubles easier because there is less court to cover and more opportunities to learn positioning and teamwork.

What is the most important shot in pickleball?

Many experienced players consider the third-shot drop and consistent dinking to be two of the most valuable skills.

How often should I practise?

Playing once or twice each week, together with simple practice drills, is enough for most beginners to make steady progress.

Do I need an expensive paddle?

No. A beginner paddle is more than enough when learning the game. Good technique and regular practice have a much greater impact than expensive equipment.

Continue Learning

Looking to improve your pickleball skills even further? Explore more resources on our website:

• Learn Pickleball
• Where to Play Pickleball
• Pickleball Coaching
• Bhutan Pickleball Community
• Pickleball Videos

Whether you’re a local resident or visiting Bhutan, Bebena Sports Center is a great place to learn, play and enjoy one of the world’s fastest-growing sports.