10 Pickleball Tips I WISH I Knew Earlier...

Get ready to improve your pickleball game with these 10 essential tips! Whether you're a beginner just learning the basics or an experienced player looking to take your game to the next level, this video has something for everyone. From understanding dinking strategy to mastering shot selection tips, we'll cover everything you need to know to become a 5.0. Get the inside scoop on how to get better at pickleball and take your skills to the tournament level.
Intro - 0:00
Tip #10 - 0:13
Tip #9 - 1:27
Tip #8 - 2:26
Tip #7 - 3:21
Tip #6 - 4:16
Tip #5 - 4:52
Tip #4 - 5:34
Tip #3 - 6:26
Tip #2 - 7:15
Tip #1 - 8:09

[@ronp5615]

Here is another pro Tip: If you are in the kitchen, toss in some pizza rolls in the over at 400F for about 20m! Dip in some butter with a splash of tabasco, Great video, thanks! 🙂 Just started playing recently.

[@jonathanyuen8257]

underrated comment

[@groovypickleball]

Connor thank you for the tip about the ATP! It's so easy when you know what to watch for, hit my first one last night and won the game with it 🤣☺️

[@coloradowing8518]

Like many here, I just started this summer and love the sport. Funny that those who don't play yet, say "that's for old people." Yea, right. Not even close. We just get to play all morning long cuz we're retired. 🙂 Love your videos...succinct, great tips. Saw the "South Bay Tennis Center" banner on the court. We lived in SB mid-90's, in Torrance, right behind Anza Elementary school. Miss the beach cities. Thanks for all your tips and congrats on your YT channel!!!

[@toys5355]

These are all great tips. Thank you for this!

[@andrewcopeland1517]

I don’t understand the dinking. Why wouldn’t you be trying to hit the ball across or away from them to get them running

[@bfibelkorn]

His strategy works particularly well for doubles, but for singles, you can do either. Depends how patient you want to be and on your opponents weaknesses.

[@randallhenderson2670]

Excellent video. To the point and super helpful. Well done.

[@EnhancePickleball]

Much appreciated!

[@johncraig7548]

I have watched a lot of pickleball videos and none compare to yours. Thank you.

[@digitalreporter]

#1: Mastering the Around-the-Post Shot (0:13) The around-the-post (ATP) shot seems intimidating but is very achievable. Take the chance to try it when your opponent hits a sharp, sideways dink outside the net post. All you need is to visualize a line from your paddle, around the pole, to inside the court. ATPs are extremely tough to return and learnt quickly with practice. Don't be afraid to try them - missing helps you improve! #2: Targeting Your Opponent's Backhand (1:27) Most players favor forehand drives and smashes. Tactically targeting their backhand with middle or sideways dinks can limit their attacking chances for easy mistakes. Keeping the ball on their backhand disrupts rhythm, causing weaker returns and pop-ups to then smash. #3: Smart Serving Strategies (2:26) Vary your serve style based on the opponent's ability. Test big, aggressive serves early on. If they struggle returning them, keep using that style for free points. However, if they handle pace well, switch to accurate, deep serves to stay consistent. Either way, make data-driven decisions to optimize your service strategy. #4: Kitchen Aggression Through Player Switching (3:21) When dinking at the net, suddenly hit down-the-line smashes at the opponent's partner standing farther back. This surprises them since they get drawn out of the point's rhythm. Often aiming cross court then accelerating down line works best as it targets their closer, less prepared backhand. #5: The Virtue of Patience (4:16) Remaining patient wins games between equally skilled players. Avoid overly ambitious shots without clear opportunities. However, temper this patience with aggression when chances arise. Let your opponent make mistakes first while capitalizing on any balls popped up or hit short. #6 Taking Advantage of Attack Opportunities (4:52) Punish higher, slower balls by zipping them into open spaces rather than directly at the opponent. Pickleballs lack pace, so placing them wide or at feet gives fewer comeback chances than hitting hard right at them. Make smart shot choices based on positioning. #7 Pick Good Targets For Putaways (5:34) Hance suggests a seemingly straightforward but crucial principle: when presented with an opportunity, ensure that the ball is placed in a spot where it becomes challenging for the opponent to make a return. While this advice may appear simplistic, he notes that the key lies in the strategic placement of the ball based on the opponents' positioning on the court. Connor breaks down the strategy further, explaining that, depending on the opponent's location, the optimal choice may be to aim at their feet or towards the open court. He provides a visual example, illustrating that if the opponent is at the kitchen, a shot aimed at their feet might be effective. Alternatively, if they are farther back, the strategic choice depends on their court positioning, whether towards the middle, sideline, or an identified gap. #8: Mastering the Poach and Crossover Play (6:26) When your partner is deep and you're up, expect shots to go their way. Anticipate this by poaching - crossing to intercept it for a winner. This extremely effective play at 3.0-4.0 catches opponents by surprise through awareness and anticipation. #9: Always Expecting Speed Up Shots (7:15) Mentally prepare for speed up attacks on every net volley by holding your paddle high and watching your opponent’s preparation. Prioritizing reaction time lets you better respond to sudden smashed drives. If it stays a gentle dink, no problem, but this strategy prevents getting caught off guard. #10: Picking Your Spots for Third Shot Drives (8:09) Don't blindly drive every third return. Instead, selectively smash back higher, slower balls landed short in court allowing better net approach shots after. Don’t drive fast, deep returns as they set up poor attacking positions. Strategic shot choice optimization is key here. The Magic Is in the Preparation Implementing even one or two of these tips can vastly accelerate your competitive pickleball development. But don’t stop here - let this be the start of a lifelong journey mastering technique and strategy. Continued learning differentiation is what separates good players from truly great ones over time. Summary From foundational skills like the ATP to advanced gameplay tactics and mental approaches, applying Connor Hance’s top 10 pickleball tips builds a solid framework for rapid, measurable improvement. Use the specific timestamps to revisit his accompanying KZbin video for visual demonstrations of each lesson. With quality information hard to find as a beginner, this guide condenses the key techniques and competitive wisdom all in one place to shortcut your success. Now grab your paddle and start dominating on court!

