The Transition from Badminton to Pickleball – Yumo Pro Shop - Racquet Sports online store website

The Transition from Badminton to Pickleball

The Transition from Badminton to Pickleball

The Transition from
Badminton to Pickleball

Trying out pickleball for the first time with a badminton background? Rest assure, it’s easier than you think and lots of fun. Pickleball is a combination of tennis/badminton (Tennis height net but with a court dimension similar to badminton).

To start, know the rules: https://www.pickleball.com/rules-how-to-play-pickleball-s/106.htm

*Credit: Pickle-Ball Inc.

 

Here are some key things that you will notice immediately stepping on the court
- Court coverage is slightly more because during serves and back court play, you might find yourself behind the back line
- Due to the racket length being shorter than a badminton racket, you will find your timing being a bit off when you are trying an overhead stroke
- On the serve receive, you might simply use a defensive short backhand stroke (similar to badminton when your partner is sparring with you in the front of the net and you are trying to drive it back to him), don’t; you need to do a nice backhand follow through to properly return the ball.  

Here’s some tips if you are an advanced to experienced badminton player (In our staff’s opinion)
- Ignore the double hand grip volleys/stroke, the Pickleball paddles and the ball is very light (Different paddle weights to choose through), you can easier backhand drive super hard to the other side. The double grip isn’t wrong, those with a tennis background typically plays that style more.
- Don’t be afraid to stay at the line behind the ‘kitchen’ and play a drive game with the opponent. The ball isn’t faster than the bird that you are used to.
- When the opposing side smashes, remember that the ball is allowed to bounce once, so don’t try to dig it like you do in badminton.
- If you know how to do a backhand net spin, try to apply it during a backhand drive; add a spin to the ball.
- In doubles, try your best to rush to the net. Same as badminton, whoever can control the front better always wins.
- The ball is constantly spinning from the opposing team, you must hit with a little force when returning the ball to avoid the ball spinning off your racket.
- The racket surprising DOES play a difference. We have noticed paddles like the Selkirk Hybird Invikta absorbed the opposing spins better and also helped put more spin into our shots. Hard to believe, until we played with it more versus some of the cheaper rackets. (Guess it isn’t just hype)

Link: https://yumo.ca/products/selkirk-vanguard-hybrid-invikta-lightweight-pickleball-paddle-electrify

In our opinion, the sport is still evolving as majority of the heavy competition is in the United States. Therefore there is still lot of styles to be discovered and proper method of training and practice. But one thing is for sure, you’ll need a paddle and a ball; so get started and open up your wallet!


- TEAM YUMO-

 

Not sure where to start?  Check out our guide on how to pick a pickleball paddle thats right for you!

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