Have you been grinding away at pickleball but feel like you’re stuck at the same level? Frustrated that you’re not seeing the improvement you expected? Many players hit a plateau, but the good news is that there are clear reasons why—and even better solutions to help you break through.
Here are 5 common reasons you’re not improving and some actionable tips to get you back on the path to victory.
1. You’re Sticking to “Safe” Strategies That Don’t Work at Higher Levels
It’s easy to get comfortable with strategies that work against lower-level players. Think of banging from the baseline or lobbing from the back. While these can work wonders in beginner games, they won’t cut it against more advanced opponents.
Advanced players have better footwork and can quickly exploit predictable shots.
Solution: Mix up your game. Practice drops, improve your dinks, and work on ball placement. These more nuanced techniques will help you win points against stronger opponents.
Drills that focus on soft shots and finesse will help transition your game from power to precision.
Try the ‘Dink Dink Bang’ drill—it’s a great way to practice transitioning from a controlled dink to a powerful speed-up:
2. You’re Not Playing With Better Players
If you’re always the top dog on the court, you’re not pushing yourself enough. Playing with people at or below your skill level can reinforce bad habits and prevent you from stretching your abilities.
Solution: Seek out players who are better than you—even if it feels intimidating at first. You’ll be forced to adapt, react quicker, and pick up new strategies.
Don’t be afraid to ask these higher-level players for tips after a game. Their feedback could be the key to unlocking your next level.
3. Your Footwork Needs Attention
Good footwork is the foundation of great pickleball play, yet it’s one of the most overlooked areas for improvement. If you’re struggling to move efficiently or losing balance, it’s time to assess your movement.
Solution: Work on agility drills and positioning. Make sure you’re taking smaller steps, keeping your weight centered, and getting into position early for each shot.
A quick, balanced movement to the kitchen or sideline can turn a tough point into an easy putaway.
4. Choosing High Risk Shots
Another reason you might not be improving is poor shot selection. Even if your technique is solid, choosing the wrong shot at the wrong time can derail your progress. For example, attempting a high-risk speed-up when a safe dink is more appropriate, or lobbing too frequently, can leave you vulnerable to counterattacks.
Solution: Learn to assess the game situation. If your opponent is at the net, don’t lob unless you’re confident. Prioritize high-percentage shots, like dinks or drop shots, in place of low-probability winners. By making smarter shot choices, you’ll keep the ball in play and frustrate your opponents.
Be sure to check out our article on the 5 low-percentage shots you should avoid.
5. You’re Practicing the Wrong Shots
Just playing games isn’t enough. Without focusing on specific skills, you’re simply reinforcing what you already know (which might be exactly why you’re stuck).
Solution: Start drilling! Focus on the areas where you’re weakest—whether it’s serves, dinks, or your third shot drop. Structured practice will have a huge impact on your consistency and confidence during matches.
Try wall drills for volleys or practice with a ball machine if you’re short on partners.
Our friend Will East shows how you can practice solo pickleball drills at home to improve your hand speed and volleys:
6. Mental Toughness Is Holding You Back
Pickleball is just as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Do you get easily frustrated after a missed shot? Or do you find yourself losing focus when things aren’t going your way? A lack of mental toughness can derail your performance.
Solution: Practice visualization before your matches. Picture yourself executing the perfect serve or drop shot. Also, work on staying calm and focused during points. Develop a short memory—if you mess up, let it go and move on to the next point.
Positive self-talk and staying present will improve your consistency and keep you in the game mentally.
7. You’re Not Getting Feedback
You might think you’re doing everything right, but without feedback, it’s hard to know what’s truly working—or not.
Solution: Record your games or work with a coach. Watching yourself play can be a game-changer. You’ll see mistakes you didn’t notice in the heat of the moment, like poor shot selection or being out of position.
Having a coach or more experienced player give you pointers can accelerate your improvement.
How Other Players Broke Through Their Pickleball Plateaus
Many players hit walls, but here’s what others did to break through and improve:
- Celebrate Small Wins, Not Just Matches
One player said, “I didn’t play my best, but I realized my dinks were much lower than they used to be.” Focus on small improvements instead of just wins. It’s about progress, not perfection. - Play More Often
A common tip: “Playing every two weeks wasn’t enough.” If you can, increase your time on the court. Even playing once or twice more each week can help you improve faster. - Use Focused Drills
“Drills are key. I focus on dinking and serving first, working on one skill at a time to get better.” Identify your weakest areas and practice them intentionally—try using wall drills to sharpen skills like volleys or dinks. - Set Small, Measurable Goals
One player learned to redefine success: “My goal was to get to the kitchen line after each serve.” Set small goals like deeper serves or reducing errors, and work towards them one match at a time. - Warm Up Before Matches
“I used to jump straight in, but warming up first I used to dive right into games, but starting with a warm-up helped me play more sharply.” Try quick stretches and practice dinks and volleys before games to start strong. - Practice Your Serve with a Bucket of Balls
“I worked on my serves alone, going through a bucket of balls and repeating them until I nailed it.” This focused repetition helps perfect your serve outside of regular games. - Watch Pros Like You
One player found value in studying pros who play like them: “Instead of mimicking the top players, look for someone with a playing style like yours and learn from them.”
These simple tips from real players show that with a little focus and consistency, anyone can get better. Keep pushing, and remember—you’re already improving just by showing up!
Make sure to also check our article on how long does it take to get good at pickleball!
How to Improve Without Traditional Practice
Let’s face it—life gets busy, and sometimes we can’t commit to regular drills or practice sessions. The good news is, you can still improve your pickleball game without hours of practice.
Here are some creative ways to level up without hitting the court constantly.
- Get the Right Gear: Many players underestimate the impact of their equipment. One player noted, “Finding the right paddle for your style is the fastest way to improve without extra practice.” Test different paddles to match your game, and try adding lead tape for better control and power.
- Watch and Learn: You can improve by watching others play. One player suggested, “Watch pro tournaments and YouTube to see strategy and technique in action.” Study how they move and place the ball—it can help your game.
- Visualize Success: As stated earlier, visualization is a powerful tool. One player recommended, “Picture the ball doing what you want and see how close you get.” This mental practice sharpens focus and reduces errors.
- Improve Your Reaction Time: You can sharpen your reflexes off-court with exercises like catch, reaction balls, or ping pong. Better hand-eye coordination means quicker volleys and speed-ups in real games.
- Work on Fitness Off-Court: Try off-court activities like jogging, agility drills, or balance exercises. These can keep you quick and light on your feet, boosting your performance when you’re back on the court.
By making small changes to your approach, mindset, and equipment, you can continue to grow your game—even without traditional practice!
