5 Simple Tweaks That Will Instantly Improve Your Pickleball Game

Take them to the court today and you'll feel the difference within minutes – both in consistency and confidence

Your pickleball game is probably better than you think. You don't need complicated drills or hours of court time to see immediate improvement.

According to Briones Pickleball Academy, there are five simple things you can do right now that will instantly boost your consistency and confidence on the court.

Love pickleball? Then you'll love our free newsletter. We send the latest news, tips, and highlights for free each week.

1. Stabilize Your Wrist on Every Shot

The first thing that will instantly improve your game is wrist stability. Whether you're hitting a dink, slice, or topspin shot, your wrist should stay locked in place before, during, and after contact.

Most players think they need to use their wrists to create spin or power. That's backwards. Instead, swing from your shoulder and keep your wrist stable throughout the motion. This simple change leads to more consistent shots and better ball placement.

2. Focus on Your Feet (The Right Way)

Players know footwork matters, but they rarely practice it. Here's the thing: your footwork directly affects your contact point. If you're out of position, you can't be consistent, no matter how good your technique looks.

The key is using the shuffle step to create space and time. Move your inside leg first, then your outside leg. This gives you the ideal contact point and keeps you balanced. When you nail your footwork, everything else gets easier.

3. Stop Early in the Transition Zone

One of the biggest mistakes players make is stopping too late when moving through the transition zone. You're rushing, off-balance, and unprepared when your opponent hits the ball.

Instead, stop before your opponent hits. Get your feet set and balanced right after the ball bounces and before they swing. You might not make as much progress toward the net, but you'll be in control and ready for anything they throw at you.

Heads up: hundreds of thousands of pickleballers read our free newsletter. Subscribe here for cutting edge strategy, insider news, pro analysis, the latest product innovations and more.

4. Anchor Your Feet at the Kitchen Line

When you're at the net in a hands battle or defending an attack, keep both feet on the ground. Jumping or moving your feet too much kills your stability and makes it impossible to place the ball where you want it.

A wide, balanced base with both feet anchored gives you the power and control you need to hit aggressive counters. Position yourself correctly, stay grounded, and let your upper body do the work.

💡

Need some new pickleball gear? Get 20% off select paddles, shoes, and more with code THEDINK at Midwest Racquet Sports

5. Prioritize Balance Above All Else

This is the foundation for everything else. No matter where you are on the court, baseline or kitchen line, your main job is to set up early and get balanced before every shot.

The game moves fast, and you'll be on the move constantly. But if you focus on preparing early and staying balanced, you'll stay in control and hit more consistent shots. Balance is the secret ingredient that ties all five tips together.

Put It All Together Today

These five tips aren't complicated. They don't require special equipment or hours of drilling. Take them to the court today and you'll feel the difference within minutes.

Your confidence will go up. Your consistency will improve. And you'll finally understand why the best players make the game look so easy. They're not doing anything fancy. They're just doing the fundamentals right.