Pickleball is easy to learn but takes time to master. If you’re a beginner, you’re bound to make some common mistakes—and that’s okay! The key to improving quickly is recognizing these errors and learning how to fix them fast.
The good news? Most beginner mistakes are easy to correct once you know what to focus on.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The most common beginner mistakes in pickleball
✅ Why these mistakes happen and how to fix them
✅ Simple drills to reinforce good habits
✅ Pro tips to level up your game faster
If you’re tired of losing points on avoidable errors, this guide will help you tighten up your game and start winning more matches!
1. Mistake: Standing Too Far Back from the Kitchen
Why It’s a Problem:
- The kitchen (non-volley zone) is where most points are won.
- If you stay too far back, you give your opponents control of the net.
- It’s harder to react to dinks and volleys when you’re too deep.
How to Fix It:
✔️ Move up to the kitchen as soon as possible after the return of serve.
✔️ Stay just behind the kitchen line—not too close, not too far.
✔️ If your opponent pushes you back, move forward again as soon as you can.
🔥 Drill to Try:
- Play a game where you must stay at the kitchen line unless absolutely forced back.
- This helps you get comfortable at the net and improve volleys.
🔥 Pro Tip: Stay light on your feet with a moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirt from Big Green Pickle—comfort matters in fast-paced play!
2. Mistake: Not Using the Soft Game (Dinking & Third-Shot Drops)
Why It’s a Problem:
- Many beginners try to smash every shot, which leads to unforced errors.
- Advanced players will outlast you in a power game—but struggle when forced into soft shots.
- Dinking and third-shot drops control the pace of the game.
How to Fix It:
✔️ Practice dinking until you can hit at least 50 dinks in a row without missing.
✔️ When hitting a third-shot drop, focus on height and placement, not power.
✔️ If an opponent is smashing every ball, slow the game down with soft shots.
🔥 Drill to Try:
- Play a game where only dinks are allowed—this forces you to get comfortable with the soft game.
🔥 Pro Tip: Long dink rallies can make you sweat—stay cool with a pickleball tumbler from BigGreenPickle.com to keep your drink ice-cold.
3. Mistake: Holding the Paddle Too Tight
Why It’s a Problem:
- A tight grip makes your shots stiff and unpredictable.
- You’ll lose touch and finesse, especially on dinks and volleys.
- It can lead to wrist and elbow strain over time.
How to Fix It:
✔️ Hold your paddle with a relaxed grip, like you’re shaking someone’s hand.
✔️ Loosen your grip when dinking or hitting soft shots.
✔️ If you feel tension in your arm, remind yourself to relax between shots.
🔥 Drill to Try:
- Practice dinks with a light grip and focus on smooth, controlled shots.
🔥 Pro Tip: If you struggle with grip tension, try paddles with cushioned grips or wearing a sweat-absorbing glove.
4. Mistake: Not Moving Your Feet Properly
Why It’s a Problem:
- Beginners often stand still and reach for shots instead of moving their feet.
- Poor footwork leads to awkward positioning and off-balance shots.
- You’ll struggle to react to fast rallies and angled shots.
How to Fix It:
✔️ Always stay on the balls of your feet, not your heels.
✔️ Use small, quick steps to adjust to every shot.
✔️ When dinking, keep a low, balanced stance.
🔥 Drill to Try:
- Have a partner feed you shots side to side, forcing you to move and adjust your stance.
🔥 Pro Tip: Wearing proper court shoes (not running shoes) will help you move better and prevent injuries.
5. Mistake: Poor Shot Selection (Trying to Win Every Point Immediately)
Why It’s a Problem:
- Many beginners go for risky shots instead of playing smart pickleball.
- Overhitting leads to unforced errors and easy points for opponents.
- A well-placed soft shot is more effective than a rushed power shot.
How to Fix It:
✔️ Instead of smashing every ball, play controlled, high-percentage shots.
✔️ When in doubt, keep the ball in play—let your opponent make the mistake.
✔️ Play the long game—force errors by being consistent.
🔥 Drill to Try:
- Play a match where your goal is to make 10+ shot rallies, focusing on consistency.
🔥 Pro Tip: Wearing breathable, flexible gear helps you stay loose and focused—check out the moisture-wicking t-shirts at BigGreenPickle.com.
6. Mistake: Poor Communication in Doubles
Why It’s a Problem:
- Silent partners lose points—miscommunication leads to confusion.
- Without clear signals, both players may go for the same ball (or neither!).
- Doubles teams that communicate well win more matches.
How to Fix It:
✔️ Call “Yours” or “Mine” on every shot.
✔️ Discuss a basic game plan before matches (who takes middle shots?).
✔️ If a ball is in the air and unclear, the forehand player should take it.
🔥 Drill to Try:
- Play a game where every shot must have a verbal call—this builds communication habits.
🔥 Pro Tip: Find a consistent doubles partner to develop teamwork and chemistry.
7. Mistake: Not Staying Hydrated & Energized
Why It’s a Problem:
- Dehydration causes slower reflexes and mental fatigue.
- Lack of energy leads to bad footwork and poor shot execution.
- Many players don’t realize they need to drink water BEFORE they feel thirsty.
How to Fix It:
✔️ Drink plenty of water before and during games.
✔️ Use electrolyte drinks for long matches.
✔️ Avoid heavy meals before playing—eat light, energy-rich snacks.
🔥 Pro Tip: A pickleball tumbler from BigGreenPickle.com keeps your drink cold so you stay refreshed.
Final Thoughts: Improve Faster by Fixing These Mistakes
If you’re making any of these common beginner mistakes, don’t worry—every player goes through them! The key is to recognize the issue, apply the fix, and practice consistently.
And if you want to play your best, don’t forget to gear up with:
✅ Moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirts for cool, comfortable play.
✅ Pickleball tumblers to stay hydrated during long matches.
By focusing on fundamentals, smart shot selection, and movement, you’ll see massive improvements in your game. Now, get out there and start playing smarter pickleball!
