Whether you’ve just picked up the paddle or have been playing for a while, it’s easy to fall into some habits that mark you as an amateur on the court. But don’t worry – recognizing these mistakes is the first step to overcoming them and taking your game to the next level.
Let’s go over some common tell-tale signs that might be holding you back, what they say about your current skill level, and how to fix them.
1. Crowding Your Partner During Serves
One of the first signs that scream “beginner” is crowding your partner while they’re serving. Often, amateurs stand too close, giving the server no room to follow through and making them nervous. Skilled players agree that the best way to support your partner is by giving them space and staying engaged. Instead, stand a couple of feet behind the baseline, watch your partner serve, and be ready to move into position as soon as the serve is complete.
What this tells about your skill level: It shows that you might lack awareness of spatial dynamics on the court, a key aspect of high-level play.
What to do instead: Give your partner space to comfortably serve. Stand behind the baseline and get into a low, ready stance, staying tuned into the game. This will help you react faster and play more effectively.
2. Avoiding the Volley Dink
Another clear indicator of an amateur is avoiding the volley dink. Most new players prefer letting the ball bounce, as it gives them more time to react. While this feels safer, it gives your opponents more time to set up their shots, putting you at a disadvantage.
What this tells about your skill level: Avoiding volley dinks suggests a lack of confidence in your reflexes and control. Skilled players use volley dinks to take time away from their opponents and create offensive opportunities.
What to do instead: Start practicing volley dinks, even if it feels awkward initially. Keep your wrist locked and use minimal motion to redirect the ball. Remember, the goal is not a big swing but a gentle redirection that keeps your opponents on their toes.
3. Inconsistent Dinking Strategy
A major sign of inexperience is either hitting every dink aggressively or always playing it too safe. It’s common for amateurs to get overly excited during a dink rally, trying to push the ball aggressively to win the point, or conversely, playing overly defensive and predictable shots.
What this tells about your skill level: This shows that you may not fully understand the balance between offense and defense in pickleball. Advanced players use a combination of lift dinks (defensive) and push dinks (offensive) depending on the situation.
What to do instead: If the ball is high and you’re stable, go for an aggressive push dink. But when it’s low or you’re off-balance, play a lift dink to control the point. Learn to mix both approaches to keep your opponents guessing.
Watch Coach David Heintz Jr. as he breaks down and demonstrates the key differences between a push dink and a lift dink:
4. Poor Ready Position and Footwork
Your stance tells a lot about your skill level. Amateurs often fail to maintain a solid ready position, with their paddles down by their sides or their bodies standing upright. Not being in a ready position results in slower reactions, often leading to missed shots.
What this tells about your skill level: A poor ready stance shows a lack of anticipation and readiness for what’s coming next. Skilled players adjust their stance based on where they are on the court, and their paddle is always up and ready.
What to do instead: When near the kitchen line, keep your paddle up at chest height and be prepared for quick exchanges. Use a split step (a small hop) whenever your opponent strikes the ball to stay balanced and ready to react.
5. Not Shading Properly with Your Partner
Amateurs often fail to move in sync with their partner, leaving large gaps open on the court. When your partner moves to take a shot, it’s crucial that you adjust your position to cover potential angles that could be exploited by your opponents. This concept is called shading, and it requires constant awareness of both the ball and your partner.
What this tells about your skill level: It shows a lack of team coordination and awareness, which is essential for higher-level doubles play.
What to do instead: Always be aware of your partner’s position and the ball. Move laterally with your partner to cover the court effectively and minimize gaps. This will make it much harder for your opponents to find openings.
6. Hitting Drives Instead of Dropping the Third Shot
The third shot in pickleball is often referred to as the most important shot because it sets the tone for the rest of the rally. Beginners tend to hit hard drives on the third shot, hoping to overpower their opponents, but this often leads to mistakes or easy put-away opportunities for the other team. Instead, more skilled players use a third shot drop to neutralize the rally and advance to the net.
What this tells about your skill level: Relying on drives for the third shot suggests that you might not have confidence in your soft game or don’t understand the strategic advantage of getting to the net.
What to do instead: Practice third shot drops that land softly in the kitchen, making it difficult for your opponents to attack. This will allow you and your partner to approach the net and take control of the point.
7. Overcommitting to One Side of the Court
A common mistake among beginners is overcommitting to one side of the court, especially during fast exchanges. This leaves a huge area open for your opponents to exploit. Skilled players are more disciplined with their positioning, ensuring that they cover their half of the court without leaving significant gaps.
What this tells about your skill level: Overcommitting shows that you may not have the awareness or discipline to maintain balanced court coverage, which is critical during fast-paced rallies.
What to do instead: Focus on maintaining your position and covering your half of the court. Trust your partner to cover their side, and avoid getting pulled too far out of position. This disciplined approach will make your team much harder to beat.
Seasoned Pickleballers Share Their Top 5 Tips
- Patience Is Key: Experienced players emphasize patience, especially during dink rallies. Learning when to slow the game down and wait for the right moment is crucial for winning points.
- Footwork and Positioning: Beginners often don’t move enough to get into an ideal position. Advanced players stay on their toes, always ready to adjust their stance and reach the best spot for each shot.
- Confidence and Awareness: Confidence on the court leads to smoother movements and better anticipation. Skilled players stay relaxed under pressure and position themselves effectively.
- Controlled Aggression: Controlled aggression is key to winning points. Skilled players know when to take advantage of opportunities but also when to hold back. Balancing offense and defense keeps opponents guessing.
- Communication with Your Partner: Effective communication is crucial in doubles play. High-level players constantly communicate with their partners to stay coordinated and cover the court effectively. Make it a habit to talk to your partner during matches to ensure both of you are on the same page.
Keep Growing, Keep Playing
It’s natural to have some of these habits when you’re just starting, but each one is an opportunity to grow. By working on these areas, you’ll not only improve your own game but also make it more enjoyable for your partners and opponents.
Pickleball is about continuous learning and adaptation – even the pros are always finding ways to refine their skills. So, keep practicing, stay patient, and most importantly, have fun out there!
