Common Mistakes in Pickleball

Pickleball is deceptively simple, which is precisely why newcomers often stumble into a host of preventable errors. Having played and coached pickleball for several years, I’ve watched beginners transform their game by just tweaking a few missteps. Here, I’ll dive deep into the five common blunders that keep new players from excelling in this fast-growing sport.


Learn about common mistakes in pickleball

  • Using the correct grip is essential
  • Moving your feet is crucial
  • Utilizing dink shots and third shots is important

1. Not Using the Right Grip

The grip is your fundamental connection to the pickleball paddle, and getting it wrong can set the stage for a cascade of issues. Many beginners grip the paddle too tightly, as if they’re holding a hammer, which restricts wrist movement and flexibility. This “death grip” leads to less control and power in your shots, a mistake I once made during my early days on the court.

The ideal grip for pickleball is more relaxed and should resemble holding a tube of toothpaste without squeezing out the contents. This allows for better wrist action, which is crucial for both power and control. A lighter continental grip, where your hand is more on top of the handle rather than around it, can also enhance your ability to perform a variety of shots.

Insider Tip: To find your natural grip, hold your paddle at your side and then bring it up to play without adjusting your hand position. This is likely where your grip feels most comfortable and effective.

Example of proper and improper pickleball grips

For a deeper understanding of how grip affects your play, check out Coach Sarah Ansboury’s guide on pickleball grips.


2. Not Moving Your Feet

Footwork in pickleball is about more than just staying active; it’s about positioning yourself to make effective shots with less effort. A common mistake is planting your feet, which not only makes you a static target but also limits your reach and balance. During one of my first tournaments, I lost a match primarily because I wasn’t moving my feet enough to properly position myself for shots.

Effective footwork involves small, quick steps that keep you balanced and ready to move in any direction. Practicing drills that focus on lateral movements, quick forward dashes, and even backward retreats can significantly improve your game.

Insider Tip: Use the “split step”—a small hop as your opponent hits the ball—to ready yourself for the next move. This keeps your muscles engaged and prepared to spring into action.

Illustration of effective pickleball footwork

For more on improving your footwork, consider the insights from PrimeTime Pickleball’s footwork fundamentals.


3. Not Using the Dink Shot

The dink shot is a soft, controlled hit that arcs over the net into the opponent’s non-volley zone, or kitchen. It’s a strategic shot designed to pull players out of position, yet many beginners overlook its value, favoring more aggressive, powerful shots instead. Early in my playing days, neglecting the dink shot was my downfall, as it led to predictable, easy-to-return plays.

Mastering the dink requires patience and practice. It’s not about power; it’s about placement and finesse. The goal is to make the ball land close to the net in your opponent’s kitchen, forcing them to hit upward and giving you a better chance to attack their return.

Insider Tip: Practice your dinks with a variety of paddles to find one that gives you the best blend of control and soft touch.

Example of executing a perfect dink shot in pickleball

Learn more about the strategy behind the dink shot from Pickleball Kitchen’s dink shot tutorial.


4. Not Using the Third Shot

The third shot is a critical element in pickleball strategy, serving as the transition from the return of serve to gaining the offensive position at the net. Many beginners either aren’t aware of its strategic importance or fail to execute it effectively. I remember struggling to understand why my aggressive drives weren’t winning points until a coach pointed out the subtlety of the third shot.

The third shot can be a drive, drop, or even another dink, but its purpose is to move you and your partner safely to the net. The most effective third shots are those that either keep your opponents back or force them to hit upward, setting you up for a winning volley.

Insure Tip: Experiment with both third shot drops and drives in practice games to understand how they affect your approach to the net under different conditions.

Demonstration of third shot choices in pickleball

For expert advice on mastering the third shot, check out Pickleball Channel’s guide to the third shot.


Real-Life Example: Overcoming Mistakes on the Court

Maria’s Experience with the Third Shot

During a friendly pickleball match, Maria found herself struggling with her game. She realized that she wasn’t utilizing the third shot effectively, often hitting it too hard and missing her target. After losing several points, Maria decided to focus on improving her third shot technique.

By practicing with a partner and receiving feedback, Maria learned to control the power and placement of her third shot. She discovered that a softer touch and better placement near the kitchen line allowed her to approach the net confidently, putting pressure on her opponents.

Through dedication and practice, Maria overcame her initial struggles with the third shot, turning it into a strategic advantage in her pickleball matches. Her improved technique not only elevated her game but also boosted her confidence on the court.

5. Not Playing at the Non-Volley Zone Line

The non-volley zone, or the kitchen line, is often where games are won or lost in pickleball. Newbies frequently hang back, playing too far from this line, which unnecessarily opens up angles for their opponents. In my first few games, I was timid about stepping up to the line, which made me an easy target for seasoned players.

Playing just behind the non-volley zone line allows you to cover the court more effectively and challenge your opponents’ shots early. This positioning also puts pressure on your opponents, reducing their available angles and forcing them into more difficult shots.

Insider Tip: During practice, place a cone or marker just behind the line to train yourself to stay close to this strategic position.

Positioning at the non-volley zone line in pickleball

Discover more about positioning and its advantages at the non-volley zone with PicklePong Deb’s strategic positioning tips.


In conclusion, while the simplicity of pickleball is inviting, mastering the nuances can turn you from a casual player into a competitive force. By correcting these five common mistakes, you’ll not only enhance your enjoyment of the game but also your effectiveness on the court. Remember, every player starts somewhere, and every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. Whether you’re a weekend enthusiast or an aspiring pro, fine-tuning these aspects of your game will provide a solid foundation for your pickleball journey.

Q & A

Q: Who typically makes these common mistakes when starting out in pickleball?

A: New pickleball players are prone to making these common mistakes.

Q: What are the top 5 mistakes new pickleball players often make?

A: The top 5 mistakes include gripping the paddle too tightly and not moving their feet enough.

Q: How can new pickleball players avoid making these common mistakes?

A: New pickleball players can avoid these mistakes by practicing proper technique and seeking guidance from experienced players.

Q: What if I don’t have anyone to play pickleball with to improve?

A: Consider joining a local pickleball club or taking lessons to improve your skills.

Q: How important is it to correct these mistakes early on in pickleball?

A: Correcting these mistakes early on is crucial to developing good habits and improving your overall game in pickleball.

Q: What if I find it difficult to break these bad habits in pickleball?

A: Stay patient and keep practicing. Consider filming your gameplay to identify areas of improvement.

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