LEARN & PLAY
Meet the Paddle and Ball
Before you worry about serves, dinks or scoring, start with the two things you’ll use on every rally: the paddle and the ball. It might sound simple, but getting comfortable with both is where good pickleball starts.
8 Sep 2026 · 2 min read
Scott · Pickled to Play
Start with a comfortable grip
There doesn’t need to be a complicated grip lesson on day one.
Hold the paddle comfortably, a little like you’re shaking hands with the handle. Your grip should feel secure, but not tight.
Keep the paddle comfortably in front of your body rather than letting it hang down beside you.
The goal at this stage isn’t power. It’s control.
Remember
Relax your hand.
Keep the paddle in front.
Control before power.
That last one will come up a lot. Pickleball rewards control far more than most beginners expect.
What good control looks like
Think about gently bouncing the ball upwards from the paddle. The ball shouldn’t be flying above your head. Your arm shouldn’t be swinging wildly. Your hand should stay relaxed and the paddle only needs to move a little. That’s the feeling you’re looking for:
Small movement. Soft touch. Plenty of control.
Try it
You can do this almost anywhere with a paddle and ball:
Balance the ball on the paddle face without letting it fall.
Bounce the ball gently upwards. Start with 5 controlled bounces, then try for 10.
Turn the paddle over and bounce using the other face.
Alternate between forehand face and backhand face.
Walk slowly while continuing to bounce the ball.
Give yourself 30 seconds, set a best score and try to beat it.
Don’t rush it. The aim isn’t to hit the ball harder or higher. It’s to keep the movement controlled.
Why this matters?
This might feel like a simple warm up, but you’re actually developing touch.
That same ability to control the paddle face will later help with:
dinks
volleys
soft shots
resets
ball placement
controlling faster balls
You don’t always need a bigger swing.
Very often, you need better touch.
Common mistakes
The ball keeps flying away.
If the ball is getting away from you, you’re probably doing too much.
Try making the movement smaller and softer.
If your hand feels tense, relax your grip slightly. You should be holding the paddle securely, not trying to crush the handle.
Very often, you need better touch.
Quick check
What matters more right now, power or control?
Control.
If you can start getting a feel for the paddle and ball, you’re already building one of the most useful skills 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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