Holiday gift guide: paddle picks, gift cards and stocking stuffers $50 and under

Doubles players walking to the net between points

Strategy

Play smarter. Win more.

Four players mid-rally on an outdoor court, laughing

Doubles positioning

Get to the kitchen line together and stay connected.

Four players chatting over the net after a game

Stacking

Line up so each partner ends up on their best side.

Pickleball player lunging for a low ball on a sunlit outdoor court

Drive or drop?

Choose the third shot that fits the ball, not the one you like most.

Player focused on a forehand at the kitchen line

Third-shot strategy

Your third shot is the most important shot of the point.

Player in a ready position waiting for the serve

Surviving the transition zone

Move through no man's land with a plan, not at a sprint.

Woman returning a shot under court lights

Kitchen line strategy

Patience, then a purposeful attack.

Woman hitting a forehand on an indoor court

Targeting opponents

Find the weaker player, the weaker side, and the gap between them.

Player in a Just Pickle Me cap reaching for a forehand volley

Beating bangers

Absorb, block, and let them miss.

Close-up of a paddle and ball on a textured blue court surface

Handling spin

Read it early and adjust your paddle face, not your swing.

Woman hitting a forehand during a doubles rally

Singles strategy

Serve deep, return deep, and make them move.