Pickleball is one of those sports that hooks you in right away. It’s fun, social, and easy to pick up. But as you keep playing, you start to realize there are a few mistakes that simply fix themselves over time—like getting used to the feel of the paddle or learning how to move without tripping over your own feet. Those are the kinds of things that improve naturally the more you play.
However, there are other mistakes that aren’t as easy to shake off. These mistakes can stubbornly stick around, often preventing players from progressing to that elusive intermediate level. If you’ve been feeling stuck and want to take your game to the next level, this guide is for you.
1. Paddle Down Around the Knees
A common sight on the pickleball court is seeing beginners holding their paddles down by their knees after a shot. While this might feel natural, it leaves you unprepared for your opponent’s next move. In pickleball, the action can change in a split second, so if your paddle is down, you’ll lose precious time trying to bring it up.
Tip to Fix It: Get in the habit of holding your paddle in a “ready position.” This means keeping it in front of you at chest height, ready to respond. Imagine you’re holding a shield to protect yourself—always be prepared to block.
2. Banging Every Shot
Beginners often try to hit every shot as hard as they can, or “bang” it, thinking power equals success. In reality, pickleball is more about control and finesse than raw power. Banging every shot can lead to mistakes like sending the ball out of bounds or giving opponents easy returns.
Tip to Fix It: Focus on control rather than power. Practice dinking—those soft, controlled shots over the net. Remember, pickleball is about placement as much as it is about strength. Mastering the art of finesse will give you the edge you need to progress.
3. Stepping Into the Court After Serve
Many beginners step into the court immediately after their serve. However, this positioning makes it harder to get ready for the return, often putting you off balance and forcing awkward returns.
Tip to Fix It: Stay a few steps behind the baseline after your serve. This gives you enough time to react and adjust to your opponent’s return while staying balanced.
4. Staying Back or on the Baseline Entirely
Another big mistake is staying too far back, either at the baseline or in the transition zone (also called “no man’s land”). Staying back limits your ability to control the net and can allow opponents to dictate the play.
Tip to Fix It: Learn to move up to the “kitchen line” after your serve or return. From here, you can apply more pressure and control the game better. Work on positioning yourself efficiently without running through shots or staying stuck in one spot.
5. Trying to Put Spin on Every Shot Too Early
Spin can be very effective, but trying to put spin on every shot without mastering the basics often leads to inconsistency. Beginners tend to focus on making their shots look flashy before they’ve perfected their form, resulting in missed opportunities and unforced errors.
Tip to Fix It: Focus first on getting the ball over the net with consistency. Develop a solid foundation of regular shots, then gradually add spins and trick shots as you gain more control and confidence.
6. Not Understanding Court Dynamics and “My Ball” Syndrome
Beginners often struggle with communication, leading to the infamous “that’s my ball because it’s on my side.” This thinking leads to missed shots and frustration between partners.
Tip to Fix It: Communication is key. Use clear terms like “mine” or “yours,” and always be vocal with your partner. Spend time getting to know each other’s play styles and preferences, which will help in deciding who takes which shots.
7. Overly Flashy Shots Instead of Consistent Play
Flashy shots like ATPs (Around the Post) or Erne jumps might be exciting, but they often lead to mistakes, especially for beginners. Many players get carried away trying to look impressive before they’ve learned consistency, which is actually the key to winning points.
Tip to Fix It: Focus on building a solid foundation of reliable shots—dinks, volleys, and drop shots. Work on your placement rather than flashy moves. Flashy shots will come naturally as you gain experience, but consistency wins games.
8. Not Practicing Drills Regularly
If you’re only playing recreational games, you might find yourself stuck in a rut. Recreational play can be fun, but it doesn’t always provide the focused repetition needed to improve specific skills.
Tip to Fix It: Dedicate time to drills. Drills help you get comfortable with different types of shots in a short period of time, which can significantly improve your touch and control. Find a practice partner and work on drills that target your weak points.
9. Poor Footwork and Not Utilizing the Split Step
Footwork is essential in pickleball, and many beginners struggle with moving efficiently on the court. They either run through their shots, hit off-balance, or don’t set their feet before striking the ball, which affects shot quality.
Tip to Fix It: Use a “split step” to stay balanced. A split step is a slight hop that puts you on the balls of your feet, allowing you to move in any direction quickly. Practicing good footwork and a split step will keep you balanced and ready for every shot.
10. Hitting Balls Too Hard Under Pressure
When under pressure, beginners often resort to hitting the ball too hard, hoping for a quick point. This often results in hitting the ball out of the court or into the net.
Tip to Fix It: Slow down and stay calm. Even in high-pressure situations, control is your friend. Focus on keeping the ball in play rather than trying to end the point immediately. Learning to stay patient is crucial for advancing your skill level.
Your Path to Better Pickleball
Moving from beginner to intermediate in pickleball isn’t about flashy shots or crushing every opponent; it’s about nailing down control, positioning, and consistency. These basics will not only elevate your game but make playing even more rewarding.
For beginners, here are a few extra tips:
Watch the Ball, Not the Paddle: It sounds simple, but keeping your eye on the ball through every shot can help improve accuracy and timing.
Use Your Non-Dominant Hand: Keep your non-dominant hand active for balance and positioning—it can help steady your shots and keep you centered on the court.
Learn to Read Opponents: Notice your opponent’s tendencies and weaknesses. Do they struggle with low balls or backhand shots? Use it to your advantage!
