How To Play Pickleball Singles: Pro Tips And Strategy

Master serves, hit deep returns, control the middle, and attack open space.

Whether you’re brand new or moving over from doubles, learning how to play pickleball singles takes a smart plan. I’ve coached players through local ladders and US-style tournaments, and this guide breaks down rules, footwork, shot choices, and drills. Stick with me and you’ll know exactly how to play pickleball singles with confidence.

Singles rules and scoring made simple

If you learn the rules first, your game grows fast. Here is how to play pickleball singles within the official framework.

• Court size: 20 by 44 feet. The non-volley zone (the kitchen) is 7 feet from the net on both sides.
• Serve: Underhand with contact below the waist. Paddle head is below the wrist at contact. Serve diagonal and clear the kitchen line.
• No let serves: If the ball clips the net and lands in, play continues.
• Two-bounce rule: The return must bounce, then the server’s next shot must bounce. After that, either player can volley outside the kitchen.
• Scoring: Only the server scores. Games often go to 11, win by 2.
• Server position: Your even score = serve from right. Your odd score = serve from left.
• Side-out: If the server loses the rally, serve goes to the opponent. In singles there is only one server per side.

Tip from my first league: I lost early because I forgot the even/odd rule. Say your score out loud before each serve. It locks your position in your head and keeps you calm.

Gear, grip, and setup for singles success

Good gear will not win you points alone, but it makes clean swings easier. For how to play pickleball singles with less strain, keep it simple.

• Paddle: A midweight paddle gives a blend of power and control. Choose a grip size that lets you wrap your index finger between your palm and fingertips.
• Grip style: Eastern for balance. Continental for slices and blocks. Pick one and practice it for a month.
• Shoes: Wear court shoes with lateral support. Running shoes can roll on quick stops.
• Balls: Use the ball type your local courts use. Outdoor balls are firmer and faster.

I switched to a tacky overgrip in summer heat. My mishits dropped at once because my hand stopped sliding.

Serve tactics that set up the point

Your serve starts every point, so make it count. If you want to know how to play pickleball singles at a higher level, build a repeatable serve first.

• Aim deep and to the corners: Push your opponent back. A deep serve buys you time.
• Mix targets: Corner, body, and backhand. Variety forces weaker returns.
• Add shape: A heavy topspin or a flat drive serve can both work. Keep the toss and motion the same to hide the change.
• Routine: Breathe, bounce the ball twice, see your target, swing smooth.

A simple challenge: 50 serves to the deep right corner without missing more than 5. This alone will lift your hold rate.

Return of serve and the first groundstroke

The return is the most underrated shot in singles. If you want the best path for how to play pickleball singles, master a deep, safe return.

• Return deep and through the middle: Deep returns keep the server back. Middle returns limit angle attacks.
• Use slice on backhand: A low, skidding slice keeps the next ball hard to attack.
• Recover to the middle: Split step as the server hits. Do not admire your return.
• Neutral third ball: If the server rushes, aim the next shot behind them.

In my first singles tournament, I won ugly by hitting heavy, deep returns to the body. The score was not pretty, but the plan worked.

Smart positioning and court coverage

Singles is a movement game. Learn where to stand before you rip a winner. This is the heart of how to play pickleball singles the right way.

• Own the middle: After hitting, recover to a step left or right of center based on your shot.
• Hide your backhand: Shade to protect your weaker wing and invite the ball to your strength.
• Attack open space: Hit behind a moving opponent or into the big empty lane.
• Kitchen discipline: Do not rush the net on a float return. Approach only on a strong, deep ball.

Think of the court as a door. Your shot closes one side and opens the other. Step toward the side you just opened.

Footwork fundamentals that save points

Great feet make average strokes look great. If you ask me how to play pickleball singles with less effort, I’ll say fix your footwork.

• Split step: Land light as your opponent hits. It primes your first move.
• First step back: Use a drop step, not a shuffle, on deep balls.
• Crossover run: Cross the outside leg over to reach wide balls fast.
• Brake and recover: Plant low, hit balanced, and push back to center.

A 5-minute ladder drill before play changed my days. Fewer late swings, fewer errors, more fun.

Your singles shot toolbox

Build a few high-value shots and use them often. Here is what I teach for how to play pickleball singles with a clear plan.

• Forehand drive: Your bread-and-butter. Aim deep, high net clearance, heavy through the court.
• Backhand slice: Keep it low. Use it on returns, neutral rallies, and passes.
• Approach shot: Drive to the body or deep corner, then step in behind it.
• Volley and half-volley: Punch short and firm. Aim to the feet or open court.
• Lob: Use sparingly when the opponent crowds the kitchen or leans forward.
• Overhead: Turn shoulders, side step, point with off-hand, hit deep middle.

Consistency wins more than fireworks. Groove height, depth, and shape first. Winners will show up by themselves.