[@myravirgil5302]

This is the first Pickleball tips video I subscribe to. I like the clarity of the tips and that you get to them without a bunch of fuss.

[@craigmarley5926]

Excellent tips! Your tip "Expect speedups at the kitchen" is more complicated for me. With people I play with, not only must I expect a speedup, but also a lob. If a lob catches me off guard, there is no way I will make it back to hit it.

[@EnhancePickleball]

Thanks for watching!

[@1stclassfireworks354]

do you have video about how to play in the wind?

[@mariehaverty8209]

😂😂🤔

[@andraford21]

Your pickleball tips are so good that I have quit watching anyone else's.

[@jayflorida]

Sounds like a buddies comment. 🤣

[@ChrisS-nr7lj]

Me, too

[@j7404]

Yeah this guy is legit unlike John Cincola because that guy is a joke and trash.

[@Geep1778]

We’ll see if this info is worth it I’m going for my 2nd time this weekend. I already figured out to make sure to plant both feet so you’re not flailing at it or pushing too much

[@WilliamsToyChannel-qu1sm]

Great video. Subscribed and thanks!

[@phoenixeasyrider6026]

I'm new to the sport and I love it! Tons of channels to to glean from. I love your style of instruction, watched 4 different videos my first visit and subscribed today. One thing I don't quite understand are the rating numbers. 1 and 5 are easy to figure the rest are not so easy to figure out. I play with friends at my buddy's house. No clubs or leagues near me.

[@groovypickleball]

Grab a skill guide from USAPA

[@TheImano]

Great tips. Can easily remember to correct when mistakes occurred during my game. Thanks.

[@EnhancePickleball]

No worries!

[@Bergarita]

As a newbie this is great advice. Much appreciated. Subscribed!

[@EnhancePickleball]

Awesome, thank you!

[@infomercialguy]

Great job !

[@loj74]

Love these tips.

[@EnhancePickleball]

So glad!

[@Smokeybuhda]

I cracked my Selkirk, contacted company on Thursday morning and had a replacement paddle Friday night!

[@rolandbucsit5140]

Thanks for the tips very good👍

[@EnhancePickleball]

No problem 👍

[@emimorita2713]

I enjoyed the dinking but I would like some tips on setting up a pop. Thank you.

