Every shot you hit in pickleball falls on one of two sides: the forehand or the backhand. Knowing when to choose one over the other can make your game more consistent and your decision-making faster on the court.

Most recreational players lose points not because they lack talent, but because they cannot keep the ball in play long enough to create an opportunity.

Tennis uses one of the most unique scoring systems in sports. Instead of counting 1, 2, 3, the game calls out "love," "15," "30," and "40." And the way points build into games, games build into sets, and sets build into matches can feel confusing the first time you watch or play.

Playing more games is fun, but games alone may not fix the habits holding you back. Structured pickleball drills target specific weaknesses so you can build real consistency on the court.

Both pickleball and tennis are booming across the United States right now. Millions of Americans pick up a paddle or racket every year, and many wonder what the difference is between pickleball and tennis before choosing which to try.

Most pickleball happens in doubles. Four players crowd a compact court, trade dinks at the kitchen line, and share the workload with a partner.

A volley in tennis is any shot you hit before the ball bounces on the court. Most volleys happen near the net, but a player can technically hit one from anywhere on the playing surface.

A tennis overhead smash is a powerful shot hit above your head, used to finish a point when your opponent lobs the ball your way.

The third shot drop in pickleball is a soft, controlled shot hit by the serving team on the third contact of a rally, designed to land gently in the opponent's non-volley zone (the kitchen).