5 Essential Pickleball Tips for Older Players Who Still Want to Win

Experience counts—especially in pickleball. And for players in their 50s and beyond, there are five essential tips that can significantly raise your level of play without requiring you to sprint like you’re 25. It all starts with one thing: get to the kitchen. Every. Single. Rally. The non-volley zone is where the game is won or lost, and arriving there quickly after your return gives you a huge strategic edge. Forget blasting a low, hard return—lift that return higher over the net and buy yourself time. If you’re not at the kitchen by the third shot, you’re likely stuck reacting to pace you can’t control.

Once you’re at the line, everything changes. Expect the hard shot. Always. Assuming a dink is coming will get you burned more often than not. Instead, be ready for a speed-up, and if it doesn’t come, then you’ve got time to adjust to the soft stuff. That preparation starts with a paddle position that suits your reflexes—not some 22-year-old’s. The sweet spot for most senior players is a higher ready position, angled toward the backhand. Why? Because you’ll get more reach, better protection, and quicker response. Most of what needs defending comes straight at the torso, and your backhand is far better suited for that.

But the biggest shift is mental. Not every ball is worth hitting. When your opponent attacks from inside the court, that high-speed shot aimed at your ribs or shoulders is often going long. Let it go. Learning to identify and trust when to leave a shot is just as valuable as learning how to hit one. Combine that with a deep understanding of the kitchen’s role—not just as a battleground, but as a strategic tool—and you’ve moved from playing reactive pickleball to playing smart pickleball. Play the big number game. Let some land in. Let most sail out. And above all, stop chasing fire with fire. There’s a better way to win.