What essential shots and techniques should I learn?

The Erne and Around-the-Post (ATP) are specialty shots that catch opponents off guard. They aren't beginner essentials but are exciting to learn once fundamentals are solid.

A volley is hitting the ball out of the air before it bounces. Volleys are used at the kitchen line to maintain pressure and finish points. The key is a compact punch motion, not a full swing.

A lob is a high arching shot that sends the ball deep over your opponent's head, buying you time to recover position or forcing net players to scramble backward.

A drive is a powerful, fast-paced shot that travels low over the net and deep into the opponent's court, forcing them into a defensive position. Drives are the offensive counterpart to the soft game.

A reliable serve puts the ball in play and sets the tone for the rally. Focus on consistency before adding power or spin. The serve must be underhand with contact below the waist.

The third shot drop is arguably the most important shot in pickleball. After the serve (shot 1) and return (shot 2), the serving team hits a soft shot (shot 3) that arcs over the net and lands gently in the opponent's kitchen, neutralizing the receiving team's net advantage.

The dink is a soft shot hit near the net that lands in the opponent's kitchen, forcing controlled tactical play instead of power exchanges. It is the foundation of advanced pickleball strategy.