5 of the Most Common Pickleball Mistakes Made by Beginners

Pickleball is a fun and, for some, addictive sport that can be enjoyed by almost anyone. The beginning process of learning how to play can be the most difficult, and for new players, it’s easy to make common pickleball mistakes. But don’t be discouraged; learning is part of the fun.

If you want to get better at the game, be sure to choose high-quality pickleball gear from us online to ensure that you have the best chance for success. Plus, practice whenever you can. Of course, if you’re not interested in competing in organized tournaments, don’t sweat it—pickleball is meant to be engaged in for the pure fun of it.  

Here are some of the most common pickleball mistakes made by beginners:

1. Not Avoiding No Man’s Land

No man’s land” is a section of the court that lies between the baseline and the service line. The area is called no man’s land because no one is standing in it to guard the opposing side against shots coming from the back row. Players are more vulnerable to cross-court dinks, making it important to avoid the area at all costs. When you accidentally hit a shot into no man’s land, the ball is returned to the other player.

2. Hitting Balls Too Low or Too Early

Another pickleball mistake most beginners make is hitting the ball too low or too early. This error often leads to a rushed shot that is easily intercepted by the opposing team. Make sure you practice by dinking balls to get your timing and precision down before playing the actual game.

3. Making Kitchen Mistakes

Kitchen mistakes are also common among beginners because the kitchen rule is not easy to understand at first. Make sure you familiarize yourself with all the regulations of pickleball before playing so that you can avoid these common missteps.

4. Having a Poor Serve Technique

Serving is one of the most common areas where beginners can make improvements because a good serve technique is hard to master. Before moving on to advanced skills, all beginner players should spend time practicing serving so they can develop good habits—avoiding the missteps that result if you do not do so. Pickleball paddle designs also matter when it comes to developing a good serve, so be sure to find the right one for yourself, based on your needs and skill level.

5. Smashing the Ball Too Hard

When a beginner smashes the ball too hard, the player usually has a hard time controlling it and ends up missing the shot completely. Stay focused on dinking or returning the serve until you’re proficient.

Pickleball gear

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