Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. While it’s easy to learn and fun for all ages, even experienced players fall into habits that limit their game. Whether you’re a casual player or a weekend warrior, avoiding Common Pickleball Mistakes can be the difference between winning and losing.
Let’s dive into the 10 most frequent Common Pickleball Mistakes and more importantly, how to avoid them.
1. Standing Too Far Back
One of the most Common Pickleball Mistakes is hanging out near the baseline after the serve. Unlike tennis, pickleball is largely a net game. You want to move up quickly to the non-volley zone line (the “kitchen”) as soon as it’s safe. Staying back gives your opponents control of the net and limits your own offensive options.
How to avoid it: After your return (or third shot), advance confidently to the kitchen line and establish your presence.
2. Hitting Every Ball Hard
Yes, power can feel great, but pickleball is often won with finesse, not brute force. Overhitting is another one of those Common Pickleball Mistakes that leads to unforced errors or easy returns for your opponent.
How to avoid it: Learn to mix up your shots drop shots, dinks, and lobs are just as important as slams. Variety disrupts your opponent’s rhythm.
3. Neglecting the Dink Game
Pickleball is unique in that the soft game especially dinking is not just allowed but essential. One of the Common Pickleball Mistakes among new players is trying to end rallies too early with big shots instead of constructing points through controlled dinks.
How to avoid it: Practice drinking regularly. Develop patience and wait for your chance to pounce on a high ball.
4. Not Communicating With Your Partner
Pickleball is often played as doubles, and poor communication is a recipe for disaster. “I thought you had it!” is a hallmark phrase of Common Pickleball Mistakes.
How to avoid it: Use clear, simple language “Mine,” “Yours,” “Switch.” Talk before and during points to maintain coordination and strategy.
5. Poor Footwork
Even the best paddle technique can’t compensate for bad positioning. One of the sneakiest Common Pickleball Mistakes is having slow or lazy footwork, especially when reacting to angled shots or fast volleys.
How to avoid it: Stay on the balls of your feet, knees slightly bent, and always be ready to move. Quick recovery is just as important as initial movement.
6. Serving Too Safely (or Too Risky)
Your serve is your only guaranteed offensive shot. Many players either play it too safe or go for aces and miss. Both are Common Pickleball Mistakes that give up easy points.
How to avoid it: Develop a consistent, deep serve that forces your opponent back while staying within your comfort zone. Spin and placement are more important than speed.
7. Ignoring the Third Shot Drop
The third shot drop (after the return) helps you neutralise opponents at the net. Skipping it in favour of a drive is one of the most frequent Common Pickleball Mistakes that leads to lost net control.
How to avoid it: Learn the mechanics of a soft, arching third shot that lands in the kitchen. It buys time to approach the net and disrupts your opponents’ advantage.
8. Not Watching the Ball
Seems obvious, right? Yet this is one of the most persistent Common Pickleball Mistakes. Players look up too early, trying to anticipate their next move before completing the current one.
How to avoid it: Keep your eye on the ball all the way to the paddle. Make clean, centred contact before thinking about your next shot.
9. Overreaching Instead of Moving Your Feet
It’s tempting to stretch or lunge for wide shots, but this often leads to errors or injury. Overreaching is another classic among Common Pickleball Mistakes.
How to avoid it: Use small, fast steps to reposition instead of relying on your reach. This maintains balance and improves control.
10. Failing to Adapt Strategy Mid-Game
A lot of players enter a match with one game plan and never change, even when it’s not working. That rigidity is one of the most overlooked Common Pickleball Mistakes.
How to avoid it: Be observant. If your opponents are dominating the net or exploiting your backhand, adjust. Strategy in pickleball is fluid. Flexibility can win you the match.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding Common Pickleball Mistakes doesn’t mean playing perfectly it means playing smart. Every player, from beginner to advanced, can benefit from a little more awareness and strategy. Practice with intention, be open to feedback, and most importantly, have fun on the court. By recognising these Common Pickleball Mistakes and working on specific corrections, you’ll find yourself winning more games, having more fun, and becoming the kind of player others look forward to teaming up with.