[@derrickholmes7954]

Just started playing pickleball not too long ago and I have to say its really fun! I am still learning as I don't have a tennis background but these tips will definitely help

[@CaptainRonAhoy]

a natural teacher......it is a gift, keep it going....

[@12344321bg]

Hey, I used to live very close to those courts. Even taught some classes there.

[@blessedbeliever8725]

Great tips….thanks…

[@adimperial]

Very informative

[@mikefixac]

I'm finding I'm getting the most benefit from watching your PB videos. You're doing a great job. Thank you. Some of the videos done in the past can be goofy when you show someone in the wrong position and your overreaction.

[@EnhancePickleball]

Glad you're enjoying them!

[@Tekay37]

Gonna try these tips once PickleballVR is released :D

[@Nrahotep]

Outstanding tips. Really appreciate you. I've improved so much practicing & playing with your advice in mind. Thank you.

[@EnhancePickleball]

Happy to help!

[@MRRAYCLASS]

Well done :)

[@ar15tac]

Tip number two is huge. Whenever I’m expecting a speed up I can handle it 90% of the time. Now I just need to start expecting them all the time.

[@Rimblyboo]

great video

[@Bigred7642]

I had no idea that ATP was allowed

[@kenjimiwa3739]

Nice tips

[@drewfulkersonbg]

Great tips, and great video production!

[@stevekennedy3869]

Good video

[@KayPfromthaD]

Thank you

[@EnhancePickleball]

You're welcome

[@MrFloridaSon]

Connor, in #5 are you changing your grip from dinking to the attack? Looks like you are changing it just before. Thx

[@jeffharry8916]

You ARE the Man! Your videos are the best!

[@zacharywiedrick6224]

Playong pickleball in school and just wanna get better 😂

[@jerbles5656]

I’m tall and have long reach so I am pretty good at the poach but I def need to work on my patience and dinks.

[@EnhancePickleball]

Keep it up

[@LaurzeeMc]

Looking good Connor! Great instruction!

[@EnhancePickleball]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@mkh9164]

Thanks for the tips. You are great player & teacher...

[@EnhancePickleball]

I appreciate that!

[@Gunsgamesmonsters]

Where did you get that great long sleeve shirt? I checked Selkirk online but they not have it…

[@ghostroc]

10- Go for the ATP 9- Dink to their backhand 8- Serving strategy - go big if they're weak 7- (Surprise) Attack by redirecting the ball to the other player 6- Be patient 5- Be alert for attack opportunities (don't be TOO patient) 4- Pick good targets for putaways - their feet OR open court 3- Poach 2- Expect speedups at the kitchen 1- Use drives, but only when it's smart (eg when the return isn't deep)

[@bart1476]

Conner what are you ranked on the PPA tour?

[@EnhancePickleball]

I haven't played a tournament in a while but my dupr is 5.64 in doubles and 6.82 in singles.

[@howell184]

Thanks for your consistent quality and your quick tips on instagram

[@EnhancePickleball]

You got it!

[@wolf-xf6hf]

I know I’ve asked this before so sorry if you responded and I didn’t see it but I wanted to ask how you weighted up your 003. I’m struggling to find a weight that helps me with power and stability but the more weight I add the more I find I don’t like the feel of the paddle for the soft game and it feels less plush. Loving the content overall though and it’s definitely helping me.

[@EnhancePickleball]

I put lead on all four corners of the 003. Probably added around 12g of weight. To me, all around it feels better (less mishits and a bit steadier all around).

[@jeffharry8916]

@@EnhancePickleball I ordered your lead tape package today. I play a Diadem Warrior paddle. If I'm trying to add a little more stopping power, so to speak, to be more reactive at the NVL - especially defending against Banger's drives, where would you recommend adding the tapes?

[@indiea5588]

Helpful for me, a newbie ! Can you please do a video to explain how to best use the kitchen area for dinks and volleys ? Subscribed!

[@mysticdeen200]

The poach is really cool, I used it once when I was playing with my family on a windy night and my grandfather was hitting balls to me. He's like a 3.5 and I'm a 3.1 or something. My friend was back and I had my body to the side and did my backhand like wham wham wham and got the point. Ik it makes no sense but its pickle ball lol

[@mathi.j1212]

Great tips. This is the best channel I have ever seen. How to smash high ball to an angle with control? I’m worried there is a high chance of missing.

