Check back here as we plan to post some skills videos you can try on your own!
As players grow with Lost Boys Pickleball, we focus on building skills step-by-step. Everyone progresses at their own pace, but these are some of the fundamentals we like to see players develop over time. Let us help connect you with the proper trainer to take your game to the next step!
🟢 Beginner Skills (Foundations)
Focus: Fun, confidence, and basic coordination
- Grip – Simple paddle grip
- Ready Position – Knees bent, paddle up
- Forehand Groundstroke – Short, controlled swing
- Backhand (2-handed is OK) – Comfort over perfection
- Underhand Serve – Proper motion, in bounds
- Tracking the Ball – Watching ball to paddle
- Court Awareness – Knowing lines and sides
- Sportsmanship – Calling scores, respect, teamwork
🔵 Intermediate Skills (Consistency & Control)
Focus: Rallies and placement
- Consistent Serves – Depth and accuracy
- Return of Serve – Get the ball back safely
- Dinking Basics – Soft shots at the kitchen line
- Volleying – Blocking and short punches
- Footwork – Side steps, split step
- Moving to the Kitchen – Learning why it matters
- Keeping Score – Singles and doubles scoring
- Shot Selection – When to hit hard vs soft
🟠Advanced Youth Skills (Adult-Level Prep)
Focus: Strategy and point construction
- Third Shot Drop – Controlled soft shots
- Dink Consistency – Cross-court & straight
- Net Play Strategy – Attacking vs defending
- Lobs & Overheads – When and how to use them
- Spin Basics – Topspin & slice introduction
- Partner Communication – Calling balls, positioning
- Game Strategy – Targeting, patience, smart play
🧠Off-Court & Mental Skills (Often Overlooked)
- Focus & patience
- Handling mistakes
- Confidence building
- Respectful competition
- Playing up with adults
🎯 Fun Skill Drills Kids Love
- Target practice (cones or hula hoops)
- Dink games to a score
- Serve accuracy challenges
- King/Queen of the Court (modified rules)
- Cooperative rally challenges (how many hits?)