Hey there, picklers! Today, I’m going to talk about some of the most common mistakes players make on the court and—more importantly—how you can fix them. Let’s get started!
Mistake #1: Standing Too Close to the Baseline
One of the biggest rookie mistakes in pickleball is standing too close to the baseline when you’re serving or receiving a serve. When you’re right up against the line, it limits your movement and reaction time, especially for those deeper serves.
How to Fix It:
Take a few steps back! You want to give yourself room to move and react to the ball. This will allow you to hit better returns with more control. A good rule of thumb is to stand about two feet behind the baseline when serving or receiving.
Mistake #2: Not Getting to the Kitchen Line
Another common mistake is hanging back at the baseline after your serve or return. In pickleball, the closer you are to the kitchen line (the non-volley zone), the more control and angles you have over the game. Staying back keeps you on the defensive.
How to Fix It:
As soon as you hit your serve or return, move forward toward the kitchen line. Ideally, you and your partner should both be up at the net as quickly as possible. Remember, pickleball is won at the net!
Mistake #3: Smashing Every Shot
We all love a good smash, right? But here’s the thing: not every shot is meant to be smashed. Going for a power shot on every hit can lead to mistakes like sending the ball out of bounds or into the net.
How to Fix It:
Patience, my friends. Learn the art of the dink shot—those soft, controlled hits that land just over the net into the non-volley zone. Dinks force your opponents to move forward and often lead to opportunities for winning volleys. Pick your moments for smashes wisely!
Mistake #4: Failing to Communicate with Your Partner
Pickleball is a doubles-dominated sport; miscommunication with your partner can lead to lost points. If you’re not sure who’s covering what, balls will get past you, or worse, you’ll both go for the same shot and miss it.
How to Fix It:
Communication is key! Develop signals or a system with your partner. Use verbal cues like “Mine!” or “Yours!” to claim a shot. Stay aware of your partner’s positioning and adjust accordingly to cover the court effectively.
Mistake #5: Hitting Too Many Unforced Errors
An unforced error happens when you make a mistake that wasn’t directly caused by your opponent’s shot. This includes hitting the ball into the net, out of bounds, or mishitting it entirely. These mistakes are often the result of trying to do too much with the ball.
How to Fix It:
Keep it simple. Don’t overthink your shots, especially when under pressure. Focus on consistency over power. Practice your serves, dinks, and third-shot drops to reduce unforced errors. The more confident you become in your basic shots, the fewer mistakes you’ll make.
Mistake #6: Not Being Ready for the Third Shot Drop
The third shot drop is a crucial shot in pickleball, especially when you’re on the receiving end of a serve. Many players struggle to anticipate or properly return this shot, which often leads to weak returns or pop-ups that your opponent can smash.
How to Fix It:
Always expect the third shot drop! When you’re at the kitchen line, be prepared to either dink it back or hit a controlled volley. Keep your paddle up and your stance ready, so you can react quickly.
Alright picklers, those are some of the most common mistakes I see on the court. But don’t worry—we’ve all been there. The good news is, that now that you know what to look out for, you can start working on fixing these mistakes and sharpening your game. Practice makes perfect, so get out there and keep improving!