[@EnhancePickleball]

Coming soon!

[@barbararobinson1363]

Excellent video!

[@EnhancePickleball]

Thank you very much!

[@LoganElliott11]

What’s the best paddle to get? I have a good Z5 but want to upgrade to a great paddle

[@kristinek2916]

Great tips!!! Thank u

[@EnhancePickleball]

Any time!

[@visionairewear]

The best pickleball channel 💯

[@Riker-ER]

👍

[@coltmorton6022]

Great production quality and coaching quality

[@dragonsalmomslayer]

I love this dude

[@user-hy3hd4yl4w]

いいね！

[@vanessaclark7747]

Awesome tips

[@EnhancePickleball]

Glad you liked it

[@tabasumm1178]

Andy Peeke introduced me to your channel… And I am happy to say I hit my first ATP after watching this video!! Wooohooo

[@EnhancePickleball]

That is awesome!

[@andrewgedman1214]

These are great tips - and, why could I ace the written test on these, but fail in the field ? On the court the tips leave my mind instantly. Not in like a panic mode but I think it's a different part of the brain... does this happen to anyone else?

[@nstarr6307]

Happens to me ALL the time! It's frustrating & I'm not sure what to do to fix that...

[@andrewgedman1214]

@@nstarr6307 I think my answer is to find someone my level to do drills with - and I'm finding all kinds of new people at a lower level - eventually I'll find someone. I'm not spectacular, it's just the people I've seen are just starting out.

[@willgrissett995]

Ah yes waiting to be patient

[@olegitel5880]

I give you a hundreds 👍 Thank you very much

[@mackster5387]

i thought you when you said use the “ATP”, you meant the biology term 😂

[@NCentertainer]

When he said "all else equal" at 4:25 I knew he was an economics student lol.

[@EnhancePickleball]

You're actually correct. 😂

[@NCentertainer]

@@EnhancePickleball real recognize real

[@Mrfireface2]

Honestly, most of this is intuitive with general athleticism

[@tyrone-tydavis5858]

I always thought it took the same athletic ability as lunging for a bag of Doritos.

[@qwertylife]

@@tyrone-tydavis5858 go for it

[@tyrone-tydavis5858]

@@qwertylife So which amazingly talented pickleball players are you that I see around the courts all the time....... 100 pounds overweight, 100 years old, 2 bad knees or all of the above. Hey we get it, you guys were always the ones picked last in PE. Mommy never let you play dodgeball. Now's your chance to think youre an athlete. You know, kind of like how people who play putt but think they're golfers. Like people who play croquet think they are hockey players.

[@jimzimmerman5288]

Easier to poach when the 2 ball is return more in the middle. IMO

[@apprenticesofjesus]

Question: I'm rated a 4.0, but these tips seem very obvious to me and I feel like I've mastered these. Other people I've played against have thought I was already a 5.0. Is it possible that I'm still at a 4.0 level because of the people that I consistently play against? I've come across many 5.0 resources like this that affirm that I have to be better than a 4.0, but it's hard to get my rating up. Does this make sense?

[@gasperm3]

The pickleball is the same ball 6 yr olds play tee ball with correct?

[@BTown1979]

Hope you comment made your own day.

[@Gwillis7]

What are the best Pickleball shoes

[@griffinallen7097]

Amaazing content! Subscribed! :D

[@EnhancePickleball]

Welcome aboard!

[@lisahansen6014]

ATP?

[@emandJesus]

Around the post! Legal in pickleball and tennis!

[@lisahansen6014]

@@emandJesus ha ha- got it! never heard that term before.

[@emandJesus]

@@lisahansen6014 ofc!! yeah it’s so cool like how do you defend that 😭

[@kysupersport]

We southerners can t hear this fast! Please slow it dow;.

[@sunsioux444]

you can change speed

[@mhknee]

Great tips, talking a little too fast for me though...🤨

[@EnhancePickleball]

Noted!

[@RobertCGee]

You still play tennis? You prefer pickleball or tennis?

[@spodefarmwillie255]

The best way to get better at pickleball is to throw all your equipment in the nearest trash can

[@Largecanyondog]

I’m an avid tennis player and going to play pickleball for the first time Monday. Watching this game I’m really confused why people play so passively. I feel like I’m missing something….

