Introduction
Pickleball may be easy to learn, but like any sport, beginners often fall into habits that slow their progress. The good news? Most of these mistakes are simple to fix with awareness and practice. By correcting these early, you'll save yourself frustration, improve faster, and enjoy the game more.
This guide highlights the most common beginner mistakes in pickleball and offers quick, practical fixes to help you build strong fundamentals.
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1. Standing Too Close to the Kitchen
The Mistake: Many beginners creep into the non-volley zone (the "kitchen") or stand too close to it. This leaves them vulnerable to faults or quick lobs.
The Fix: Stand just behind the kitchen line, not inside it. Keep your paddle up and be ready to step in if the ball bounces, but never volley from inside the kitchen.
2. Overhitting Instead of Controlling
The Mistake: New players often swing too hard, trying to win with power. This usually leads to balls flying out of bounds or into the net.
The Fix: Focus on placement and consistency. Learn soft shots like dinks and controlled drops. Remember: in pickleball, patience often wins rallies more than power.
3. Ignoring Footwork
The Mistake: Beginners tend to plant their feet or lunge awkwardly, losing balance and hitting weak shots.
The Fix: Stay light on your toes, use small adjustment steps, and practice the split step before your opponent hits. Better footwork means better positioning—and better shots.
4. Forgetting the Double-Bounce Rule
The Mistake: Beginners frequently rush to volley too soon, forgetting that each side must let the ball bounce once after the serve.
The Fix: Slow down and remind yourself of the rule: serve → bounce → return → bounce. After that, volleys are fair game.
5. Not Practicing Serves
The Mistake: Many new players jump straight into rallies without focusing on serves, leading to weak or inconsistent starts.
The Fix: Spend 5–10 minutes before games serving into each service box. A reliable serve builds confidence and puts pressure on your opponent.
6. Playing Without Proper Gear
The Mistake: Using the wrong paddle or worn-out balls makes the game harder and less enjoyable. Heavy paddles can strain your arm, while poor-quality balls bounce inconsistently.
The Fix: Invest in a beginner-friendly paddle and quality balls. The right gear makes learning easier and protects you from injury.
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Conclusion
Mistakes are part of learning, but fixing them early accelerates your progress. Stand back from the kitchen, focus on control over power, keep your footwork sharp, follow the double-bounce rule, practice your serve, and play with proper gear. These small adjustments will help you play smarter, improve faster, and enjoy the sport even more.
👉 Set yourself up for success—shop [starter paddles] and [balls] designed to boost consistency.