Beginner Mistakes in Pickleball

Pickleball is a unique sport, that is easy to begin. However, beginners often struggle to improve because they unknowingly repeat the same mistakes. Understanding and addressing these common errors is essential for any player who wants to advance their skills and start winning more matches. Let’s dive into the most frequent Beginner Mistakes in Pickleball and how to correct them for a more successful pickleball experience.

Common Beginner Mistakes in Pickleball

Mistake #1: Serving and Stepping In

Serving in pickleball might seem straightforward, but it’s a critical part of the game that can set the tone for the entire rally. One of the most common mistakes beginners make is serving the ball and immediately stepping forward. This instinct to advance might feel natural, especially if you’re familiar with other racquet sports, but it can put you at a disadvantage in pickleball. According to the official rules, the ball must bounce once on your opponent’s side after the serve and then once again on your side after their return before either team can volley.

If you step forward after serving, you’ll often find yourself in an awkward position when your opponent returns the ball deep. This situation forces you to backpedal quickly, which can throw you off balance and increase the chances of popping the ball up. A high pop-up is an easy opportunity for your opponent to smash the ball back at you, ending the rally. To avoid this, focus on serving and then either staying in place or taking a small step back. By doing so, you remain balanced and ready for the next shot, allowing you to handle returns with greater control and accuracy.

Mistake #2: Driving the Third Shot Too Much

The third shot in pickleball is often considered the most important shot of the rally. After your opponent returns your serve, you have the opportunity to dictate the pace of the game with your third shot.

Many beginners make the mistake of driving the ball hard in an attempt to overpower their opponents. While aggressive play can be effective in some sports, in pickleball, it often leads to mistakes. Hard drives on the third shot frequently result in the ball hitting the net or sailing out of bounds.

Instead of driving, it’s better to use a third shot drop. This technique involves hitting the ball softly into the kitchen area, the non-volley zone close to the net. A well-executed third shot drop forces your opponents to hit up on the ball, giving you and your partner time to advance to the net. Once you’re at the net, you can engage in a soft, controlled game that favors placement and strategy over power. Resulting in fewer mistakes and more successful rallies.

Mistake #3: Being Sporadic at the Kitchen Line

The kitchen line, or the non-volley zone, is where much of the action in pickleball takes place. It’s a strategic area where players engage in dinking, a soft and controlled exchange of shots aimed at forcing opponents to make mistakes.

Beginners often struggle with getting to and maintaining a stable position at the kitchen line. Instead of holding their ground, they tend to move back and forth too much, which can lead to imbalance. This excessive movement often causes players to pop the ball up, providing their opponents with an easy opportunity to smash the ball for a winner.

To avoid this mistake, it’s essential to stand your ground at the kitchen line. Move only slightly to the side or diagonally when necessary, but avoid unnecessary back-and-forth motion. Maintaining a strong, balanced position allows you to stay in control of the rally, making it easier to react to your opponent’s shots and execute precise returns. By mastering this aspect of the game, you’ll find that you can handle dinks and other kitchen line exchanges with greater confidence and success.

Mistake #4: Taking Unnecessarily Big Swings

Powerful swings might look impressive, but in pickleball, they can often do more harm than good. Beginners frequently take large, powerful swings at balls that are not high enough, leading to a variety of errors.

For example, swinging too hard at a low ball can cause it to hit the net or go out of bounds. This mistake is particularly common when players attempt to put too much force behind their shots, thinking that power alone will win the point. In reality, control and precision are far more important. For balls that are around forehead height or lower, it’s better to use a punch technique rather than a full swing.

A punch shot is a short, controlled stroke that allows you to place the ball accurately without overcommitting your body to the shot. Save your powerful swings for high balls, such as overhead shots, where you can effectively put the ball away with force. By using a controlled punch on lower balls, you’ll reduce the number of unforced errors and increase your chances of keeping the rally going.

Mistake #5: Being Close-Minded

One of the most significant barriers to improvement in pickleball is a close-minded attitude. Some beginners believe they already know how to correct their mistakes and are resistant to feedback from more experienced players. This mindset can severely limit your growth in the game.

Pickleball is a sport that requires continuous learning and adaptation, and even seasoned players constantly refine their techniques. To avoid this mistake, be open to constructive criticism and actively seek feedback from others. Observe more experienced players and pay attention to their strategies and techniques. By doing so, you can identify areas where you need to improve and adopt new approaches that will enhance your game. Remember, being a good listener and a keen observer are critical skills in pickleball, and embracing them will lead to greater success on the court.

Bonus Mistake: Incorrect Paddle Positioning

A common mistake that many beginners make is not adjusting their paddle position based on their location on the court. Where you hold your paddle significantly affects your ability to respond to incoming shots effectively.

When you’re at the non-volley zone, often referred to as the kitchen line, your paddle should be at chest height. This positioning allows you to quickly react to fast, close-range shots, particularly those aimed high or at your body.

However, if you find yourself a few steps back from the kitchen line, your paddle should be slightly lower, positioned at about waist height. This adjustment helps you prepare for shots that are more likely to come in lower and require a quicker response.

If you move even further back, closer to mid-court, lower your paddle position to around knee height.

Finally, when you’re at the baseline, your paddle should be low to the ground. This position is crucial for dealing with deep shots that are likely to bounce close to the baseline. By maintaining the appropriate paddle position relative to your court position, you’ll be better prepared to handle a variety of shots, reduce unforced errors, and maintain control during rallies.

Beginner Mistakes in Pickleball Q&A: Common Pickleball Questions

Q: Why is my pickleball game not improving?

A: Your game might not be improving due to common beginner mistakes such as improper serving techniques, driving the third shot too often, or being sporadic at the kitchen line. Correcting these issues can lead to significant improvement.

Q: How can I improve my third shot in pickleball?

A: Instead of driving the third shot, try using a third shot drop. This technique involves hitting the ball softly into the kitchen area, allowing you to advance to the net and control the pace of the game.

Q: What should my paddle position be during a pickleball game?

A: Your paddle position should vary depending on where you are on the court. At the non-volley zone, keep it at chest height. As you move back, lower the paddle accordingly. At the baseline, it should be low to the ground.

Beginner Mistakes in Pickleball: Start Improving Your Game Today

By avoiding these common Beginner Mistakes in Pickleball, you can dramatically improve your pickleball game. Serving and staying balanced, mastering the third shot drop, holding your ground at the kitchen line, and using appropriate swings are all crucial steps toward becoming a better player. Remember to keep an open mind and always be ready to learn from more experienced players. With these adjustments, you’ll be on your way to winning more matches and enjoying the game even more. Pickleball is a sport that rewards strategy, control, and continuous learning, so make these changes today and start seeing the difference in your performance.