Common Beginner Mistakes in Pickleball (and How to Fix Them)

django unchained
Sep 11
2 min read

Pickleball is simple to learn, but many new players fall into the same traps. Knowing the most common beginner mistakes in pickleball will help you improve faster, enjoy the game more, and avoid frustration.

Mistake 1: Standing Too Close to the Kitchen

New players often crowd the net and accidentally step into the no-volley zone.Fix: Stay just behind the line, and remember — volleys can’t be hit inside the kitchen.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Double Bounce Rule

The first serve and return must both bounce before volleys are allowed. Beginners often rush and volley too soon.Fix: Count the first two bounces every rally until it becomes habit.

Mistake 3: Serving Out of Bounds

Serves must travel diagonally and land inside the opposite court. Many beginners swing too hard or aim poorly.Fix: Focus on control, not power. A consistent soft serve wins more points than a risky hard one.

Mistake 4: Overhitting Every Shot

Pickleball rewards placement, not brute force. Smashing the ball often sends it out of play.Fix: Aim for smart placement — drop shots, dinks, and controlled drives keep rallies alive.

Mistake 5: Poor Footwork

Flat-footed players struggle to react quickly.Fix: Stay light on your toes and practice small side steps to cover the court.

Why Fixing Beginner Mistakes in pickleball Matters

Builds confidence quickly.
Keeps rallies fun and competitive.
Helps you blend easily into community games across India.

Quick Recap

To improve quickly, avoid:

Crowding the kitchen.
Ignoring the double bounce rule.
Serving out of bounds.
Overhitting shots.
Standing flat-footed.

Correcting these beginner mistakes in pickleball makes you a stronger player from your very first games.