Do you want to improve your motion-control skills in Nintendo Switch Sports? Tennis, Volleyball, Soccer, Chambara, Badminton, and Bowling (and Golf, but Golf will be added to the game later, so we’re only counting six) are the six sports to master, so let’s get right to the tips and tricks! We’ll begin with some general information and then go on to specific sports tips later in the post.

How to unlock stuff

Unlock costumes and items for your Sportsmate:

When playing online, you’ll gain points after every match (it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, but you may get bonus points if you play extra well). After every 100 points you earn, you will redeem your points for a randomized item from a themed collection of your choosing. Items can include stuff like hairstyles, fancy-looking funny-looking rackets or swords, face paint, or stamps that you can use to emote during a match.

Now if you complete an entire collection, you’ll get something called a “Completion Bonus,” which is usually a swanky outfit or costume. Collections rotate in and out so keep an eye on what’s available!

Trial Mode

If you don’t have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can try “Trial Mode” under the “Play Globally” menu (internet connection required). In this mode, you play against CPU opponents and can earn up to two items a week.

Unlock Pro League

Ready to elevate your game? First, keep playing online in random matchmaking—as you get better and start racking up victories in specific sports, you will unlock the Pro League for that sport. Think of the Pro League as your journey to be a top-ranked player—you will gain ranks and be matched with players of similar skill levels. Hopefully, this mode will inspire a feeling of competition!

Note: If you want to take a break from the Pro League, you can also “Pause Pro” in the Pro League Settings Menu.

Improve your skills

Practice solo

It may be a little intimidating to play against real-life folks right off the bat. Don’t forget that you can play against CPU opponents in the Play Locally menu.

#1 Tennis

To do a faster serve, your character should smack the ball when it’s at its highest point in the air. The trick is to start your swing a little early so there’s enough time for the racket to meet the ball. Don’t feel bad if you can’t get it down at first: It will take some practice!

#2 Volleyball

Just like in Tennis, timing is important! To do a quicker spike, jump a little bit before your teammate sets it: The goal is for you and the ball to come in contact at the same time in the air. Perform the spike as normal and you may get a little “Quick!” indicator to show that you pulled it off.

#3 Chambara

There are three different weapons when you start a match: Sword, Charge Sword, and Twin Swords. You may be thinking that Twin Swords will always win, but not so! The normal Sword has the most powerful strike, Charge Swords can unleash powerful Charge Strikes after some careful guarding, and Twin Swords have a Spinning Strike move. Try out all three options to see which one you like the most.

#4 Soccer

We know it’s tempting but try not to do everything by yourself in a Four-on-Four match! Remember that you can pass to your teammates by holding ZR while kicking. Also, use your minimap to see where your teammates, opponents, and the ball are. Oftentimes, you’ll want to be where the ball ends up and not where it currently is.

Oh, and if no one is guarding your goal, try falling back and be a goalie for a bit. Sometimes the best defense is a good…defense.

#5 Badminton

To perform a fast smash shot, gently swing downward when the shuttlecock (yes, it’s called a shuttlecock) has just started to dip down from its highest point in the air. After you get the hang of that, try the Drop Shot by holding either the ZR or ZL Buttons and gently swinging. These two types of shots will come in handy—alternate between smashes and drop shots to keep your opponent guessing.

#6 Bowling

Last but not least, let’s talk about Bowling. Don’t forget that you can move/rotate your character before you bowl (check the button prompts on the bottom of the screen). Also, try gently rotating your wrist towards your body before the ball releases to put some spin on it. It may take some getting used to, but practice, practice, practice!