At the 3.0 and 3.5 levels in pickleball, many players feel stuck—wondering why they aren’t improving as fast as they’d like. The truth is, a lot of small mistakes are likely holding you back.
This guide will help identify those errors, explain why they happen, and provide practical solutions to fix them!
1. Missed Serves and Returns
Why It Happens: Players often rush serves and returns because they’re either focused on power or worried about making mistakes. The result? Balls flying out of bounds or into the net.
Who Commits This: Newer 3.0s and those who focus too much on power over precision. They often lack the serve consistency and calm approach needed to place the ball in reliably.
Tip: Slow down and focus on consistency over power. A controlled, flat serve or return is more reliable at this level and keeps you in the point.
2. Wild Third Shot Drives
Why It Happens: Many players think power is the key to winning, so they go for a big third shot drive, trying to force an error. This often leads to the ball sailing long or wide.
Who Commits This: 3.0s-3.5s who haven’t yet mastered patience. These players often think power is the answer and aim for a quick winner.
Tip: Focus on control and placement over sheer power. A more controlled third shot, especially with topspin, is easier to keep in the court and gives you more time to advance to the net.
Check out our friend and pickleball pro, Will East, as he breaks down how to master topspin drives:
3. Flat Footwork
Why It Happens: At this level, players often overlook footwork, focusing more on their shots than their movement. This leads to reaching for balls instead of getting into position early.
Who Commits This: Players of all levels who rely too much on their hands, neglecting proper footwork, often leading to poor positioning.
Tip: Work on your split step! It keeps you balanced and ready to react. Good footwork sets up every shot, so if you’re not in position, even a great swing won’t help.
4. Speed-Ups Off the Bounce
Why It Happens: Speeding up the game feels like a way to gain control, but many players misjudge the timing, leading to errors. The temptation to drive the ball is hard to resist, but it often results in mishits or balls flying out.
Who Commits This: Aggressive players who want to take control of the rally by speeding up the ball, but they misjudge timing.
Tip: Stay patient. Instead of going for speed every time, aim for controlled shots. When speeding up, target your opponent’s dominant shoulder for a tougher return.
5. Backhand Volley Flicks/Rolls
Why It Happens: Players see advanced players executing flashy backhand rolls and want to mimic the shot. The problem? It’s a highly technical shot that requires precise wrist control, and many players attempt it without enough practice.
Who Commits This: Intermediate players attempting advanced shots they’ve seen from higher-level players without mastering the fundamentals first.
Tip: Save the fancy flicks for practice sessions. Focus on solid, reliable backhand volleys first. Once you have that foundation, start adding the flick when you’re confident.
6. Trying to “Paint the Line”
Why It Happens: Going for perfect shots feels like a way to dominate, but aiming for the edges of the court increases the chance of errors. Instead of staying in the rally, you risk missing entirely.
Who Commits This: Overconfident players who think hitting the perfect line shot will win points, but it often results in missed shots.
Tip: Aim for larger, safer zones on the court. You don’t need to hit the line to win points—consistency will win more rallies in the long run.
7. Hitting Balls That Are Going Out
Why It Happens: It’s hard to resist taking a swing, especially when a ball looks like it’s within reach. But many players don’t yet have the court awareness to judge when a ball is heading out, so they end up playing it and keeping their opponent in the point.
Why It Happens: Players lack the court awareness to know when a ball is sailing out, and they instinctively go for the hit.
Tip: Learn to read the trajectory of the ball. If it’s sailing high and fast, it’s likely going out. Practice letting those shots go—better to lose a point to an out call than give your opponent an easy return.
8. Not Moving Up to the Kitchen Line
Why It Happens: After hitting a return, many players hang back near the baseline, hesitant to approach the kitchen line due to fear of being lobbed. This allows opponents to dictate the pace of the game.
Who Commits This: Cautious players who hang back near the baseline and miss opportunities to control the point.
Tip: Immediately after your return, move up to the kitchen line and join your partner. This is where you’ll be able to control the rally and force your opponents into mistakes.
9. Overhitting Low Balls
Why It Happens: There’s a natural tendency to want to smash any ball that comes your way, but trying to hit a low ball too hard usually results in errors, either hitting the net or sending the ball out of bounds.
Who Commits This: Players who feel the need to attack every ball, even if it’s below the net, leading to unforced errors.
Tip: Instead of going for a hard hit on low balls, focus on a controlled dink or reset shot. Keep the ball in play and let your opponent make the mistake.
Looking to take control of the rally? The push dink is your go-to for keeping the pressure on your opponent. Here’s how it’s done and how it stands apart from a classic dink:
The Grind is Real—But So is Your Improvement!
The jump from 3.0/3.5 to higher skill levels can feel like a grind, but the good news? It’s the small adjustments that make the biggest difference. Once you start focusing on these areas, you’ll feel more confident and in control. Every missed shot or rushed decision is just another learning opportunity.
And hey, here’s a few bonus tips to keep you moving forward:
- Warm up those dinks: A solid dink game sets the tone for control. Spend a few extra minutes before each match working on them.
- Communicate with your partner: It’s not just about playing your own game. The more you communicate, the more in sync you’ll be—and the fewer points you’ll give away.
- Don’t let frustration win: Everyone has off days. Shake it off and focus on the next point.
Remember, it’s a journey, not a sprint. Keep practicing, keep laughing, and most of all—keep having fun!
