Celebrate National Pickleball Month with these tips from Palmetto Dunes

Picture this: Three friends in a backyard on Bainbridge Island, armed with ping-pong paddles and a whiffle ball. Their mission? To create the ultimate backyard game. Joel Pritchard, William Bell, and Barney McCallum dubbed their creation "pickleball" after their beloved dog Pickles. What started as a fun backyard experiment soon became a nationwide craze. By the '80s, official rules were in place, and pickleball was bouncing its way into hearts everywhere. Today, it's not just a game—it's a lifestyle. From casual matches to fierce competitions, pickleball boasts a diverse player base spanning all ages and skill levels.

Because of its popularity, April has been designated National Pickleball Month! Our Palmetto Dunes Pickleball professionals have three fun video tips to help you improve your game from anywhere.

How to approach the Transition Zone with Dino

Evan "Dino" Dinopoulos, Palmetto Dunes Resort's Tennis & Pickleball Center's Touring Professional & Pickleball Instructor, shares with us some key tips on the transition zone.

Takeaways:

• If the ball if below the net, reset that ball by dropping your paddle below your knees and hit it back in the non-volley zone, as it is not an attackable ball.

• If the ball is net or higher, use your paddle and attack that ball.

Pickleball Contact Points with Andy

Andy Sklarin, Palmetto Dunes Resort's Tennis & Pickleball Center's Pickleball Instructor, shares with us some tips on the contact point and rules in pickleball.

Takeaways:

• Keep your paddle contact point out in front of you & always try to see your paddle.

• Shuffle sideways and avoid crossing your feet over.

• Keep yourself behind the line if you want to hit the ball out of the air.

Pickleball Serving Tips with Dino

Evan "Dino" Dinopoulos shares with us some tips on serving in pickleball.

Takeaways:

• Create a warmup routine before you serve.

• Give yourself enough space behind the line to swing through with power.

• Serve with intent, aim deep and pick a side.

Pickleball is a sport for all ages and levels. Come experience the community and positive atmosphere this sport creates! Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, located on Hilton Head Island, has 24 pickleball courts with a knowledgeable staff that hosts clinics, lessons and round robins year-round. Reserve your next Hilton Head pickleball lesson online.