Get Better Immediately: 5 Simple Tips to Boost Your Pickleball Consistency

Sharpen your game with tips you can try in your next match

Think about how many points you’ve lost by a) hitting the ball into the net, or b) hitting the ball out. If you never hit the ball into the net, or out, imagine how many more games you’d win! Consistency is the key. Now we’re never going to reach never. But a few more points here or there can make a big difference, especially in tight games. Here are some fun, easy tips to level up your consistency game.

1. Keep It Simple, Stay Focused

Consistency starts with simplicity. Instead of aiming for that epic cross-court shot every time, focus on making clean, controlled shots. Think of it like cooking, sometimes, the simplest recipes turn out the tastiest. Pick a shot you’re confident in, like a bread and butter cross-court dink, and master it. Once that becomes second nature, start working in other shots. The key is to stay relaxed and not overthink. Take a deep breath and remember: it’s just a game, not an episode of Top Chef.

2. Watch Your Footwork (It’s Not Just for Dancing)

Good footwork is the backbone of consistency. If your feet are all over the place or you’re lunging like a windmill, your shots will suffer. Practice moving smoothly and staying balanced, think of yourself as the Michael Jackson of pickleball, glide gracefully into position, then strike. Bonus, good footwork also lets you get to the ball faster, which means more consistent shots and fewer missed opportunities. I often find I miss shots where I don’t have to move too much to reach the ball, and I end up getting lazy and not hitting from a stable position, good footwork matters for every stroke.

3. Keep Your Eye on the Ball (Always)

This sounds obvious, but it’s worth repeating, focus on the ball. I have a lot of trouble taking dinks out of the air. And on almost every miss, I realize I was not looking anywhere near the ball. And when I do, darned if it doesn’t go right where I want it to.  If your eyes stay on the ball, your paddle will naturally follow the right path. 

4. Control Your Power (Don’t Go Full Hulk Mode)

Power is tempting, but in pickleball, over swinging often leads to errors. Practice controlled strokes, think of your drives a 70% swing, not a full-blown Hulk smash. This approach promotes accuracy and keeps the ball in the court. Use your legs and core to generate power, rather than just your arm, for more consistency and less fatigue.

5. Embrace the “Pause and Reset” Mentality

If you hit a shot into the net or out-of-bounds, don’t get frustrated. Instead, take a quick mental breath, reset, and focus on the next shot. Sometimes, your body just needs a split second to recalibrate. I’ll walk to the back of the court and gently tap the fence a few times to settle down and focus. Find what works for you. Remember, even pros miss shots—what matters is how quickly you get back to your game.

Conclusion

Getting consistent in pickleball isn’t about being perfect,  it’s about playing smarter, staying relaxed, and building confidence one shot at a time. Practice your basics, keep your feet happy, and always keep your eyes on the prize, the shot that keeps you swinging happily and winning regularly. Now, go out there, have fun, and let your consistency shine!