Top 20 Common Pickleball Mistakes and How to Fix Them(Beginners)

As a seasoned player who’s navigated the challenging world of pickleball, I’ve learned that mastering this sport is a natural learning process. Understanding and addressing common mistakes can dramatically improve your game. Many beginner pickleball players struggle with positioning, misjudging shots, and ineffective communication, which can quickly turn a promising match into a frustrating experience.

One key area where common beginner players often falter is their over-reliance on power versus strategic play when try to hit the ball. Tips to avoid common pitfalls include developing better pickleball paddle control, respecting the kitchen rules, and knowing exactly where to stand in your spot. The right time to shift your strategy can favor your performance, transforming you from a run-of-the-mill player to someone with serious know-how. Think of this as your personal cheat sheet for destroying those mistakes and fixing them now – a comprehensive guide to elevating your pickleball skill level from good to exceptional.

Common Pickleball Mistakes for Beginners and How to Fix them Fast

New pickleball players often develop certain habits and tendencies that can hinder their progress on the court. Here are twenty common mistakes beginners frequently make in pickleball.

Rushing when serving

Many beginner players fall into the trap of wanting to play at a fast pace, especially during the serve. I’ve noticed that the natural tendency to rush often stems from nervousness or eagerness to keep the game moving with few breaks. When you’re at the line to serve, remember that taking a moment to gather your thoughts and catch your breath can make all the difference. Stay composed and relaxed – this isn’t just about hitting the ball, it’s about maintaining consistency and control.

Before you hit, establish a pre-serve routine that helps you focus: check your opponent’s position, watch how the ball bounces, and deliberately take a pause. Smart placement of your serve matters more than speed. I’ve coached numerous players who transformed their game simply by slowing down and developing a repeatable serving pattern. Remember to look at your target and maintain your form throughout the serve motion – this approach leads to more points and helps the game flow more smoothly.

Taking your eye off the ball

One of the quickest ways to improve your game is by not taking your eyes off the ball. It’s a simple concept but becomes harder in practice when you’re actively watching your opponent move across the space. The natural urge to look at where your shot is going often pulls your attention away, which can result in a mishit or complete whiff. I’ve seen countless players struggle with this, especially when the ball starts popping up unexpectedly during intense rallying sessions.

When distractions come from every side and front, whether it’s a noisy crowd or movement near the wall, you must maintain laser-sharp focus. Making it a consistent habit to try training yourself to keep your head steady and eyes locked on the ball until contact will dramatically improve your accuracy. I personally overcome this by imagining my eyes are physically tethered to the ball – a visualization technique that has helped my students significantly reduce their error rate.

Wearing the wrong shoes

A common tendency among new players play pickleball by wearing improper footwear on the pickleball court. As a coach, I’ve noticed many beginners showing up in regular running shoes, not realizing that mastering correct technique and skills in this exciting world of pickleball requires the right foundation. Just as a quality paddle is important, what you wear on your feet to move around the court and hit the ball can significantly matter.

Proper fitting tennis or pickleball-specific shoes provide crucial support as you move in multiple directions at fast speeds. These specialized shoes help protect your joints from potential injuries. From my years of experience, I always advise players to invest in court-specific shoes – I’ve seen too many twisted ankles and knee strains from players trying to save money by using inappropriate footwear. Your regular sneakers simply won’t cut it when you’re making those quick lateral movements and sudden stops.

Not moving your feet

The initial experience of stepping onto a pickleball court can be daunting, especially when that fast-approaching yellow plastic ball seems to instill fear. Many beginners struggle to hit shots accurately while managing to keep within the boundaries – what seems like a simple task becomes overwhelming. The necessity of proper footwork often gets lost as players become swamped in a state of overwhelm, leading to the common player’s foot speed becoming a casualty. They end up frozen in place, helplessly watching as shots are returned before they’re prepared.

Overcoming this tendency to stay stationary is crucial to avoid getting stuck and pushing to a higher level. The game moves quickly, and the ball moves faster with each passing time, requiring players to respond effectively. Regular drilling with a partner allows you to practice moving your feet into the right position. Through experience and better processing of the game, you’ll eventually learn to hit shots automatically while maintaining proper footwork. I’ve seen countless players transform their game simply by focusing on staying light on their feet during practice sessions.

