The secret to good pancakes is really no secret, since you've almost certainly heard it before: don't over mix the batter and let it rest before cooking. Over mixing will deflate your batter and cause too much gluten to form, leading to pancakes that are flat and tough. Instead, mix the batter just until blended (it will be a bit lumpy) and then allow it to rest so that the flour has time to hydrate. This helps to create pancakes with a light and fluffy texture.