Pickleball is often described as a simple game: just get the ball over the net, inside the lines, one more time than your opponents. But while the rules are straightforward, playing well requires discipline, awareness, and a few key fundamentals. Mastering these basics will make you a stronger, more consistent player on the pickleball court.

Here are seven fundamentals every pickleball player should focus on:

1. Move Your Feet and Bend Your Knees

It sounds simple, but it’s one of the most overlooked fundamentals in pickleball. Good pickleball footwork and knee bend give you balance and help you execute cleaner shots. Consciously remind yourself to move your feet and stay low, you’ll notice the difference immediately.

2. Watch the Ball and Make Contact Out Front

You can’t hit the pickleball if you’re not watching it. Keep your eyes on the ball until it hits your paddle and avoid distractions from opponents, spectators, or your next shot. To make this easier, aim to strike the ball out in front of your body where you have the most control.

3. Stay in Ready Position with Paddle Up

Pickleball moves quickly, and reaction time is everything. Keep your paddle up and out in front in “pickleball ready” position so you’re prepared for fast shots. Always assume the ball is coming back, even after a great shot.

4. Be Patient

Patience is one of the hardest skills in pickleball. Many players rush to speed up the ball, only to lose the rally to a stronger counterattack. Wait for attackable shots at or above net height before going on offense. Until then, stay patient and controlled.

5. Keep the Ball Low (But Over the Net)

Low shots limit your opponents’ ability to attack. Focus on your paddle angle and shot pace to keep the ball low while still clearing the net. A well-placed low shot keeps you in control of the rally.

6. Communicate with Your Partner

Doubles pickleball is a team game, and communication is key. Call shots clearly like “I got it!”, especially on balls down the middle. Communicate who will cover lobs, when to let out balls go, and share strategy or encouragement between points. Good communication prevents confusion and builds team chemistry.

7. Let the Out Balls Go

Sometimes the best shot is no shot at all. Train yourself to recognize and let out balls go. Resist the urge to hit everything—giving your opponents free points by returning a ball that would have gone out is one of the easiest mistakes to fix.

Pickleball may be simple to learn, but mastering the game comes from disciplined fundamentals. By focusing on footwork, vision, readiness, patience, low shots, communication, and smart decision-making, you’ll dramatically improve your play. Master the basics of pickleball, and you’ll be on your way to better pickleball.