There’s a lot of advice floating around on pickleball courts—and not all of it is good. Some of it’s outdated. Some of it’s oversimplified. And some of it? Just flat-out wrong.
Whether you’re trying to level up or just stop sabotaging yourself mid-rally, it’s time to bust a few myths that could be messing with your game.
Myth #1: You can’t step into the kitchen unless the ball bounces
The truth: You can step into the kitchen at any time—even if the ball hasn’t bounced. What you can’t do is volley (hit the ball out of the air) while any part of your body—or anything you’re wearing or carrying—is touching the kitchen or the kitchen line.
Why it matters: Players who misunderstand this rule often hang back too far, miss chances to take better court position, or get jammed by low balls. Good footwork includes moving in and out of the kitchen confidently. Stepping in is not a violation—volleying while in it is.
Myth #2: Always sprint to the net after returning serve
This sounds right—but it’s not the whole story. Rushing to the kitchen line without control often means you’re arriving off-balance, mid-swing, or mid-decision—which sets you up to get passed or popped.
Try this instead: Return deep and give yourself time. Use split steps. Move forward with purpose, not panic.
Myth #3: Never cross your feet
We’ve all heard this one from well-meaning coaches. And while good footwork matters, this “rule” gets misunderstood.
In reality, there are moments—like chasing a lob, reaching for a backhand, or sliding into position—where crossing your feet is the most efficient move. The real goal is staying balanced. Use smart footwork, not robotic rules.
Myth #4: The lob is a desperation shot
Not true. A well-placed lob—especially off a dink—can reset the point, punish poachers, and get aggressive players off your back.
Top players use offensive lobs tactically. If your opponents are leaning forward or crowding the kitchen, a clean, high lob can flip the rally.
Myth #5: Always hit, then reset to “ready position”
The better mindset? Finish your shot fully—then flow into the next one. When you stop your motion prematurely just to get “ready,” you’re breaking your rhythm and sometimes putting your paddle in a worse position.
Let your shot dictate your recovery—not the other way around.
Myth #6: Poaching is selfish
Not if it’s done right. Poaching becomes a weapon when it’s well-timed, pre-communicated, and executed with intent.
Think of it as proactive court coverage, not partner-stealing. When one player takes control and the other covers, you form a dynamic team. The key is trust—and eye contact before the match helps.
Myth #7: Always aim for the sidelines
It sounds smart until you’re spraying balls wide or hitting the net trying to go for perfect placement.
Top players know that hitting down the middle wins points—especially in doubles. It causes confusion, avoids sharp angles, and gives your team time to reset. The middle is the safest high-percentage shot you’re probably underusing.
Myth #8: If you’re not dinking, you’re doing it wrong
We all love a beautiful crosscourt dink rally—but don’t force one if the opportunity to attack is there.
Not every point has to be won in the kitchen. If you get a sitter or your opponent pops a ball up, go ahead—speed it up, roll it at their feet, or flick it behind them. Dinking is a tool, not the only way to play.
Myth #9: More spin = better
Spin helps—but only if your mechanics are already solid. Players who chase spin too early often end up overhitting, mishitting, or sacrificing control.
If you’re still building consistency, focus on clean contact and placement first. Once you’re consistent, then start layering in spin.
Myth #10: Your opponent’s rating should change your game
This one’s sneaky. You play a 4.5 and suddenly start forcing shots, playing faster, or doubting your own game.
Stick to your strengths. If you change your style just because someone’s “better,” you’re already at a disadvantage. Pressure them with what you do well—and let them adapt to you.
Myth #11: Warm-ups are optional
Stretching a little at the fence isn’t enough. A real warm-up helps you move better, react faster, and reduce injury risk—especially in tournaments or early-morning games.
Think: lunges, light dinks, short-court volleys, and shadow swings. Your game (and your joints) will thank you.
Myth #12: Power wins points
Power looks great on highlight reels—but smart shot selection wins matches.
Top players know when to slow it down, reset, or apply pressure with angles, spin, and depth. Pure power without precision usually leads to unforced errors.
Myth #13: Only beginners drill
False. The best players in the world drill more than they play.
Drills build automatic reactions, hand speed, footwork, and shot tolerance. If you only play games, you’re only reinforcing what you already know. Want to improve fast? Make drilling a weekly habit.
Myth #14: You Need to Be Fast to Be Good
Speed helps—but it’s not the secret sauce.
We’ve all seen that one player who moves like a blur… and still loses. Because being fast won’t save you from bad decisions, poor positioning, or unforced errors.
Great pickleball isn’t about sprinting—it’s about reading, reacting, and choosing the right shot at the right time.
Want to look “faster”? Start anticipating patterns. Learn to recognize when your opponent is about to speed up. Beat them with positioning, not a foot race.
Smart beats fast—every time.
Myth #15: Playing more = improving faster
Practice makes perfect, right? Not exactly.
Intentional practice makes improvement. If you’re just playing pickup games and repeating bad habits, you’re not leveling up—you’re just burning calories.
Mix in focused sessions. Track unforced errors. Film yourself. Be deliberate.
Good Players Follow Rules. Great Players Know When to Break Them.
If it helps you win points consistently, it’s not a myth. It’s your game.
Don’t blindly follow advice—test it. Adapt it. See what works in your hands, with your paddle, against your opponents.
And next time someone tells you you’re “doing it wrong,” smile and say:
“Maybe. But I’m winning.” 😎🎾
