This post came out of my mental doodling. I wrote some of it a couple of weeks ago and have let it simmer. I think this is of more value to a new player than one who has banged the ball a lot. Rules are good things in general. It's a rare person who should transcend them. But this is not a real difficult game and while it has some subtlety to it, it ain't chess or go.
All of that aside, I think the stuff has some value and usefulness. Feel free to add to the list via the comments. So here are 11 items for discussion.
1) The ball slows down quickly, you have more time than you think to hit a shot. Good players have developed a small pause before impact to improve their timing. If you come from other racket/paddle sports you probably react too quickly. Enjoy the shot, relish it, and hit it in its proper time. Being too quick results in a pulled shot, too late and it goes right, straight is what you want. (Assumes a right handed player.)
2) Get closer to the ball than you think you should. This is a lot like the first point. The ball slows quickly and doesn't skip, it tends to sit up a bit shorter than you may be used to. Don't let it bounce too far in front of you. Foot movement is the mark of a good player.
3) Strangely hit balls may have a lot of spin -- so look for strange jumps to the sides or towards the net - they probably do not have top spin on them. Like point 2, get close enough to handle the strange bounce.
4) It's a simple game, but you need to realize what's happening, e.g., if a player winds up and likes to cut ball, if it's high at all, it's going out. Partner gets pulled wide, shift towards the middle. Move where you would expect the next shot to be hit. There are a lot of shots that are going out. Look for them, expect them, and enjoy letting them go.
5) When hitting the "sitter," usually at the kitchen line, hitting the ball downwards is more important than hitting it hard. Feet make a great target.
6) When in doubt, or out of position dink or drop it. The soft game is under valued. We all like to hit the ball hard, but hitting it softly and accurately will be better in both the short and long runs.
7) Hit most service returns with a cut spin. It takes speed off the ball, it will provide a bit more carry into the court and it will provide more control. Finally, if your opponent doesn't provide a lot of lift, they will hit your cut shot into the net.
8) Return the ball into the middle is a good thing to do. Hero shots up the side line work on occasion, but a shot in the middle is usually more productive. Extra points if you can keep it low.
9) Have a serve that you always hit in. It doesn't need to be fancy or hard just consistent. A long smooth arm swing will help if you are having trouble with it. A lot of beginners seem to find the bounce serve easier to use -- if you're struggling, it might be worth a look.
10) Don't follow your serve by stepping into the court. Stay back and move up as appropriate. Also true if your partner is the server. Hang back and look for a short ball, then go forward.
11) Always follow your service return by advancing towards the kitchen line. This is a rule and not a rule of thumb! Always do this.
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