10 Common Mistakes Beginners Pickleball Often Do and How To Fix Them
Sports are proven to have many benefits, from physical to mental health. Sports have also developed a variety of games that are very fun. One of them is pickleball, a game that uses a paddle as a bat, more or less the same as the concept of badminton or tennis.
But for your information, pickleball needs a long practice to master it. As with any sport, pickleball beginners are prone to making mistakes that can hinder their progress and enjoyment of the game.
But these mistakes can certainly be minimized and corrected with practice with the right instructor. This article will summarize what are the 10 common mistakes that beginner pickleball players often make. Keep reading to minimize your mistakes!
10 Common Mistakes Beginners Pickleball Do
It is common to make mistakes when playing pickleball. But if it is too frequent, it is certainly a concern and it is important how to correct these mistakes. Here are 10 pickleball mistakes that beginners often do and how to fix them:
1. Poor Paddle Grip
One of the first things beginners struggle with is how to hold the paddle correctly. A poor grip can lead to weak shots and less control over the ball.
How to fix this: Use the “continental grip” or “shake hands grip.”
Imagine you’re shaking hands with the paddle. Your index knuckle and thumb should form a “V” shape on the handle. This grip balances power and control, making your shots more effective.
2. Standing Too Close to the Net
Beginners often stand too close to the net, which leaves them vulnerable to lobs and makes it hard to react to fast shots.
How to fix this:
Stand about three to four feet behind the non-volley zone (the kitchen) line. This position gives you enough space to react to different types of shots and to move forward or backward as needed.
3. Not Using the Non-Volley Zone Effectively
The non-volley zone (kitchen) is crucial in pickleball. Beginners either step into it when they shouldn’t or avoid it entirely.
How to fix this: Learn the rules of the non-volley zone and serve some 'kitchen' savvy.
You can’t volley the ball while standing in this zone, but you can step into it to hit a ball that has bounced. Practice moving in and out of the kitchen quickly and efficiently to gain better control over your shots. The key isn’t to avoid the ‘kitchen’—it’s to make it work in your favor. When the ball lands there, don’t freeze. Take the opportunity to return a controlled, deceptive shot that keeps your opponents on their toes. Play it smart, and soon, you'll be the one dictating the game!
4. Hitting the Ball Too Hard
Many beginners try to hit the ball with too much force, which often sends it out of bounds or makes it easy for the opponent to return.
How to fix this: Focus on control rather than power.
Soft, well-placed shots are often more effective than hard hits. Practice dinking (soft shots that land in the kitchen) to develop better touch and control. The trick is finding the right mix of power and finesse. No two rallies are ever the same, so sticking to a rigid game plan can actually hold you back. The last thing you want is to become predictable—or worse, just a relentless power hitter. (Kidding… sort of.) If you’re serious about leveling up, focus on strategy, stay adaptable, and bring balance to your game!
5. Poor Court Positioning
Beginners often don’t know where to position themselves on the court, leading to missed shots and confusion with their partners.
How to fix this: Learn the basics of court positioning.
In doubles, partners should move together, maintaining a side-by-side formation. Communicate with your partner to ensure you cover the court effectively. In singles, focus on staying centered to reach shots on both sides of the court.
Want to level up your court positioning? It all starts with awareness—know where you are, where your opponents are, and where the ball is headed. Treat your position as a key part of your strategy, adjusting constantly to keep your opponents guessing. Next, follow the golden rule: keep your feet moving! Small adjustments make a big difference, helping you stay ahead of the game.
6. Not Anticipating the Opponent’s Shot
Beginners often react to the ball instead of anticipating where it will go, leading to being out of position and making weak returns.
How to fix this: Pay attention to your opponent’s body language and paddle position.
Experienced players often give clues about where they intend to hit the ball. Practice reading these signals and moving into position before the ball is hit.
7. Improper Footwork
Good footwork is essential in pickleball, but beginners often neglect this, leading to missed shots and poor positioning.
How to fix this: Work on your footwork through drills and practice.
Focus on quick, small steps rather than large strides. Stay on the balls of your feet, ready to move in any direction. Proper footwork allows you to reach the ball quickly and maintain balance.
8. Neglecting the Third Shot
The third shot (after the serve and return) is crucial in pickleball. Beginners often hit a hard, flat shot that can be easily attacked by opponents.
How to fix this: Master the third shot drop.
This is a soft and high-arcing shot that lands in the opponent’s kitchen, making it difficult for them to attack. Practice this shot regularly to improve your control and precision.
9. Lack of Communication in Doubles
Effective communication with your partner is essential in doubles. Beginners often fail to communicate, leading to confusion and missed opportunities.
How to fix this: Develop clear communication with your partner.
Use signals and verbal cues to indicate who will take a shot. Regularly discuss strategies and adjustments during the game to stay coordinated. Communication in doubles is about reading your partner’s next move, staying in sync, and, most importantly, enjoying every moment on the court. After all, pickleball is meant to be fun, so keep the conversation flowing and the game exciting!
10. Inconsistent Serve
A weak or inconsistent serve can put you at a disadvantage from the start of the point. Beginners often struggle with serving consistently.
How to fix this: Practice your serve regularly.
Focus on a smooth, controlled motion and aim for consistency rather than power. Experiment with different types of serves, such as the lob serve or the spin serve, to find what works best for you. A reliable serve can set the tone for the rest of the rally.
Minimize Your Mistakes With Rockstar Academy!
By knowing the common pickleball mistakes, you can minimize them by keeping practicing these pickleball drills. It would be even better to join a pickleball class by Rockstar Academy. By joining the class, you will be guided by an experienced instructor and can pay better attention to the mistakes that are made.
To find a good pickleball class, Rockstar Academy is one of the best Sports & Performing Arts Academy which has a variety of sports including pickleball in it.
The pickleball classes at Rockstar Academy also provide students with not only exceptional training but also the opportunity to participate in Elite Championships.
It is a crucial part of the program, fostering higher standards of achievement and promoting physical activity. These competitions help build discipline, instill good sportsmanship, and teach students to handle both winning and losing with grace.
You can learn with experienced and certified instructors and classes that use a certified leveling system. Rockstar Academy has also spread to several areas in Jakarta. Go visit the Rockstar Academy website for more information and remember to sign up for a free pickleball trial class!
FAQ
What is the best way to improve my pickleball game?
Consistent practice and playing with more experienced players are key. Focus on improving your technique, footwork, and understanding of the game.
How can I improve my footwork in pickleball?
Practice specific footwork drills, such as side-to-side shuffles and quick steps forward and backward. Staying light on your feet and ready to move in any direction is crucial.
