Prefer to watch the video on this topic instead of reading it? Here’s the link to the YouTube video version.

Welcome to the delightful world of pickleball! If you're new to the sport, there may be a few moves holding you back from leveling up your pickleball game.

So today, you'll learn about the five most common rookie mistakes so you can stop making them and start leveling up!

Let's jump in.

1. Serve and Step In: The "Oops, I Did It Again" Move

One of the first mistakes beginners make is serving and immediately rushing in.

Remember, it's an official rule that if you're serving, you have to let the ball bounce on the court before hitting the third shot of the rally. So it's important not to rush in instantly after serving.

Not only do you risk getting tangled up, backpedaling, and ultimately popping the ball in the air, but you'll also earn a side-eye from your teammate. Patience is a virtue, and letting that ball hit the court on the second shot is a rule you don't want to forget.

So instead of serving and stepping in, try serving and staying put until the opponent hits the return your way!

2. The “I Will Only Hit a 3rd Shot Drive” Person: Add in the Drop Shot

Ah, the third shot drive—the unicorn of pickleball shots. Most beginners haven't tamed this mythical creature yet, so why not add a friendlier option to your repertoire?

**Drop shot enters the chat.

A drop shot is a softer shot you'll want to land in the kitchen area. This sneaky move will buy you time to move toward the kitchen line and get to the most advantageous part of the court—the kitchen line. Trust me, your opponents won't know what hit 'em! (More on this later!)

3. Crazy at the Kitchen Line: The Dance of Chaos

Picture this: you're at the kitchen line, wobbling like a newborn. Chaos ensues, and your shots resemble a confused squirrel on a caffeine rush. Let's avoid that, shall we?

Plant those feet firmly and maintain your balance. Now, if the ball is airborne, it's a good idea to take it out of the air! But when you do have to move, consider these two footwork techniques:

1. Side-step (left image): Stay down in a stance and take a side step to get the ball. 
2. Drop-step (right image): Occasionally, your opponent will hit a ball to you that pushes you back slightly. Don't panic. That's fine. Be okay with taking a drop step to hit the ball.  

4. The Temptation of Titanic Swings: When Overkill Strikes

Trust me… I understand the temptation of taking huge swings that make you feel like a pickleball powerhouse. But alas, reality hits hard as the ball off the paddle becomes a friendly neighbor to the net or the back wall. Unless you're channeling your inner Superman and the ball is soaring above your head, hold back those wild swings.

Shots headed at forehead height or lower? Think more "gentle punch" than "full-on rage mode." Your partner will thank you, and your paddle will stop its love affair with the net.

(Example of the Punch Shot)

5. Being Close-Minded: Unlocking the Levels of Pickleball Wizardry

Lastly, this beautiful game of pickleball can be as simple or as complex as you make it. Think of it like a video game. On the first level, you're just learning the basics, and by the 104th level, your experience is through the roof, and you know the best techniques for overcoming almost every challenge you come across.

All this to say, you're just beginning, so there's a lot to learn! Stay open-minded and ready to soak up new tricks. Don't be afraid to ask questions and learn from others—especially when you're out at the local park with players who are better than you!

6. Bonus! Low Paddle Positioning: The Reaction Time Killer

Keeping your paddle too low (like beside your waist) is an overlooked mistake that many people make. This is a losing position because if a ball is aimed at your face, you will have to think quickly and cover more distance to bring your paddle from your waist to your face.

I recommend adopting a stance where your paddle is held higher, like this:

It's important to be in an active stance that keeps you light on your feet. Now you're more prepared to handle those faster, upper-body shots with a short, compact punch back at the ball when it's hit at you!

Time to Toss Those Rookie Habits

Congratulations! By steering clear of these five (and a bonus) beginner slip-ups, you're well on your way to pickleball glory.

And you know what'll be the fastest way to overcome these?

P-P-P-Practice! But let's do something different this time. Instead of trying to cram all six of these mistakes into one session, try writing down one or two of the mistakes you think you have the most trouble with and stay laser-focused on those.

So hit the court and remember to do what we talked about above!

In closing, remember when I was talking about the third drop shot earlier? I actually have a quick video talking more about what to do when your partner is the one hitting the third shot drop.

Most beginners get this wrong!  👇

Click here If you want an extra leg up in future matches or against your friends!