We’ve all been there: playing pickleball, and suddenly, a seasoned player or self-proclaimed coach starts dishing out advice that sounds right. It’s often given with confidence, maybe even a touch of superiority, but there’s one problem—much of this advice can do more harm than good, especially if you’re just starting or trying to elevate your game to the next level.
Let’s debunk some of the most persistent myths and give you better, actionable advice.
1. “Never Back Off the Kitchen Line”
- Why It Sounds Right: The kitchen line is where most of the magic happens. Being up close to the net allows you to control the point and put pressure on your opponents.
- Why It’s Actually Bad: While this advice works in many scenarios, there are critical moments when stepping back a bit can actually give you an advantage. For example, when your opponent hits a high ball during a dink rally, staying glued to the line limits your reaction time. Stepping back gives you more space to react to a speeding ball and lets you return it more effectively.
- Practical Tip: If you sense a speed-up coming your way, take one or two steps back. This gives you a moment to reset and react properly. However, don’t stay back too long or engage in a “hands battle” from this position—you’ll lose the advantage of your angles.
2. “Serve Deep at All Costs”
- Why It Sounds Right: A deep serve makes it harder for your opponent to return the ball and ideally forces them into a weak shot. The idea is to push them back as far as possible.
- Why It’s Actually Bad: For beginners, aiming for deep serves often leads to unforced errors—you’re more likely to hit it out of bounds or into the net. Aiming for the deep baseline requires a lot of precision and can easily backfire if you’re just learning.
- Practical Tip: Beginners should focus on serving consistently to the middle of the court. Aiming for the center reduces the chance of making errors and gives you a solid foundation as you develop power and accuracy. Once you’ve mastered consistency, gradually aim deeper and with more speed.
3. “Stop and Hit”
- Why It Sounds Right: Stopping before hitting the ball is supposed to give you balance and accuracy. It’s about being steady and deliberate in your actions.
- Why It’s Actually Bad: Stopping dead can still mean your momentum is moving forward, throwing you off balance. Instead, the better approach is to gather and slow down while maintaining your motion. This allows you to stay balanced but ready for the next movement.
- Practical Tip: Practice moving fluidly and keeping your center of gravity stable. Focus on slowing down, not stopping entirely.
4. “Dink High is Okay”
- Why It Sounds Right: Some players believe that hitting a dink higher over the net can reduce the chances of errors and keep you in the rally longer.
- Why It’s Actually Bad: A high dink gives your opponent an easy opportunity to attack. Though it might seem “safe,” a dink that’s too high can give aggressive players all they need to end the rally.
- Practical Tip: Keep your dinks low and controlled. Work on your touch and aim for just over the net, making it difficult for your opponent to drive the ball.
5. “Only Play with Better People”
- Why It Sounds Right: Playing against people who are better than you forces you to improve by rising to the challenge.
- Why It’s Actually Bad: If you only play with those better than you, it can lead to discouragement and stagnation. It’s important to experience a balance—playing with those better, equal, and worse than you helps develop different aspects of your game, from skills to confidence.
- Practical Tip: Aim to play with a mix: better players to learn, equal players to practice competitive strategies, and less experienced players to solidify your skills and work on consistency. Add in drills and lessons for well-rounded improvement.
6. “Forehand Always Takes the Middle”
- Why It Sounds Right: The forehand is often a stronger shot, so it’s said that whoever has their forehand in the middle should take the shot.
- Why It’s Actually Bad: This advice ignores the variability of individual strengths. Some players have stronger backhands than their partner’s forehand. It can also lead to confusion and missed opportunities if players automatically try to take every middle shot with their forehand.
- Practical Tip: Communicate with your partner and decide who takes the middle based on both positioning and strengths. Don’t default to one rule—adjust as the match unfolds.
7. “Always Reset When Attacked”
- Why It Sounds Right: Resets help neutralize an aggressive shot and can bring you back into the rally.
- Why It’s Actually Bad: If you always reset when attacked, you’re not taking advantage of opportunities to counter-attack. A high-contact point is the perfect time to fight fire with fire.
- Practical Tip: If you’re attacked and have a high contact point, counter-attack with confidence. If it’s a low point, then yes, reset. Knowing when to switch gears is what makes you a complete player.
8. “Always Rush the Net After a Drop”
- Why It Sounds Right: The drop shot is meant to bring you into the net, where you can be more offensive and apply pressure.
- Why It’s Actually Bad: Rushing the net without assessing the quality of your drop can leave you vulnerable. If the drop shot is too high, your opponent can attack, putting you on the defensive.
- Practical Tip: Only advance after a well-executed drop. If the drop is too high, stay in the transition zone until you get a better opportunity to move forward.
9. “Never Lob in Pickleball”
- Why It Sounds Right: Lobbing can be risky, especially against taller or more agile players who can easily smash the ball back.
- Why It’s Actually Bad: While lobbing can be risky, it’s still a valuable tool when used strategically. A well-placed lob can catch opponents off guard, especially if they’re crowding the net.
- Practical Tip: Use lobs sparingly and strategically. Aim for deep corners when your opponents are too close to the net and not expecting it.
10. “Always Aim for the Opponent’s Backhand”
- Why It Sounds Right: The backhand is often considered the weaker shot for most players, making it a logical target.
- Why It’s Actually Bad: Automatically targeting the backhand can become predictable. Advanced players may have strong backhands or be prepared to counter this tactic, leading to easy winners.
- Practical Tip: Mix up your shots—target both the backhand and forehand unpredictably. Observe which side your opponent struggles with and adjust accordingly.
Filter the Pickleball Wisdom You Hear
Bad advice in pickleball isn’t always obvious. Sometimes it’s just a one-size-fits-all tip that doesn’t apply to your specific situation. The key to improving your game is knowing when and how to adapt.
Keep challenging yourself, keep practicing, and remember—no piece of advice is ever set in stone. Mix it up, trust your instincts, and most importantly, have fun out there.
Happy pickling!
