3 Common Mistakes Made by Beginner Pickleball Players (and Most Players 4.0 and Below)
Recently, we came across a fantastic video from PrimeTime Pickleball that explained 3 common mistakes made by beginner pickleball players.
Essentially, in the video, the instructors explain how when amateur pickleballers watch the pros, they often only see the flashy shots, tremendous volleys, and game-winning slams. Then, when the same amateur players go to her for training, they want to do those shots. However, it isn't those shots we should all be focused on. Instead, our focus needs to be on the in-between shots, fundamentals, and the pros' consistency.
Today, we're going over some mistakes that most players 4.0 and below make when watching the pros and trying to emulate their play.
Mistake #1 - Thinking Pros "Swing Hard"
One of the biggest mistakes that beginners make is that they think pros swing hard. When, in fact, they actually swing fast and loose. The reason beginners believe this is because of how fast and well the ball travels. But what's actually happening is that the pros use their mechanics to transfer the ball's energy back into the swing. Swinging hard can cause your muscles to tense up, leading to rigid swings and even injury.
Instead of trying to swing hard, focus on having a more relaxed grip and fluid motion. To do this, you should start your swing early and keep the ball in front of you. By doing this, you can use your entire body (like your hips and legs) to help you hit the ball more squarely and with more power. If you only use your arms and shoulders, you will end up overworking them and potentially cause damage in the long run.
At the end of your shot, pros finish by rolling over their wrists. This helps them put a snap on the ball and get into position for their next shot.
Mistake #2 - Thinking Pros Go For Winners
Watching a pro play, you can quickly get engrossed in the "flashy" shots that win matches. But we also want to pay attention to all the shots that lead up to that winner. Most pros don't actually try to hit winning shots. Instead, they focus on placing the ball in the best spot to compromise their opponent so that they can eventually get a better shot and score a point.
In matches, beginners tend to go for the "kill shot" too quickly. Instead of setting it up over a few volleys, they rush the opportunity and either hit the ball out of bounds or into their own net.
Remember, it only takes one bad shot to give up a point, but it takes a lot of shots to score a point. As a rule of thumb, if you can't make a specific shot successfully 9 out of 10 times in practice, you shouldn't attempt it in a match.
Mistake #3 - Thinking Pros Have Perfect Technique
On the pickleball courts, pros seem like they are always in a great position and have perfect technique. But, the truth is, there is no such thing as perfect technique. There is only your most efficient swing path and proper use of the kinetic chain relative to:
● your body position,
● the type of shot you are receiving,
● and the kind of shot you want to send.
Simply put, there is no universally perfect technique. There is only a perfect technique for you and for your situation on each shot.
Pros seem to execute flawlessly because they have trained their bodies to be very good at the fundamentals. They can then make micro-adjustments from those solid fundamentals as each new situation arises.
Which, of course, for amateur players, is great news! This means that our neverending quest to find the perfect technique can officially come to an end.
As long as you learn the fundamentals of how to take certain shots, where to position yourself throughout the match, and develop a strong strategy, any technique can be the proper technique.
The closer you look at the pros and other pickleball players, the more you will notice the nuances that make up that particular player's style. You want to develop your own style of play because it will suit your game the best.
To recap the 3 common mistakes that beginning players make:
They swing too hard.
They go for the winning shot too early.
They are too focused on hitting "perfect" shots.
The best way to combat those mistakes is to:
Swing fast and loose.
Wait as long as possible to try to score, instead focus on hitting shots that are harder for your opponent to return.
Practice the fundamentals 99% of the time, and technique will take care of itself during matches.
Do these things, and you will become more advanced, risk injury less, and overall have more fun playing pickleball!
Of course, this is just a snippet of what was discussed in the video. Check out the full PrimeTime Pickleball video here to learn how to watch pro matches, reduce your mistakes, and discover what it will take to level up your pickleball game. While you're at it, go ahead and smash that subscribe button for the hardworking folks at PrimeTime Pickleball, too.
Now get out there and practice!