[@marcusmonkeyman6907]

How'd it go? Did you figure out what you're missing? To some extent, how aggressively people play is a matter of skill. Less aggressive shots are easier to make. However, compared to tennis, it's easy to underestimate how some rules and court size impact the strategy. The big one is that the no-volley zone prevents people from just standing close to the net and smashing or sharply angling every ball that comes over. Tennis players can volley anything they want without worrying where their momentum carries them (aside from into the net). Another significant rule is having to let the return of serve bounce, so pickleballers can't "serve and volley" to aggressively attack a slow or high return. That rule in turn makes it much easier for the returning side to gain net position, and then it's a battle (using drop shots, etc.) to win the net battle, trying not to make the first mistake, and taking advantage of the other side's mistakes. That's more about patience than passivity. Newer players, including those with tennis backgrounds, tend to hit everything as hard as they can trying to hit winners, but they hit a lot out because the smaller court is less forgiving. They do hit some, but thanks to even more unforced errors, the more patient strategic pickleballers have the edge over people who just play with aggression set at 11. If you've only seen rec players, watch some pro matches on KZbin. Even though they're sound on fundamentals and strategy, it doesn't look very passive.

[@Largecanyondog]

@@marcusmonkeyman6907 what I’ve learned is that the rules and ball do make all out aggressive play more difficult, but not out of the question. There are certain things pickleball players that don’t play ping pong or tennis are missing. #1. Serve to the backhand, or weaker side. PB just puts a cooperative ball in play. #2 vary the serve between flat slice and topspin #3 chip and charge down the middle. It’s a base doubles play #4 down the line is always open on the right side of the court (deuce court in tennis) PB players sink cross court only. It suprised the crap out of them that I just go ahead and hit a winner down the line. It’s very much a “cover the middle” game. #5 hit all volleys downward. It forces an error or high reply #6 backhanded overheads are a weakness on every rec player of any Raquet sport. #6 you don’t have to stand in pre determined locations with your feet in cement at the NVZ. #7 AND the biggest one….don’t do predictable formulaic strategies over and over. Don’t be predictable period.

[@loopba]

Pickleball felt like the wild west? Say more

[@derrick031072]

if you play tennis- 90% of these tips are the same.

[@edmondlai8299]

There are 5.0, and there are 5.0 !!

[@Neel310183]

Drew looks super bored

[@magic2506]

Pickleball paddles should have wrist straps like racquetball racquets for some extra safety

[@valeriderbes7877]

If it’s beyond the post it’s out.,, why try and hit it around it ?

[@nathanhache237]

A hard angled cross court dink will still be "in" so long as it bounces in the kitchen first. This makes the ATP so useful, you take a shot that destroys your defense, and turn it into a winning return.

[@willnichols5516]

I wonder if tennis players watch pickle-ballers and think "geez, what douche bags?!?"

[@BTown1979]

Who cares?

[@Vbe796]

Or vice versa

[@michaelakrouse60]

Anyone else’s in here from high school trying to actually be good in gym class? 😂😂😂

[@mathewmccabe2658]

Lol! Crush em kid!

[@bochatube]

But isnt he like 17?? "When I first started playing?"... you mean yesterday??

[@emandJesus]

He does NOT look 17.

[@bochatube]

@@emandJesus yeah it was a joke. He looks 23.

[@emandJesus]

@@bochatube o ok lol

[@user-bl1ji7io6u]

😮you talk too fast. You swallow the words 😭

[@josephtejeda854]

Listen faster

[@louvraey]

your brain too slow

[@Blueian742]

Anyone else a tennis player trying to learn this game and crush your opponent’s?

[@dudesgotstuff]

instead of using the atp, just let the ball go out.

[@BeverlyRice-Robinson-qo9xz]

get a job

[@MrDaoJones]

Quit calling me guys. I'm an old woman.

[@aliensarereal7832]

Being a 5.0 pickleball player is like being a 3.0 tennis player. I'm old and can beat almost any pickleball player that wasn't a tennis player before pickleball.

[@tyrone-tydavis5858]

Pickle ball tips, 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 like you can't learn the entire game in about 5 minutes. For you tennis players out there the game is limited to what we call a dink fest.