Common Pickleball Mistakes

Common Pickleball Mistakes To Avoid As An Intermediate Player

Pickleball is a fun and fast-paced sport that people of all ages enjoy. As you progress from a beginner to an intermediate player, the game becomes more challenging and competitive. To ensure continuous improvement, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can hold you back.

As a player that is always looking to improve, I will share my story in the hopes that it can assist you in improving your game. I had no racket or paddle sport experience prior to this sport. This is a chronological recount of what I worked on to improve.

Serving Mistakes

At the beginning of my journey, keeping the ball in on serves was a challenge, even when hitting soft serves. Learning to keep the ball away from my body when serving really helped to improve my serve. Positioning my feet at a 45-degree angle to the baseline also made a big difference. Drilling has helped improve my serves. Now I feel comfortable adding topspin and pace to my serves.

Staying Back After the Serve

The next thing that I needed to address was staying back after the serve, whether I was serving or my partner was serving. Since the ball must bounce before the third shot, I realized it is much easier to come forward than to go backwards. This understanding helped me to stay behind the line until the right time for the third shot.

Poor Footwork

One of the most common mistakes that intermediate players make is poor footwork. This sport requires quick and precise movements. If your footwork is not right, you will be caught out of position. To avoid this, focus on developing good footwork habits such as keeping your feet shoulder-width apart and using small, quick steps to get to the ball.

Incorrect Grip

Using an incorrect grip on your paddle can greatly impact your ability to control the ball and make accurate shots. Find a grip that feels comfortable and secure, and practice using it consistently to improve your performance.

Lack of Focus

Intermediate players often struggle with maintaining focus during matches. Distractions from other players or getting caught up in the moment can hinder your performance. Stay focused and mentally prepared throughout the game by taking deep breaths, staying hydrated, and visualizing yourself playing your best.

Dinking Mistakes

When I first started, my dinks were often either too weak or popped up too high, making them easy for my opponents to attack. It took some practice to develop the right touch to place the ball just over the net. I learned that if I want the ball to land softly in the kitchen, the highest point (or apex) of the dink should be on my side of the net. I also realized that when aiming for my opponent’s feet, the dink should barely clear the net and have some topspin to keep the pressure on them.

Neglecting Strategy

As you become more experienced, relying solely on physical skills to win matches can be tempting. However, neglecting strategy is a major mistake. Continuously work on developing and refining your strategic skills, such as court positioning, shot selection, and teamwork with your partner.

Ignoring the Rules

Ignoring the rules of this sport can result in penalties or disqualification. Familiarize yourself with the rules governing serving, scoring, and court boundaries to ensure you follow them consistently during matches.

Failing to Warm Up Properly

Proper warm-up is essential to prevent injury and improve performance. This includes stretching, light cardio, and hitting some balls to get a feel for your paddle and the court. Neglecting to warm up can lead to fatigue and decreased performance during the game.

Overhitting

Intermediate players may fall into the trap of overhitting or trying to hit the ball too hard every time. While power is important, control and precision in your shots are equally crucial. Focus on hitting the ball with the right amount of power for the situation, and aim for consistency and accuracy.

Advancing to the Kitchen

Advancing to the kitchen after the return or third shot was the next obstacle to improving. Once I learned to advance as safely and quickly as possible without rushing and getting caught while moving, my game really improved. My new rule is to get my paddle ready, advance forward until the ball clears the net from my side of the court, then split step into a paddle-ready position even before the opponent hits the next shot.

Not Moving Quickly Enough

Quick and agile movements are essential. Intermediate players who don’t move quickly enough can struggle to get to the ball in time. Improve your footwork and agility through drills and practice, focusing on moving quickly and efficiently.

Not Communicating with Your Partner

Teamwork is a big part of this sport, and failing to communicate with your partner can result in missed opportunities and errors. Communicate with your partner about who is covering what part of the court, and any strategies you want to employ. Good communication leads to better teamwork and more successful outcomes.

Neglecting to Vary Your Shot Selection

Using the same shots repeatedly makes it easier for opponents to predict your moves. Vary your shot selection to keep opponents on their toes. This can include different types of shots, such as dinks, drop shots, or lobs, or mixing up the speed and placement of your shots.

Not Anticipating Your Opponent’s Shots

Anticipation is crucial. Intermediate players who don’t anticipate their opponent’s shots can struggle to react in time. Develop your anticipation skills by studying your opponent’s play style and paying attention to their body language and shot selection. By anticipating their shots, you’ll be better prepared to react and make the right play.

Ignoring Court Awareness

Court awareness is vital. Players who ignore this can struggle to make effective shots and play good defense. Always be aware of your surroundings, including the court boundaries, the position of other players, and the ball’s trajectory. Staying alert and aware equips you to make smart shots and defend effectively.

FAQs About Common Pickleball Mistakes

What is the most common mistake intermediate players make?

Poor footwork is one of the most common pickleball mistakes. Quick and precise movements are essential to avoid being caught out of position.

How can I improve my focus during a match?

To stay focused, take deep breaths, stay hydrated, and visualize yourself playing your best. Maintaining mental preparation throughout the game is key.

Why is strategy important?

Strategy is crucial because it complements physical skills. Developing court positioning, shot selection, and teamwork can significantly enhance your performance.

How do I avoid overhitting?

Focus on hitting the ball with the right amount of power for the situation. Aim for consistency and accuracy instead of trying to hit the ball too hard every time.

What can I do to improve my footwork?

Develop good footwork habits by keeping your feet shoulder-width apart and using small, quick steps to get to the ball. Practicing agility drills can also help.

How important is communication with my partner?

Communication is essential for effective teamwork. Discussing strategies and court coverage with your partner can lead to better coordination and success.

Keep Improving Your Pickleball Game

By avoiding these Common Pickleball Mistakes, you can continue to improve your skills and enjoy the game even more. Remember, success requires practice, focus, and a commitment to continuous improvement. So grab your paddle, hit the court, and have fun!