Pickleball is a fun and engaging sport that’s easy to pick up but can take time to master. Beginners often make a few common mistakes as they learn the game. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can avoid them and improve your skills more quickly. Here are the top 10 common mistakes beginners make in pickleball and how to avoid them.
1. Standing in the No-Volley Zone (Kitchen)
Mistake: Beginners often stand too close to or even in the non-volley zone, leading to faults.
Solution: Always stay behind the kitchen line unless you’re moving in to return a dink. Be aware of your position and avoid stepping into the non-volley zone to hit volleys.
2. Neglecting the Double Bounce Rule
Mistake: Many new players forget that the ball must bounce once on each side before volleys are allowed.
Solution: Remember the double bounce rule: let the serve bounce on your side, and let the return of serve bounce on the opponent’s side before volleying.
3. Overhitting the Ball
Mistake: Beginners often hit the ball too hard, leading to shots that go out of bounds.
Solution: Focus on control rather than power. Practice soft, controlled shots to keep the ball in play.
4. Poor Positioning
Mistake: Standing in the middle of the court or too far back can put you at a disadvantage.
Solution: Position yourself just behind the non-volley zone line to be ready for quick volleys and dinks. In doubles, communicate with your partner to cover the court effectively.
5. Inconsistent Serving
Mistake: Faulty serves, such as hitting the net or serving out of bounds, can give away points.
Solution: Practice your serves regularly. Focus on consistent, legal serves that land in the correct service court. Use an underhand motion and aim for accuracy over power.
6. Ignoring the Soft Game
Mistake: Beginners often try to hit hard shots all the time, neglecting the strategic soft game.
Solution: Learn to incorporate dinks and drop shots into your game. These soft shots can disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and create opportunities for you.
7. Not Communicating with Your Partner
Mistake: In doubles, lack of communication can lead to missed shots and poor coverage.
Solution: Communicate with your partner before and during points. Decide who will take shots down the middle and how you will cover the court together.
8. Improper Grip
Mistake: Using the wrong grip can lead to poor shot control and inconsistency.
Solution: Use a continental grip (like shaking hands with the paddle) for most shots. This grip allows for better control and versatility.
9. Failing to Move Your Feet
Mistake: Relying too much on reaching with your arms instead of moving your feet can result in off-balance shots.
Solution: Stay light on your feet and be ready to move quickly. Good footwork is crucial for maintaining balance and control.
10. Lack of Strategy
Mistake: Playing without a plan and just hitting the ball without thinking can be ineffective.
Solution: Develop a strategy for each game. Observe your opponent’s weaknesses and adjust your game plan accordingly. Use a mix of shots to keep your opponents guessing.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly improve your pickleball game. Focus on positioning, communication, control, and strategy to become a more effective player. Practice regularly, learn from your experiences, and enjoy the process of becoming a better pickleball player. Happy playing!
