5 Common Pickleball Mistakes: A recent pickleball lesson highlighted five common mistakes players make that hurt their game. The instructor breaks down how to avoid these mistakes and improve your overall performance on the court.
One of the most frequent errors players make is hitting their returns too hard in an effort to increase pace. While it seems like a good idea to hit faster returns, the lesson explains that this can actually hurt your positioning. Instead of rushing the return, players are advised to focus on getting closer to the non-volley zone. By hitting a return with a little more arc, you give yourself more time to get into position for the next shot.
Slow Down and Focus on Positioning
It’s not always about speed; positioning and timing are just as important. By hitting returns with more arc, players can reach the kitchen line more easily. This strategy allows more time to prepare for the next shot, making it a crucial part of any good pickleball game.
Dealing with Bangers
Another common mistake is trying to reset the ball too often when playing against bangers. These players are known for their hard drives, and the lesson suggests not trying to slow every shot down. Instead, get the ball closer to your opponent’s feet, which will make it harder for them to set up their next attack.
“Showing confidence with your counter volleys and getting the ball closer to their feet will force them into tougher positions.” – (instructor)
Taking Balls Out of the Air
Many players make the mistake of trying to take every ball out of the air, even those below the knee. The lesson warns that this often results in weak shots. Players are advised that they should only take balls out of the air when they’re at a good contact point above their knee. Otherwise, let the ball bounce to set up a more powerful shot.
The Third Shot Drop Myth
The instructor also addresses the common belief that practicing the third shot drop is the most important aspect of advancing in pickleball. While the third shot drop is essential, players below a 4.0 skill level should focus on other shots, such as improving serves, returns, and third shot drives.
They advise practicing realistic third shot drops to improve consistency, ensuring that players are ready for game situations.
Serving with Confidence
The lesson also discusses the debate between open and closed stance serves. While many pros use an open stance for more power and spin, this may not be ideal for everyone. Players are encouraged to experiment with both styles and choose what feels most comfortable for their body and skills.
By addressing these common pickleball mistakes and offering practical solutions, the instructor provides valuable insights that can help players of all levels enhance their pickleball game.
News in Brief: 5 Common Pickleball Mistakes
A recent pickleball lesson covered 5 common mistakes: hitting returns too hard, over-trying to reset against bangers, taking low balls out of the air, focusing too much on third shot drops, and uncertainty in serve stance. The instructor offers solutions to improve positioning, shot selection, and confidence, helping players refine their overall game.
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