Key Pickleball Mistakes: Pickleball is a fun sport, but beginners often struggle with common pickleball mistakes. These errors can slow progress and prevent players from improving. Whether new to the game or still learning, understanding these common mistakes can help you play smarter and get better faster.
Mistakes Holding the Players Back
Learning pickleball can be overwhelming, especially when there’s too much advice coming your way. Some suggestions aren’t helpful, and others might even hold you back. The following are 10 common pickleball mistakes that stop players from advancing, even those who have been playing for a while.
1. Attacking Unattackable Shots
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is trying to attack shots that are too difficult to hit. A ball that’s too low below the net should not be attacked. Instead, players should wait for shots that are above the net, where they can attack with better control.
2. Not Letting Shots Go Out
Beginners often try to hit every shot, even when it’s not worth it. If a ball is heading straight for your body or shoulder, it’s better to let it go out to avoid faults or hitting it into the net.
3. Not Taking Centerline Shots
The forehand shot in pickleball is the most powerful for most players, and it’s best to take shots that come down the middle of the court. This allows you to use your forehand, making the return easier and more effective.
4. Poor Footwork
Pickleball requires quick and efficient footwork. Many beginners don’t use the “split step,” a small hop that helps reset their position and lets them move in any direction. Without this, players often struggle to reach the ball in time.
5. Smashing the Ball Too Early
It can be tempting to smash the ball as soon as it’s in range, but patience is key. Beginners often make the mistake of rushing their shots, causing them to hit the ball too hard or miss entirely. It’s better to wait for the right moment to attack.
6. Poor Grip
Holding the paddle correctly is crucial. Many beginners grip the paddle too much with their palm, which reduces control. The continental grip, where you hold the paddle with your fingers, gives better control and flexibility for forehand and backhand shots.
7. Getting Too Fancy with Spins
Spin can be an advanced technique in pickleball, but beginners should focus on basic strokes first. Trying to add spin before mastering consistency can lead to errors and poor control of the ball.
8. Trying to Do Too Much Too Soon
New players often try to perform complicated shots like spinning or hitting deep returns right away. Instead, beginners should focus on consistency and simple strokes. Hitting deep returns helps make the third shot harder for the opposing team, which is key to gaining an advantage.
9. Scooting Up After the Serve
After serving, it’s important to stay at the baseline. Moving up too quickly can leave you vulnerable to a deep return shot, making it harder to defend. Staying back gives you time to prepare for the return.
10. Controlling the Height of the Ball
One common mistake beginners make is not controlling the height of the ball. When the ball loses speed, it doesn’t travel as far. Practicing how to control the height will improve your shots and make you more consistent. A simple pickleball drill is dropping the ball from shoulder height to see how it bounces, which will help you understand how different strokes affect the ball’s height.
News in Brief: Key Pickleball Mistakes
Beginners in pickleball often make common mistakes that slow their progress. These include attacking unattackable shots, poor footwork, and not letting balls go out.
Other errors include improper grip, rushing shots, and trying advanced techniques too early. Focusing on basic skills like consistency, footwork, and controlling shot height will help players hone faster and avoid these setbacks.
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