Every time you step onto the pickleball court, there’s a good chance you see the same mistakes happen again and again — costing you rallies, points, and even matches. The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Here are 15 of the most common pickleball errors and what to do instead to instantly improve your game.
1. Serving too short
A short serve gives your opponents the upper hand right from the start. When you serve short, your return will come back faster and deeper, making it harder for your team to reach the kitchen line.
Fix: Aim for the back fourth of the court. A deep serve makes the return more difficult and sets you up for success.
2. Shallow returns
Just getting your return “in” isn’t enough. A shallow return makes your opponent’s third shot much easier.
Fix: Use your legs and forward momentum to drive your return deep. This gives you time to approach the kitchen line and puts pressure on your opponent.
3. Not moving up when the opponent’s paddle tips down
Many serving teams miss out on free points because they don’t advance when their opponent is forced into a defensive position.
Fix: Watch your opponent’s paddle. If it tips down, move up. If it’s up, stay back. This small observation helps you approach the kitchen at the perfect time.
4. Overdriving instead of setting up a drop
Players coming from tennis often drive repeatedly, but back-to-back drives can backfire.
Fix: Use your drive to set up a drop. Drive at about 70 percent power, then transition into a controlled drop to take the net.
5. Stepping into the court after serving
Stepping forward after a serve can force you backward on the return, throwing off their balance.
Fix: Serve and stay behind the baseline. Let the return come to you so you can move forward with momentum.
6. Aiming for perfect 3rd shot drops
Trying to clear the net by a hair often results in hitting the ball into it.
Fix: Give yourself margin. Even if your drop is high, you can always follow up with another drop or drive.
7. Speeding up off the back foot
Speeding up while leaning back leads to pop-ups and errors.
Fix: Only attack when you’re balanced with forward momentum. This keeps your speed-ups controlled and effective.
8. Resetting or dinking down the line when pulled wide
When off-balance, many players instinctively dink up the line — making them vulnerable to an Erne.
Fix: Reset to the middle. When pulled wide, a soft middle dink keeps you safe and neutralizes your opponent’s attack.
9. Not returning to a balanced position between shots
Staying on one foot or leaning signals to your opponent where you think the ball will go.
Fix: After every shot, reset to a balanced, athletic stance. This improves reaction time and disguises your positioning.
10. Rushing to the kitchen without control
Charging to the line without control often leads to awkward pop-ups or missed shots.
Fix: Use a split step: Pause and stabilize before your opponent hits. Controlled movement beats reckless speed every time.
11. Forgetting about the non-dominant arm
Players who keep their non-dominant arm close to their body often lose balance while dinking.
Fix: Extend your opposite arm for balance and spacing. This simple trick improves control and stability.
12. Moving out of sync with your partner
When one player moves up while the other stays back, huge gaps open up.
Fix: Move together as a team — as if connected by a 10-foot rope. Communicate “stay” or “come” to stay aligned.
13. Taking a huge backswing on volleys
Big backswings at the kitchen line cause shots to fly out or be mis-timed.
Fix: Keep your volleys short and compact. Avoid taking your paddle behind the kitchen line.
14. Speeding up without a target
Speeding up just for the sake of it rarely works.
Fix: Aim for your opponent’s paddle-side hip or shoulder (“the chicken wing”). It’s an awkward zone that forces weak pop-ups.
15. Not communicating on middle balls
Few things lose more points than two players staring at a ball between them.
Fix: Establish who takes middle shots, especially on third shots, and call “mine” or “yours.” Clear communication eliminates confusion and errors.
Most pickleball mistakes aren’t about bad technique — they’re about awareness, positioning, and teamwork. Focus on serving deep, staying balanced, communicating with your partner, and moving as a unit.