Panicking, Especially at the Kitchen Line

The concern of letting your partner down, especially one you’ve recently met during a free play session, can create unnecessary pressure. First impressions matter to many players, making them feel anxious and fretting about others’ perception of their performance. I’ve seen countless players get so caught up in disappointing themselves or others that their worries cause them to lose sight of why they started playing pickleball in the first place – to enjoy the game.

When you step up to the kitchen line, don’t let panic take over or get mad at yourself for mistakes. Remember that this amazing sport is meant to be fun. I often remind my students that even professional players started as beginners who had to overcome their kitchen line jitters. Taking deep breaths and focusing on each shot rather than potential mistakes helps maintain composure during intense exchanges at the kitchen line.

Hitting to the opponent’s forehand

One of the most foundational concepts you need to learn in pickleball is that hitting to an opponent’s forehand is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Many games are won or lost based on hitting patterns – while it’s easy to stick with making forehand shots, it’s hard to win against skilled players this way. Most players, regardless of skill level, have a weaker backhand, especially at the recreational level. Knowing which side to hit to, whether during a serve, third shot drop, cross-court dink, or other shots, should prioritize this strategy.

Your shots become significantly easier to win when you don’t pretend the left side of the court doesn’t exist. When dinking from the right side (let’s assume you’re right-handed), getting closer to the net creates a better angle for those extreme lower shots. This prevents your ball from sitting up too high near the sideline, where it could get smashed back at you. I’ve coached numerous players who transformed their game simply by targeting their opponent’s backhand consistently.

Scooting up when you serve

One mistake many beginner and intermediate players make is scooting forward past the baseline right after they serve. It seems natural to want to advance quickly, but this can leave you vulnerable to a deep return from your opponent. The double bounce rule requires that the return serve bounces before being hit, so if you’re already too far forward, you’re forced to scramble backward. A ball that lands at your feet can be incredibly difficult to handle, and attempting to volley it will result in a fault.

The key is to stay back behind the baseline until the ball is returned. This strategy becomes even more important when playing against advanced players, as they often hit their return serves deep and with precision. If your partner serves, resist the urge to scoot forward prematurely, as you might be the one returning the ball. By remaining in the right position, you’ll improve your chances of responding effectively without being caught off guard.

Playing with a paddle that doesn’t compliment you

One of the common mistakes players make is using a paddle that doesn’t fit their game. Many people are tempted to blame their instrument when they make mistakes, but in reality, the issue often lies with skill and technique. Of course, a higher-quality paddle can make a major difference in your play, but finding the right fit for your personal strength is key. If your paddle is too light or too heavy, it can lead to wrist, elbow, and arm fatigue, affecting your quickness and power. The weight of the paddle plays a big role—if it feels off, you’re less likely to perform at your best.

To avoid this, you need to consider the weight of your paddle carefully. A lightweight paddle might be great for quick maneuvers but won’t offer the power needed for strong shots. On the other hand, a paddle that’s too heavy can cause strain and discomfort. A good strategy is to try various paddles, from light to heavy, to get a feel for what works. Pay attention to the price range—don’t go for the cheapest option, but also don’t overspend. Focus on finding a paddle that complements your playing style and physical abilities. When you get the proper weight, it will make an enormous difference in your game and overall experience.

Using only a power game

The fun part of pickleball starts when possible power shots become consistently more precise. Many players spend their early days using raw power, winding up for a big swing at every opportunity. In the ball’s random flight to the net or beyond the baseline, these shots – especially the third shot drive – feel jarring to execute and leave you figuring out why they’re not as effective as hoped. From my years of coaching, I’ve seen how this strategy of hard hitting at higher levels of play carries significant risk with minimal reward, given the unpredictable nature of such aggressive shots.

The path to improvement through proper skill development lies in replacing pure power with a blend of finesse and control. When fast and huge shots get easily blocked at the kitchen line by an advanced opponent, you realize that consistency, quick movement, and accurate placement become your greatest advantage. Overhead smashes should be just one tool in your arsenal, not your primary weapon. The disadvantage of being one-dimensional becomes clear as you progress – that’s why developing a balanced approach combining both power and touch will serve you better than relying on raw strength alone.

