Pickleball attracts millions of players, but many fall into predictable traps that hurt their performance. These mistakes don't just cost you points—they can lead to injuries and frustration.
Let's break down the most common errors pickleball players make on the court and how to fix them.
Standing Too Close to the Net
Many beginners rush to the net, thinking it gives them an advantage. This aggressive positioning backfires when opponents hit over your head or force you into awkward defensive positions.
The kitchen line (non-volley zone) exists for a reason. Position yourself about three feet behind it during rallies. This positioning gives you reaction time for overhead shots while keeping you close enough to attack short balls.
Hitting Everything Hard
Power shots look impressive, but they're not always smart. Pickleball rewards placement and strategy over raw force. Players who swing for the fences often hit balls into the net or send them sailing out of bounds.
Focus on controlled shots, known as a dink, that stay low over the net. A well-placed soft shot beats a powerful miss every time. Save your power for specific situations, like put-away volleys or when your opponent is out of position.
Ignoring the Third Shot Drop
The third shot drop might be pickleball's most crucial skill, yet many players skip it entirely. After the serve and return, this soft shot lands in the kitchen and neutralizes your opponent's advantage.
Practice this shot religiously. It transitions you from the baseline to the net to win points. Without a reliable third shot drop, you'll find yourself stuck in the backcourt trading groundstrokes instead of controlling the game.
Poor Court Positioning and Movement
Singles tennis habits die hard. Many players camp out in the center of the court or mirror their partner's movements, creating gaps that smart opponents will mercilessly exploit.
Learn proper doubles positioning. Move as a team, maintaining parallel positions and covering your respective sides. When your partner moves forward, you move forward. Communication prevents collisions and ensures court coverage.
Neglecting the Non-Volley Zone Rules
The kitchen rules confuse many players, leading to costly violations. You can't volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in the kitchen, or step into it during a volley follow-through.
Master these rules through practice. You can enter the kitchen to hit balls that have bounced, but you must establish both feet outside before attempting another volley. Many lose points due to foot faults in this area.
Serving Without Strategy
Too many players treat serves as a formality, rather than an opportunity. They aim for the middle of the service box without considering placement or spin. This approach squanders the chance to start each point with an advantage.
Vary your serves between deep shots to the baseline and short serves that land just over the net. Target your opponent's backhand or their body to create awkward returns. A strategic serve sets up easier third shots.
Playing Alone Instead of as a Team
Pickleball doubles requires constant communication and teamwork. Another common pickleball error occurs when players try to cover the entire court or fail to communicate with their partners, creating chaos and missed opportunities.
Talk to your partner throughout the match. Call out shots, coordinate movements, and discuss strategy between points. The best teams move and think as one unit rather than two individuals sharing a court.
