Stop Making These Common Pickleball Mistakes and Start Winning More
Improving your pickleball game starts with identifying and correcting common mistakes that many players—regardless of experience level—tend to make. These mistakes can limit your potential and make it harder to enjoy the game at a higher level. In this post, we’ll explore the top 10 mistakes that pickleball players make and provide practical solutions to help you fix them, so you can elevate your play, reduce frustration, and win more games.
• Poor communication with your partner: Effective communication is key to avoiding confusion, especially when it comes to who takes the ball in the middle of the court. Use clear, decisive phrases like “mine” or “yours” to ensure both players know their roles. Additionally, during rallies, say “stay” or “go” to inform your partner about whether to move forward or stay back.
• Taking your eye off the ball: Many players lose focus by looking away from the ball too early during their swing. Keep your eyes on the contact point, following the ball with your gaze even after making contact. This habit will result in cleaner, more consistent shots.
• Stiff wrist on the serve: A stiff wrist reduces power on your serve. To increase power, use the “flashlight technique”—lead with the bottom of the paddle (the butt cap) as you swing. This allows for a natural wrist snap, generating more force with less effort.
• Not moving like an athlete: Proper footwork is crucial. Stay low, maintain a wide stance, and always be on your toes, ready to react. After each shot, reset into an athletic position, which gives you better balance and quicker response time. Think of staying low like a sports car (a Ferrari) rather than standing tall like a bus.
• Hitting the ball on the rise from the backcourt: Hitting the ball before it reaches its peak often results in poor contact and control. Instead, wait for the ball to hit its highest point, especially when hitting third shots after the serve, to ensure more accurate and effective play.
• Not adjusting to power hitters (bangers): When facing opponents who hit hard, avoid taking big swings. Instead, use a compact stroke and punch the ball rather than swinging. Tighten your grip to maintain control and avoid the paddle twisting in your hand under the force of a hard shot.
• Not using lobs effectively: A well-placed lob can be an offensive or defensive tool. Lob the ball over your opponent’s backhand side to make it harder for them to smash. Aim for about a foot above their reach and try to land the ball near the baseline to keep them on the defensive.
• Bad smash footwork: Don’t backpedal when attempting to hit a smash. Instead, turn your shoulders and run to get behind the ball. This technique improves your positioning and allows you to generate more power and accuracy with your overhead shots.
• Not adding weight to your paddle: Adding weight to your paddle, especially near the edges, increases the size of your sweet spot and allows for more power without drastically changing the paddle’s feel. Be cautious, though, as adding too much weight can affect your reflexes.
• Using the wrong grip: Your grip can dramatically affect your performance. Ensure you’re using the correct grip for each shot, whether it’s the continental grip for volleys and dinks or the eastern grip for powerful forehands. Understanding and applying the right grip for different situations will improve your game instantly.
By addressing these common mistakes, you can unlock your full potential on the pickleball court. Practice these adjustments, and you’ll find your game becoming more fluid, consistent, and effective. Remember, every small improvement brings you one step closer to playing like a pro.