Not sprinting to the kitchen: A Critical Move

Pickleball is primarily played at the kitchen, not the baseline or middle of the court. It’s important to understand that players who saunter their way up become an easy target to be smashed at by their opponent. Through my years of coaching, I’ve noticed that even those who lack mobility can still effectively try to sprint forward – it’s not about speed but about commitment to the movement.

When running to the kitchen, if a ball is heading your way, stop in your tracks and focus on getting it back over. The difficult task of returning while moving forward can lead to popping up shots that are easily handled by skilled players. I’ve seen countless points lost because players couldn’t resist the urge to multitask their forward movement with shot execution – it’s a recipe for disaster that you won’t want to accomplish.

Poaching when it’s not required

When playing pickleball, it’s common to see beginners struggle with poaching, often misunderstanding its purpose. Poaching, or stealing your partner’s shot, might seem like an instinctive move during a fast-paced dinking rally, but without clear communication, it can be discourteous and lead to gaps in your court coverage. I remember my early games when my partner would unexpectedly scoot into my area to hit a shot. While it felt annoying at the time, I later realized that poaching, when done strategically, could turn the tide of a match.

The risk comes when poaching is used for no apparent reason, especially during a tightly contested match. Moving away from your position can leave a huge gap that skilled opponents can exploit, quickly ending the point. Stacking, where partners consistently stay on specific sides of the court, is one way advanced players minimize this risk. In mixed doubles, for instance, the man might position himself on the left for better access to forehand smashes while ensuring their partner is prepared to cover any return shots. The key is to communicate before the game and agree on when and how to poach effectively, avoiding unnecessary disruptions.

Attempting smashes on low balls

One common mistake among beginners is attempting to smash the ball when it’s too low, especially near the kitchen line. This often happens when an opponent plays a third shot drop that is slightly too high but not high enough to make an ideal attack. Players see the ball in an awkward zone where they can easily volley, but their instinct is to whip it into an aggressive shot.

The problem arises when they reach into the kitchen to perform an overhead smash, which sends the face of the paddle toward the floor instead of the opponent’s court. This results in the ball hitting the net, as it’s struck at the end of the arc, not at the top, losing both power and accuracy.

A better approach is to push the paddle in the desired direction rather than smashing. This technique creates a controlled, accurate shot with just enough power to land effectively in your opponent’s court. When I first learned this, I realized how much more confident I felt after shifting from smashes to accurate placements. Practicing this adjustment not only avoids costly errors but also keeps you competitive in a fast-paced pickleball match.

Holding the Paddle

One of the most frequent mistakes in pickleball is not understanding the importance of your grip when holding the paddle. A less than optimal grip can make it hard for shots to work effectively on the front side or backside and may place too much pressure on the palm of your hand, making it difficult to control your shots. Beginners are often advised to use the continental grip, which involves reaching out as if shaking someone’s hand. This simple adjustment ensures better handling and prevents errors during fast-paced rallies, keeping the paddle steady and balanced out in front.

You may also like: best Pickleball paddles under $ 100

Not moving your feet

Players who stand too tall and flat-footed with excessive weight on their heels find it challenging to move on the pickleball court. Staying lightly balanced on the balls of your feet is crucial when the ball comes your way – this fundamental stance helps you move faster and more easily across the court. To fix these positioning issues, I recommend you watch our full video that will help you cover the three most common mistakes new players make.

The key aspects of this game involve proper positioning and footwork mechanics. By following these practical tips and maintaining an active stance, you’ll improve your play significantly and reduce unforced errors. Maintaining a proper grip while staying low helps you move fast and efficiently during rallies. I’ve seen countless players transform their game simply by correcting these foundational elements of movement and positioning.

Staying in the Wrong Position

Proper positioning is crucial in pickleball to maintain control of the game and successfully return shots. Many players, especially beginners, make the mistake of staying too close to the baseline or lingering in the middle of the court, which places them at a disadvantage against well-placed shots. This limited ability to reach the ball quickly affects how effectively they can respond to their opponent’s shots. From my experience coaching doubles, players must focus on moving in unison with their partner to avoid gaps in court coverage and maintain the correct location at the right moment to cover the court more effectively.

