If you’ve stepped onto a pickleball court recently, you know the game is as much about strategy as it is about reflexes. While everyone starts somewhere, seasoned players can usually spot a beginner in about two minutes. The good news? Most beginner mistakes are easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Here are the five most common mistakes beginners make and how you can fix them to start playing like a pro.
1. Not Taking the Serve and Return Seriously
Many beginners view the serve and return as just a way to start the point, often simply trying to "get it in". However, these shots offer a massive tactical advantage.
- For the Serve: Aim for depth and spin. Try targeting your opponent’s inside foot to create confusion about whether they should hit a forehand or a backhand.
The "Miss" Rule: You should actually be missing two to three serves deep per match. If you aren't, you probably aren't being aggressive enough. - For the Return: Use forward momentum and a flat swing. Instead of a low-to-high arc, aim to penetrate the court with pace to make your opponent's next shot much more difficult.
2. Panic in the Transition Zone
The "transition zone" (the area between the baseline and the kitchen) often makes beginners nervous. They either stay glued to the baseline or sprint blindly toward the net.
- The Pro Strategy: Don't move based on where the ball is; move based on what your opponent is doing with the ball.
- Watch the Paddle: If your opponent’s paddle tip is down, they have to hit the ball up — that’s your cue to move forward. If their paddle tip is high, they are ready to hit down on the ball, so you should stay back or be cautious.
3. Forgetting the Split Step
Sprinting to the kitchen is a great way to get caught off-balance. To fix this, you must learn the split step — stopping and squaring up before your opponent hits the ball.
- LOFT (Lots Of Freaking Time): A high, soft drop shot gives you more "loft," allowing you more time to gain ground before you need to split step.
- The Teeter-Totter Effect: If your opponent is reaching high, prep your paddle low. If they are reaching low, prep your paddle higher to catch an attack.
4. Reactive Dinking
Beginners often treat every dink the same, often "panic-speeding" the ball when they get pulled out wide. Advanced players dictate rather than react.
- Offensive vs. Defensive Dinks: If you are pulled off-balance, do not speed up the ball. Instead, hit a defensive reset to the middle of the court to give yourself time to get back into position.
- Think Ahead: Intermediate and advanced players are usually thinking two shots ahead of the one they are currently hitting.
5. Giving Up on "Pop-Ups"
We’ve all done it: you hit a high ball and mentally check out because you assume the point is over.
- Stay in the Point: If you pop the ball up, don't give up. Take a quick shuffle step back to give yourself more time and plant your feet.
- Paddle Position: Get your paddle low and ready to defend, as the ball is likely coming toward your feet. You’d be surprised how many points you can win just by getting one more "impossible" ball back over the net.