Pickleball is a blast, and it's easy to get hooked. But like any sport, there are some common mistakes that can hold you back, especially if you're just starting. Don’t worry, though—we’ve got your back! Here's a list of the top 10 pickleball mistakes players often make, plus some tips on how to avoid them. Whether you’re aiming to up your game or just want to know what to avoid, this guide is for you.
1. Overpowering Your Shots
The Mistake: Whacking the ball like you're swinging for a home run in baseball.
How to Avoid It: Pickleball is more about finesse than power. Focus on control and placement rather than trying to blast the ball past your opponent. A well-placed shot can be far more effective than a hard hit.
2. Standing Too Close to the Baseline
The Mistake: Hugging the baseline like it’s your best friend.
How to Avoid It: After serving, move toward the non-volley zone (aka the kitchen). Standing too far back gives your opponents easy angles and makes it harder for you to reach drop shots.
3. Neglecting the Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)
The Mistake: Listening to your mom when she said "stay out of the kitchen!".
How to Avoid It: Don’t be afraid of the kitchen! It’s crucial to control this zone, especially in doubles. Practice dinking—those soft, controlled shots that land just over the net—to dominate the kitchen area.
4. Poor Paddle Positioning
The Mistake: Holding your paddle too low or too high, making it tough to react quickly.
How to Avoid It: Keep your paddle up and centered, around chest height. This ready position helps you react faster to incoming shots and reduces the time it takes to prepare for your next move.
💡Tip: The right paddle can make proper form a breeze. Give Picklennial paddles a try, they were designed for aesthetic and made for form-perfecting function.
5. Not Communicating with Your Partner
The Mistake: Playing doubles like you're on a solo mission.
How to Avoid It: Communication is key in doubles. Always call out who’s taking the shot, and strategize with your partner. A simple "mine" or "yours" can make all the difference.
6. Ignoring the Third Shot Drop
The Mistake: Smashing the third shot instead of dropping it.
How to Avoid It: The third shot drop is a strategic move, designed to regain control of the game. Practice softening your third shot to land just inside your opponent's kitchen, making it hard for them to attack. Youtube is super helpful here!
7. Being Predictable
The Mistake: Always doing the same thing, like serving to the same spot or always hitting cross-court.
How to Avoid It: Mix it up! Vary your serves, shot placements, and spins to keep your opponents guessing. The more unpredictable you are, the harder it is for your opponents to anticipate your moves.
8. Rushing the Net
The Mistake: Charging the net without proper positioning.
How to Avoid It: While it’s important to get to the net, you should do so with purpose. Make sure you’re not overcommitting or leaving yourself vulnerable to lobs (A lob in pickleball is a shot that sends the ball high and deep into the air, usually over the opponent's head and toward the back of the court). Move forward steadily, using a combination of dinks and drop shots to establish your position.
9. Not Warming Up Properly
The Mistake: Skipping the warm-up because "pickleball isn't that intense."
How to Avoid It: Even though pickleball might not seem as demanding as other sports, warming up is essential to avoid injuries and perform at your best. Take 5-10 minutes to do some light stretching, warm your muscles, and get your body ready for action.
10. Forgetting to Have Fun
The Mistake: Getting too caught up in winning and losing sight of why you started playing in the first place.
How to Avoid It: Remember, pickleball is meant to be fun! Don’t take yourself too seriously, because, well, it's just not that serious. Enjoy the game, laugh at your mistakes, and learn from them. The more you focus on having a good time with your friends, the more you'll be motivated to get out there and practice. And practice = perfect ✅
Final Thoughts
Pickleball is an awesome way to stay active, meet new people, and challenge yourself. By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll not only play better but also enjoy the game more. So grab your paddle, hit the court, and most importantly, have fun out there! And if you’re looking to level up your gear, check out our latest designs at Picklennial—we’ve got everything you need to up your pickleball game and express your style on and off the court.
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Looking for the perfect paddle? Shop Trendy and Fun Picklennial Paddles Here
Why you'll love them:
- Hardwood Paddles: Lightweight and durable – perfect for endless games
- Hand-Wrapped Handles: Stylish black handles for a comfy, secure grip
- Honeycomb Core: More control, more power – just what you need to ace your shots
- Protective Edge Guard: Keeps your paddle flexible and durable
- Double-Sided Print: Cool designs on both sides because, why not?
Choose From:
- Single Paddle (A solo style flex)
- The Beginner Set - perfect for when you’re just starting out as a beginner, giving as a gift, or maybe you just want a matching set. Includes two paddles of the same design*, two pickleballs and a vinyl carrying case. (*We are unable to mix and match designs for The Beginner Set at this time.)