Keeping your body in a low, balanced stance near the non-volley zone line helps you stay prepared to move in any direction and intercept balls with better reaction time. This approach helps lessen the possibility of being caught off guard, especially in doubles play. I’ve seen countless players improve dramatically simply by mastering their court positioning – it’s remarkable how this fundamental aspect can transform your entire game.

Lack of Communication

Good communication is crucial, particularly in doubles play, as it ensures players stay in sync while preventing collisions and missed shots. When partners fail to communicate or remain unclear about who will attempt the shot, you’ll often see both chasing the same ball or failing to move towards it at all, leaving gaps in coverage and giving easy points to the opponent. Having coached numerous teams, I’ve found that effective communication on the pickleball court through clear verbal cues like “mine,” “yours,” and “switch” makes a tremendous difference.

Maintaining eye contact with your partner helps you stay connected and aware of each other’s positions throughout the match. I always encourage teams to spend time discussing strategies before their games, as this coordinated approach to the game significantly improves their performance. Through years of experience, I’ve watched partnerships transform from hesitant, disconnected pairs into confident, synchronized teams simply by mastering these communication basics.

Not Switching Sides

A common issue I see is when the server fails to switch sides of the court based on the serving rule and score. The point system requires serving from the right side for even numbers and the left side for odd numbers, but many players forget this fundamental rule, leading to wrong scoring. To fix this habit, I recommend practicing a pre-serve routine where you mentally confirm your position before each serve – this helps you properly earn each point and maintain accurate scoring throughout the game.

Not Understanding the Rules

While pickleball rules may seem simple, they can become confusing for newcomers, leading to common mistakes that are difficult to handle. Not understanding the rules prevents you from playing correctly and fairly, but you can fix this over time by taking steps to truly understand and know them by heart. The things that often confuse new players can be cleared up through research online, and you should never hesitate to ask experienced players for clarification – I’ve found that most pickleball veterans are happy to help newcomers learn the ropes.

Moving forward after serving

A common mistake among beginners is not heeding when partners yell “stay back!” after serving. The two bounce rule requires that when the server serves and the returner lets the ball bounce, once they hit it back, the serving team must let the ball bounce again before they can hit the ball. The return team can hit the ball out of the air, but that second bounce requirement means the server should stay deep when the return ball comes back over the net – rushing forward too soon results in a fault and lost point. Instead of running forward and having to chase balls, the best position is behind the ball, following the golden rule: “serve and stay back.”

Avoiding your backhand

Even when playing for fun, avoiding your backhand because it’s your weaker shot will limit your growth as a player. To improve, dedicated practice is essential – I encourage my students to actively target their own backhand during drills rather than running around it. Smart opponents will spot this weakness and exploit it every time, so practicing your backhand returns consistently is crucial. From my years of coaching experience, I’ve seen players transform their previously avoided backhand into a reliable weapon through focused practice sessions.

Pickleball Mistakes and How to Fix Them – Final Insights

Mastering pickleball requires understanding that mistakes are part of the sport’s natural complexity. As players progress, they learn to love the game beyond mere victory, embracing skills that transform basic court movements into an art form. Paddle control becomes more than just hitting – it’s about responding to each shot with patience and strategic understanding.

The journey of improvement is both tricky and unexpected, much like the dips and soars of a ball in motion. Practicing with fun and enjoying the time spent on the court helps players move past panic and mad moments, dancing between low and high techniques. Better players know that mastering the basics, holding their ground, and coming prepared can transform even the most flashiest bird-like movements into calculated, precise gameplay.

 FAQs

How to stop making mistakes in pickleball?

Practice fundamentals, stay focused, learn proper technique, communicate with partner, and maintain patience.

What are the common faults or errors in pickleball?

Foot faults, service errors, not letting ball bounce, hitting out of bounds, and kitchen zone violations.

What are 3 ways to fault in pickleball?

Incorrect serving, kitchen rule violations, hitting ball out of bounds or into the net.

What is the 10 second rule in pickleball?

Server must serve within 10 seconds after score is called, or lose serve.

What is the nasty Nelson in pickleball?

Intentional serve targeting the receiving team’s partner near the non-volley line, a legal but controversial tactic.