Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Every new player makes mistakes — but the good news is most are easy to fix.
If you’re just starting out, knowing what not to do is just as valuable as learning what to do. Here are the most common beginner pitfalls and how to correct them.
- Mistake #1: Charging the Kitchen Too Soon
- Fix: Respect the double-bounce rule before moving forward.
- Mistake #2: Standing Flat-Footed
- Fix: Stay light on your toes, ready to move laterally.
- Mistake #3: Smashing Every Ball
- Fix: Mix in soft shots — dinks win games, not just power.
- Mistake #4: Serving Into the Net
- Fix: Focus on consistency first, power later.
- Mistake #5: Forgetting to Communicate
- Fix: Call “mine” or “yours” to avoid confusion in doubles.
- Mistake #6: Camping in No-Man’s Land
- Fix: Don’t linger midcourt — either stay back or commit to the kitchen line.
- Mistake #7: Ignoring Foot Faults
- Fix: Practice serving without stepping on or past the baseline.
Pickleball has a quick learning curve, but avoiding these rookie mistakes will make you look like a seasoned player in no time.
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