Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport, is enjoyed by players of all ages and skill levels. However, like any sport, beginners often make mistakes that can hinder their progress and enjoyment of the game. This article will delve into the most common beginner mistakes in pickleball and provide practical advice on how to avoid them. By addressing these errors, you can improve your game, win more matches, and have more fun on the court.
1. Serving and Stepping In
One of the most frequent mistakes beginners make is serving and then stepping into the court prematurely. According to the rules, after serving, the ball must bounce on your side before you can hit it again. If you step in too early, you might find yourself out of position and forced to backpedal, which compromises your balance and control.
How to Avoid It:
- Stay Behind the Baseline: Ensure you remain behind the baseline after serving until the ball has bounced on your side.
- Practice Patience: Develop the habit of waiting for the ball to bounce before moving forward.
- Footwork Drills: Engage in drills that emphasize proper footwork and positioning after serving.
2. Failing to Get to the Kitchen Line
The “kitchen” or non-volley zone is a critical area in pickleball. Beginners often hesitate to move up to the kitchen line, which can leave them vulnerable to their opponent’s shots.
How to Avoid It:
- Move Forward Quickly: After serving or returning a serve, move quickly to the kitchen line to take control of the net.
- Practice Dinking: Work on your dinking skills to become more comfortable playing at the kitchen line.
- Stay Low: Maintain a low, athletic stance to be ready for quick volleys and dinks.
3. Taking Big Swings
Big swings are another common mistake among beginners. Pickleball is a game of finesse and control, not power. Large, exaggerated swings often lead to errors and missed shots.
How to Avoid It:
- Short, Controlled Strokes: Focus on short, compact swings, especially when at the kitchen line.
- Practice Soft Shots: Spend time practicing soft shots and dinks to develop better control.
- Watch the Pros: Observe professional pickleball players and notice how they use controlled swings rather than big, powerful hits.
4. Hitting the Ball Too Hard
Many beginners think that hitting the ball hard will win points. However, pickleball rewards precision and placement over power. Hitting the ball too hard often results in errors, such as hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net.
How to Avoid It:
- Focus on Placement: Aim to place the ball accurately rather than hitting it hard.
- Develop a Soft Touch: Practice hitting the ball softly and consistently to improve your control. Try on a wall at home.
- Use the Right Paddle: Choose a paddle that suits your playing style and helps you control your shots better.
5. Poor Paddle Position
Keeping the paddle too low or in the wrong position is a mistake that can lead to missed shots and slow reactions. Beginners often hold their paddles too low, making it difficult to react quickly to fast shots.
How to Avoid It:
- Keep the Paddle Up: Maintain a ready position with your paddle up and in front of you.
- Practice Ready Position Drills: Engage in drills that reinforce the correct paddle position.
- Stay Alert: Always be prepared for the next shot, keeping your paddle in a neutral, ready position.
6. Not Getting into the Right Position
Positioning is crucial in pickleball. Beginners often find themselves out of position, which makes it easier for opponents to exploit gaps and win points.
How to Avoid It:
- Learn Court Awareness: Understand the importance of positioning and court coverage.
- Communicate with Your Partner: If playing doubles, communicate effectively with your partner to cover the court efficiently.
- Practice Movement Drills: Engage in drills that improve your movement and positioning on the court.
7. Going for the Winner Too Early
Beginners often try to hit winning shots too early in the rally, leading to unforced errors. It’s one of the most common beginner mistakes in pickleball.
Patience is key in pickleball, and waiting for the right opportunity to go for the winner can make a significant difference.
How to Avoid It:
- Be Patient: Wait for the right moment to hit a winning shot, rather than forcing it.
- Build the Rally: Focus on building the rally and creating opportunities for easier put-away shots.
- Practice Patience Drills: Engage in drills that emphasize patience and shot selection.
8. Backing Off the Non-Volley Zone
Backing off the non-volley zone (NVZ) after an aggressive shot is a common mistake. Staying close to the NVZ gives you a strategic advantage and allows you to control the net.
How to Avoid It:
- Stay Close to the NVZ: After an aggressive shot, return to the NVZ quickly to maintain your position.
- Practice Recovery Drills: Work on drills that help you recover quickly to the NVZ after being pushed back.
- Maintain a Low Stance: A low, athletic stance will help you move quickly and stay balanced.
9. Scooting Up After the Serve
Scooting up after serving is a mistake that leaves you vulnerable to deep returns and is a very common beginner mistake in pickleball. Staying back until the ball has bounced (because the ball has to bounce) allows you to respond more effectively to your opponent’s shots.
How to Avoid It:
- Stay Back: Remain behind the baseline until the ball has bounced on your side.
- Practice Patience: Develop the habit of waiting for the ball to bounce before moving forward.
- Footwork Drills: Engage in drills that emphasize proper footwork and positioning after serving.
10. Being Sporadic at the Kitchen Line
Inconsistent play at the kitchen line can lead to missed opportunities and errors. Beginners often struggle with maintaining a steady, controlled game at the net.
How to Avoid It:
- Focus on Consistency: Aim for consistent, controlled shots rather than risky, aggressive plays.
- Practice Dinking: Spend time practicing dinks and volleys to improve your control at the kitchen line.
- Watch the Pros: Observe professional players and notice how they maintain consistency and control at the kitchen line.
Conclusion
Pickleball is a fun and engaging sport, but beginners often make mistakes that can hinder their progress. By understanding and addressing these common errors, you can improve your game, win more matches, and enjoy the sport even more. Remember to focus on proper footwork, positioning, and control, and practice regularly to develop your skills. With patience and dedication, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient pickleball player.
Citations:
[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ4-oTBUUsM
[2] https://play-pkl.com/blogs/pkl-posts-blogs/8-mistakes-beginner-pickleball-players-make
[3] https://www.thedinkpickleball.com/three-mistakes-amateur-pickleball-players-are-most-guilty-of-and-how-to-fix-them/
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpjMRYU_W6I
[5] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnvaxkIj5mU
[6] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7xmSY94nu4
