LEARN & PLAY
Get the Ball Over the Net
Now we’ll put the net between you and your partner. Your first goal isn’t to hit winners. It’s much simpler than that: keep the ball in play and start building a rally.
1 SEPT 2026 - 2 MIN READ
Scott · Pickled to Play
Start with cooperative rallying
When beginners first see a net, they often try to hit the ball lower and harder.
You don’t need to.
Give yourself some safe height over the net. Let the ball bounce.
Stay relaxed and try to send your partner a ball they can comfortably return.
At this stage, you’re not trying to beat the person on the other side.
You’re trying to help each other keep the rally going.
Remember
Your first job isn’t to hit winners.
Your first job is to keep the ball in play.
Try it
Start around 2 to 3 metres back from the net.
Both players should let the ball bounce before hitting.
Then work through this simple progression:
Get 3 shots over the net.
Then get 5.
See how long a rally you can build.
Once 5 feels comfortable, both players move one step further back.
Start again and see if you can build another rally.
Keep the pace comfortable.
You’re looking for control and consistency, not speed.
Give yourself some margin
If you keep hitting the net, don’t automatically swing harder.
Try giving the ball a little more height.
A ball that clears the net comfortably gives you more room for error and makes it easier to keep the rally going.
Margin is your friend.
Common mistakes
Trying to win the rally
Slow it down.
Give your partner a ball they can play back to you.
The longer you can keep the ball going, the more comfortable you’ll become with your movement, timing and contact.
Standing too upright
Relax your knees slightly and stay ready for the next shot.
You don’t need to crouch, but a balanced, athletic position will make it easier to move and react.
Hitting harder when the ball goes into the net
More power usually isn’t the answer.
Try a little more height, a smoother swing and cleaner contact in front of your body.
Remember
Nice and easy.
Give it some height.
Contact in front.
Recover and get ready again.
The goal for now
A good beginner rally doesn’t have to look fast or impressive.
You simply want to be able to:
clear the net comfortably
keep the ball in play
give your partner a playable ball
stay balanced
recover and get ready for the next shot
If you can start doing that consistently, you’re building one of the most important habits in pickleball.
Want to practise this on court?
Sometimes the easiest way to learn is to have someone guide you through it while you play.
My beginner coaching sessions are relaxed, practical and focused on helping you build confidence from the basics up.
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