Pickleball Beginner Mistakes: New pickleball players often face hurdles in their game, often due to mistakes they don’t even realize they’re making. Coaches Tony and his partner have pinpointed five major errors that 90% of beginners make. Correcting these mistakes can lead to immediate improvement and better control on the court.
1. Using the Wrong Grip
One of the first mistakes beginners make is using the wrong grip. Many players use a forehand grip, which can hinder their ability to control the paddle. The key fix is to use a continental grip, also called the “shaking hands” grip. This neutral grip allows for smoother paddle movement from side to side and gives players better control and precision with their shots.
2. Forgetting the Split Step
Another common mistake is running through the ball without using a split step. A split step is a small hop or jump that helps players stop their momentum before making a shot. Without it, players tend to hit the ball while off-balance, often sending it out of bounds or causing it to pop up. To fix this, players should use the split step as their opponent prepares to hit the ball. This simple movement helps players maintain better control over their shots.
3. Incorrect Strategies for Serving and Returning
Many beginners use the same approach for both serving and returning, which can lead to problems. On the serve side, players are often told to rush to the non-volley zone line. However, this advice doesn’t apply to the return side.
If players rush to the non-volley zone after a return, they risk getting caught off guard by a strong third shot from their opponent. The better strategy is to approach the return side more cautiously, allowing for a more controlled response.
4. Hitting Short Returns
Hitting a return shot that lands too close to the net is a mistake that many beginners make. This allows the serving team to move up and hit a powerful third shot. To fix this, players should aim for deeper returns, targeting the back of the court. A deep return forces the serving team to stay further back, making their third shot more difficult to execute.
5. Trying to Do Too Much Too Soon
The final mistake that beginners often make is trying to overcomplicate their shots. Many new players try to add spin or use exaggerated movements without mastering basic techniques. This leads to more errors. Instead of focusing on complex shots, beginners should focus on keeping it simple. Using a smooth, consistent motion is much more effective and will lead to fewer mistakes on the court.
News in Brief: Pickleball Beginner Mistakes
New pickleball players often make common mistakes that affect their performance. Coaches highlight five errors: incorrect grip, skipping the split step, misapplying strategies for serving and returning, hitting short returns, and overcomplicating shots. Correcting these can significantly improve consistency and overall play.
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