line, place the ball deep. Now you are no longer a beginner.
8. It is time to enter a tournament. Pickleball tournaments are fun, and you learn so much by playing and by watching others. Take a notebook and jot down the things you learn about your game and the things you learn from watching others. That will give you clues as to what you should work on with your practice partner. Tell your teaching pro what happened and let him come up with a plan. Get back on the wall and work on your concentration.
If you focus on basic principles in the very beginning, it will be much easier to build a game. There really are no shortcuts. Do not waste your time on the fancy stuff.
If you are struggling or if you are playing against better players, go back to the basics— watch the ball closely, prepare immediately, and move your feet like top pro Ben Johns. •
Alice Tym was ranked 13th in the world for tennis in the’ 60s. She’ s been named USPTA Coach of the Year and is a USPTA Master Professional. As a 4.5 pickleball player, she has won gold in Huntsman, NSGA Nationals, US Open and USA Pickleball events around the country. Alice is an IPTPA member, SSIPA founding board member, Bainbridge Cup Originator and gold medalist in Spain, Italy and Germany.
SPRING 2026 | MAGAZINE 17