Top Mistake 3.5 Rated Pickleball Players Make: In pickleball, understanding the strategy behind each shot is crucial to advancing your pickleball game. For many 3.5-level players, there’s one common pickleball mistake that could be holding them back: hitting consecutive drives from the baseline. Learning to drop the second ball instead of driving it can be a game-changer.
The Two-Drive Trap: Why Consecutive Drives Are a Mistake
At the 3.5 level, one of the biggest mistakes pickleball players make is driving two balls in a row. Typically, players believe that driving the ball twice at full power will win the point. However, this approach rarely works in practice. Driving consecutive balls not only gives your opponent more time to adjust but also leaves you stranded at the baseline.
The Smart Strategy: Drop the Second Ball
Instead of trying to overpower your opponent with a second drive, the better play is to drop the second shot. The goal isn’t to win the point outright with power but to use the drive as a setup. Dropping the second ball places your opponent on the defensive, allowing you to dictate play once you’re at the net.
Driving with Purpose: How to Approach the Kitchen Line
The key to success with this strategy is using your initial drive wisely. When you drive the first ball, do it with the intent of setting yourself up for an easier drop shot that allows you to advance to the kitchen line. The purpose of the drive should be to force a weak return from your opponent, giving you the perfect opportunity to drop the next ball and take control of the point.
The Difference Between Winning and Losing
At the 3.5 level, it’s not just about power—it’s about positioning. Players who drive two balls in a row often find themselves losing control of the rally because they fail to move up the court. By focusing on the drive-drop combination, players can control the pace of the game and put themselves in a stronger position to win at the kitchen line.The next time players feel tempted to drive two balls in a row, they should remember: it’s all about getting to the net.
News in Brief: Top Mistake 3.5 Rated Pickleball Players Make
At the 3.5 pickleball level, players often make the mistake of driving two consecutive shots from the baseline, which leaves them vulnerable and out of position. Instead, dropping the second shot is a smarter pickleball strategy, allowing players to advance to the kitchen line in control of the rally. The initial drive should be used to force a weak return, setting up an easier drop shot. By focusing on this drive-drop combination, players can control the pace of the game, improve their positioning, and increase their chances of winning points, helping them advance to the next level.
