Pickleball Coaching Mistakes: In a new video released in 2025, a pickleball coach with over seven years of experience breaks down common myths that many players still believe. After teaching thousands of people through clinics and YouTube lessons since 2018, the coach explains which popular tips may actually be holding players back—and why correcting them is important.
These widespread beliefs often come from outdated advice, tennis habits, or simplified tips shared on recreational courts. The video helps clarify what really works in modern pickleball and encourages players to think for themselves.
Paddle Tip Up Is Not the Only Way
The coach starts with the popular tip about keeping the paddle tip up in the ready position. Many players are taught to hold the paddle high with a firm wrist.
He explains this likely comes from tennis, where the racket is kept at a 90-degree angle. “It’s very important in tennis to keep this wrist angle firm,” he says.
But he adds that many top pickleball pros—especially younger ones without tennis backgrounds—are using a flatter wrist position instead. “You can be more dynamic with your paddle… without having this angle,” he explains.
He gives the example of professional player Callie Smith, who holds her paddle high. “She’s a very good player, but it’s not the only way to do it,” he says.
The coach has also changed his own style. “I’ve recently switched to kind of keeping my paddle like that… I feel more dynamic,” he says. He urges players to experiment with what feels right.
Forehand Doesn’t Always Take the Middle
The second myth he discusses is the saying: “Forehand takes the middle.” This is often heard on recreational courts when deciding who should hit a ball.
The coach says this advice only works in one specific case: “The only situation where I think that’s actually true is on a high floaty ball in the middle.”
In every other case—such as dinking or third shots—it depends on the direction of the ball, the players’ positioning, and their individual strengths.
“There’s nothing to say that my partner’s backhand dink might not be better than my forehand dink,” he explains.
He adds that if he were playing with Riley Newman, he would give him the middle dink: “He’s got a really good backhand that he’s gonna be able to dictate and move the ball around.”
Always Stepping In Is Not Necessary
Another piece of advice often shared is that players should always step into the ball. The coach says this isn’t always correct.
“I’ve made a lot of videos about the forehand… and the comments I get are endless,” he says.
He explains that many people claim players like Ben Johns always step into the shot. But tennis pros mostly hit open stance shots, especially on the forehand side.
“Why do 90% of top tennis players hit predominantly open stance on their forehand side?” he asks.
He believes the right choice depends on the situation. “If I’m having to move back for a shot… the open stance can be quicker,” he says.
But if the ball is directly in front, stepping in can give more power. “There can be some benefits to that as well,” he adds. The coach says players should use both depending on the moment.
Don’t Be Afraid to Step Back
The final myth he tackles is the idea that once at the kitchen line, a player should never back up.
“This one couldn’t be more untrue,” he says. He explains that top players move back and forth during rallies. Stepping off the line for a moment is common and useful.
“There’s very dynamic movement of about a six-foot window,” he says.
The problem arises when beginners step back and stay there. “Now they’re just playing pickleball from here. They never reestablish,” he says.
He says stepping back is smart if the ball is fast or deep. “You gain a little space and time to react,” he says. But once the threat is gone, “we need to reestablish right back up to that kitchen line.”
He adds, “Definitely don’t be afraid to step back… it’s only if you’re stepping back, it’s maybe for one or two shots.”
Helping Players Learn the Right Way
The video aims to help pickleball players avoid advice that could slow down their progress. With so much information shared online and on courts, knowing what truly works is important.
The coach reminds players, “If you want to take all these tips to the court with you next time you play, make sure you grab your screenshot.”
By understanding the full picture and not just following simple rules, players can make smarter decisions and improve faster.
News in Brief: Pickleball Coaching Mistakes
A seasoned pickleball coach shares his thoughts on four common myths: paddle tip position, forehand taking the middle, always stepping in, and never backing up. He explains when each tip works and when it doesn’t. The video helps players improve by thinking critically about advice they hear.
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