The difference between a casual pickleball player and a competitive one isn’t always about talent, it’s about habits. That’s exactly what Anna Bright, one of the top-ranked players in the world, has been emphasizing.

In a recent breakdown of her training routine, Bright shared simple but powerful pickleball improvement tips that helped her rise in the sport. The best part? These strategies are practical, easy to understand, and can be applied by any player who wants to get better.

1. Building Skills Through Practice, Not Just Play

For Bright, improvement starts with drilling. While many players spend most of their time playing casual games, she focuses more on structured practice. In fact, she often drills far more than she plays.

The reason is simple: games help you compete, but drills help you improve. Drilling gives players more repetitions, allowing them to work on weak shots, refine technique, and build consistency. It’s the fastest way to break through skill plateaus and see real progress.

2. Reducing Mistakes Makes a Big Difference

Another key habit that separates top players is minimizing unforced errors. Bright pays close attention to the mistakes she can control like missed returns, easy volleys, or rushed shots.

Even a small reduction in errors can significantly improve performance. Instead of focusing only on winning points, she focuses on not giving points away. This mindset helps build mental toughness and consistency, which are essential in competitive play.

3. Treat Every Game Like It Matters

Bright also approaches recreational games with intention. While many players treat casual matches lightly, she uses them as real practice.

By staying focused, moving properly, and making smart decisions during every game, she builds habits that carry over into tournaments. The way a player performs in practice often reflects how they’ll perform under pressure.

4. Learning by Watching Yourself

One of the most effective but often overlooked ways to improve is reviewing your own gameplay. Bright regularly watches recordings of her matches to spot mistakes and identify patterns.

Seeing your game from a different perspective can reveal issues you might not notice while playing, such as poor positioning, inconsistent technique, or repeated errors. This awareness makes it easier to adjust and improve.

5. Studying Other Players to Get Better

Bright doesn’t just analyze her own game, she also learns from others. Like many top pros, she studies other players closely, picking up techniques, strategies, and shot selections.

By watching and copying what works, players can improve faster instead of trying to figure everything out on their own. Many of the best shots in pickleball are learned by observing and adapting what top players do.

The Real Secret to Getting Better at Pickleball

Anna Bright’s approach shows that improvement isn’t about natural ability, it’s about consistency and discipline. Players who want to level up need to be intentional with how they practice and play.

In today’s competitive pickleball scene, simply playing for fun isn’t always enough to improve. The players who get better are the ones who train with purpose, learn from their mistakes, and stay committed to the process.

In the end, it’s not talent that separates players, it’s the habits they build every time they step on the court.