7 Common Pickleball Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Fix Them)

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and for good reason — it’s fun, social, and easy to pick up. But easy to learn doesn’t mean there aren’t common traps beginners fall into.

1. Standing Too Far from the Kitchen Line

The non-volley zone (kitchen) line is where points are won. Get there quickly and stay there. Most beginners hang back at mid-court, which leaves them vulnerable to drops and dinks.

2. Using Too Much Power

Pickleball rewards placement over power. Focus on dinking — soft shots into the kitchen — rather than trying to smash every ball. Patience wins more points than aggression.

3. Ignoring the Third Shot Drop

After the serve and return, the serving team’s third shot should ideally be a soft drop into the kitchen. This neutralizes the receiving team’s advantage at the net.

4. Not Moving as a Team

In doubles, move together like you’re connected by a rope. If your partner moves left, you move left. This eliminates gaps that opponents will exploit.

5. Hitting to the Power Player

Always target the weaker player in doubles. It’s not mean — it’s strategy. The best teams in the world do this consistently.

6. Skipping the Warm-Up

Pickleball involves quick lateral movements. A proper warm-up prevents injuries, especially for older players. Spend 5–10 minutes warming up before every session.

7. Not Taking Lessons

A few hours of professional instruction will advance your game faster than months of self-teaching. Our beginner clinics at LevelUP run weekly and cover all the fundamentals.

Ready to fix these mistakes on the court? Check our pickleball program for open play times and beginner clinics, or try a free session to experience our dedicated indoor courts.