Proven practice plans and drills

You improve fastest with focused reps. If you are serious about how to play pickleball singles well, use these simple sessions.

• Serve targets: 5 sets of 10 serves each. Deep right, deep left, body, then alternate. Track makes.
• Return ladder: Partner serves. You return deep crosscourt 10 times, then deep middle 10 times. Switch sides.
• Approach and volley: Feed yourself or have a friend feed mid-court balls. Drive deep, step in, split, punch the volley.
• Shadow patterns: Without a ball, rehearse hit-recover-split for 5 minutes. Build habits.
• Wall work: 100 forehand drives and 100 backhand slices. Focus on a smooth, repeatable swing.
• Fitness finisher: 4 rounds of 30-second lateral shuffles, 15-second rest. It mimics point bursts.

Write your makes and misses. What gets measured gets better.

Match plans for different opponents

Adapt fast and you control the day. Knowing how to play pickleball singles against styles is a big edge.

• The banger: Roll deep returns with height. Absorb pace. Feed them one more ball and watch errors rise.
• The runner: Use body serves, then change direction once. Bring them forward with a soft ball, then pass behind.
• The soft baller: Step in on anything short. Take time away. Attack feet and open court.
• The lobber: Stay patient with overheads. Do not chase bad ones. Hit deep middle to stop their setup.
• The lefty: Serve wide to their backhand corner on both sides. Keep them guessing with body serves.

Always ask: What shot do they hate? Make the whole match about that shot.

Common mistakes and easy fixes

Everyone makes the same few errors. If you want a quick win on how to play pickleball singles, start here.

• Short returns: Aim higher and slower. Depth beats speed.
• Serving too fancy: Build one reliable serve first. Add variety later.
• Rushing the net: Only approach behind a strong ball. If in doubt, stay back.
• Ball-watching: Hit, recover, split. Say it in your head after each swing.
• Going for lines: Aim big targets early. Shrink targets late when you are dialed.

My rule with juniors: Miss long, not in the net. Depth gives you a chance. The tape never does.

Scoring walk-through and rotations

Scoring trips up new players in singles. Here is a quick flow so you always know how to play pickleball singles without confusion.

• Start at 0–0. Serve from the right.
• If you win the point, you score 1 and switch sides. Even score = right. Odd score = left.
• Lose the rally and it is a side-out. Opponent serves from their right if their score is even.
• Announce the score before each serve: Your score first, then opponent’s.

Example: You lead 6–3. Six is even, so you serve from the right. You win the point, now 7–3. Seven is odd, so move to the left to serve next.

Mental game and match prep

Your mind guides your feet and your swing. This part of how to play pickleball singles matters more than you think.

• Pre-match routine: Hydrate, light dynamic warm-up, 30 practice serves, 10 deep returns.
• First four points: Play high-percentage. Find your depth and timing.
• Between points: One breath in, one breath out, choose one target. Keep it simple.
• Wind or heat: Aim bigger targets, add height, shorten points when needed.

I tape a tiny note on my paddle edge: Deep, Middle, Breathe. It centers me when a match gets tight.

Strategy checklists you can use today

Here are quick checklists that turn how to play pickleball singles into action.

• On serve

  • Deep corner or body serve.
  • Expect a deep return. Load the legs.
  • Third ball deep middle. Recover and split.

• On return

  • Deep middle or to backhand.
  • Recover to center. Split on contact.
  • Press forward if they float it.

• When ahead

  • Big targets. Fewer risks.
  • Make them play extra balls.

• When behind

  • Raise depth and height.
  • Look for body serves and early approaches.

Print this section. Bring it to the court. Check it at changeovers.

Frequently Asked Questions of how to play pickleball singles

What is the best serve for singles?

A deep, consistent serve to the corners is best. Mix in body serves to jam footwork and set up weak returns.

Should I rush the net in singles like in doubles?

No, not by default. Approach only behind a strong, deep ball or a short sitter you can attack.

How is scoring different in singles?

Only the server scores, and there is one server per side. Even score serves from the right, odd from the left.

What is the most important shot to learn first?

The deep return of serve. It buys time, pushes the server back, and sets up easier third balls.

How do I beat a faster, younger player?

Make them hit extra balls and change direction. Use deep body serves, high heavy returns, and pass behind them.

Can I volley the return in singles?

No. The two-bounce rule applies. The serve and the return must each bounce once before any volley.

Conclusion

Now you know how to play pickleball singles with a clear plan. Serve deep, return deeper, own the middle, and attack big spaces. Keep your feet active, your targets big, and your mind calm.

Bring one drill and one tactic to your next match. Track your makes for a week and watch your confidence grow. If this helped, share it with a partner, subscribe for more weekly tips, or drop a question and I’ll help you tune your plan.