The Top 5 Common Mistakes Pickleball Players Make (And How to Fix Them) ❌

Pickleball might be one of the easiest sports to pick up, but mastering it? That’s a whole different game. Even seasoned players fall into common traps that can cost them points—and let’s face it, their dignity. 😅 But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Here are the top 5 mistakes pickleball players make and, more importantly, how to fix them. Let’s level up that game! 🚀

1. Standing Too Close to the Baseline During Serves 🧍‍♂️

The Mistake: A lot of players stand right on the baseline when serving. This puts you in a tight spot, especially if you need to step into your serve or handle a quick return.

The Fix: Give yourself some breathing room! Step back a foot or two from the baseline before serving. This not only allows you to put more power into your serve but also gives you more time to react to the return. Bonus: You’ll feel less rushed, and your serve will be more accurate. 🎯

2. Hitting Every Ball Hard 💥

The Mistake: Smash, slam, banger—sound familiar? Some players think every shot needs to be a highlight reel-worthy slam. But in pickleball, finesse often beats power.

The Fix: Learn when to slow things down. Instead of trying to hit winners with every shot, focus on controlled dinks and well-placed volleys. A perfectly executed soft shot can force your opponent to pop the ball up, giving you an easy putaway. Soft hands = big wins. 🙌

3. Not Getting to the Kitchen Line 🚶‍♂️➡️🏐

The Mistake: Hanging out in “no-man’s land” (aka the space between the baseline and the kitchen) is a recipe for disaster. You’re too far to dink effectively and too close to return deep shots.

The Fix: After serving or returning, make it your mission to get to the kitchen line ASAP. This is where the magic happens! Once you’re there, you’ll have the advantage in most rallies, especially during dinking battles. Stay low, stay balanced, and own that kitchen line. 🏆

4. Poor Court Communication 🗣️

The Mistake: In doubles, miscommunication leads to confusion—and dropped points. Whether it’s two players going for the same ball or both assuming the other will get it, it’s chaos.

The Fix: Talk to your partner. Simple phrases like “mine,” “yours,” or “switch” can save the day. Before the game, discuss strategies, like who covers lobs or how to rotate positions. And remember, pickleball is a team sport—don’t be afraid to encourage your partner too! 🥰

5. Ignoring Footwork 🦶

The Mistake: Many players rely too much on their arm and paddle while neglecting their feet. Poor footwork leads to rushed shots, missed opportunities, and awkward positioning.

The Fix: Stay light on your feet! Keep your knees slightly bent and be ready to shuffle into position. Instead of lunging for the ball, use quick, small steps to set yourself up. Good footwork ensures you’re balanced and in control for every shot. Think “float like a butterfly, dink like a pro.” 🐝✨

Bonus Tip: Mistakes Are Part of the Game 💡

Even the best players mess up—it’s how you learn and improve. At Bloomington Pickleball Warehouse, we see mistakes as opportunities to grow. Whether you’re working on that kitchen game, perfecting your serve, or finally learning to stop bashing every ball, we’ve got the space, the coaching, and the community to help you. ❤️

So, what’s your next move? Hit the court, try out these fixes, and watch your game reach new heights. And remember, when you play at Bloomington Pickleball Warehouse, there’s no such thing as a bad game—just another chance to get better. 🎉