Five Key Pickleball Missteps Disclosed That Could Be Holding the Pickleball Players Back

Five Key Pickleball Missteps Disclosed: In pickleball, players often make mistakes that can cost them points and matches. Understanding these errors can significantly improve performance on the court. There are five common pickleball mistakes that players make and offers insights into how to avoid them.

The Dangers of the Cheeky Drop Shot

A drop shot at the net can seem tempting when opponents are back, but it can backfire. When the players attempt a drop shot while their opponents are at a distance, they risk giving them an easy opportunity to approach the kitchen.

“If your opponents are back, keep them back.” – (Ridley)

Instead of trying to be clever with a drop shot, focus on maintaining the position and applying pressure on the opponents. The mistake of dropping the ball allows opponents to regain positioning, ultimately giving them a free ride to the kitchen. It’s better to maintain a powerful volley to keep them at bay.

The Pitfalls of Consecutive Drives

Many players fall into the trap of driving two balls in a row from the baseline. This approach leads to a cycle where opponents can dominate with harder shots. Ridley points out,

“Whenever you drive the ball, you should always drop the next one.” This strategy helps break the cycle and allows for a more controlled approach.” – (Ridley)

Driving with full power can also backfire. Instead, Ridley recommends using 70% power with a focus on maximum spin. This approach enables the ball to dip over the net, putting opponents in a difficult position and giving the players a chance to dictate the pace of the game.

Dinking Without Intent

Dinking is an essential part of pickleball, but many players do it without purpose.

“I see so many people dink with no intent and no purpose.” – (Ridley)

Proper dinking in pickleball involves targeting specific zones on the court, particularly the “pressurized zone,” which can confuse the opponents. Instead of simply dinking the ball, aim to place it where it will force the opponent to make a decision. This pickleball strategy puts pressure on them and allows the players to control the flow of the game.

“Never dink into the same spot more than twice.” – (Ridley)

Covering the Middle: A Common Confusion

Another frequent issue in doubles play is confusion over who should cover the middle.

“Whenever the ball is diagonal from you, it’s your job to cover the middle.” – (Ridley)

This rule helps eliminate hesitation during critical moments. Players should practice “shading” and “paddle tracking” to improve their coverage. Shading involves taking a step toward where the ball is hit, while paddle tracking ensures players are prepared to respond quickly to incoming shots. Proper communication and positioning can prevent confusion and missed opportunities.

Avoiding the Out Ball Mistake

Dodging out balls is a common challenge for many players.

“If we can minimize the amount of out balls we hit just by 10%, that could be the difference between winning and losing a match.” – (Ridley)

Players need to be aware of pre-shot cues that indicate when a ball is likely to go out. For example, if a player sees a huge backswing before a shot, it’s often a sign that the ball may be going out. Recognizing these cues can help players make better decisions during matches and reduce unnecessary errors.

Understanding these common pickleball mistakes can help players enhance their performance and enjoy the game more. By focusing on maintaining pressure, intentional dinking, clear communication, and awareness of cues, players can take their pickleball skills to the next level.

News in Brief: Five Key Pickleball Missteps Disclosed