3 Common Pickleball Tips That Are NOT True
As more people take on the fastest-growing sport in America, they are bound to hear some advice from coaches and other players on how to play better. Unfortunately, not all advice is good advice.
Today, we’re discussing three of the most common pickleball tips that we regularly hear that simply are not true. See if you’ve heard any of these before.
Bogus Tip 1:
You can’t step into the non-volley zone until the ball has bounced
The non-volley zone (NVZ) causes more confusion than anywhere else on the court. And perhaps the most common pickleball tip that’s not true is that you aren’t allowed to step into the NVZ (or the kitchen) until after the ball has bounced.
The truth is you can step into the NVZ, you just can’t volley the ball (meaning hit it before it bounces) while any part of your body is touching inside the NVZ. It’s perhaps a subtle difference in terminology (which probably explains the confusion), but it’s an important difference.
The actual rule states:
9.E. - A play may enter the non-volley zone at any time except when that player is volleying the ball. USA Pickleball Rulebook
This means that there is no determinant instance or amount of time that you’re allowed or not allowed to stand inside the NVZ–as long as you don’t volley the ball. Strategically, it’s not a great idea to spend much time in the zone because your opponent can simply hit a ball at you that you have to volley or let go past you. But, from a strictly rules standpoint, you can stand inside the NVZ all you want.
How can this misconception or bogus tip hurt you? If you’re playing against someone who can dink the ball well (meaning they can land the ball just inside your NVZ), then you may hesitate to react because you’re so worried about stepping into the NVZ. Instead, when you notice the ball will be difficult to reach, you want to step into the NVZ early to give yourself time and make a good shot. Then you can just step back out of the NVZ as you prepare for the next volley.
Hesitating in any sport, especially in pickleball, is a good way to play poorly.
See more rules about the NVZ here.
Bogus Tip 2:
Run to the non-volley zone as fast as you can
To be fair, this tip is about 50% true. This is because it’s true on one side but not true on the other side. For example, if you have a partner and you are on the return side (meaning the other side is serving), you have to let the ball bounce before returning the serve. After you hit the return, you’ll want to advance quickly to the non-volley zone.
Now let’s visualize being the team that’s serving. Your team serves the ball and the ball gets returned. By rule, you have to let the ball bounce, which means your team is likely still back at the baseline. After hitting the third shot, if you or your partner were to run up to the NVZ immediately, you could put yourself in a position to get slammed by your opponent.
This is why the third shot is considered so important in pickleball.
When should you run up to the NVZ? It depends on which side of the ball you’re on or the type of third shot you or your partner made. If it’s a good third shot drop, then your opponents shouldn’t be able to slam the ball at you, and you’ll want to get to the NVZ quickly. If it’s a drive or a bad third shot drop, then you’ll want to wait back and see what your opponent does.
Bogus Tip 3:
Run around a weak backhand
The final common pickleball tip that is not true is that you should avoid your weak backhand by running around and hitting with a forehand. Typically, we all have weaker areas. For some, it’s the forehand, but for most, it’s the backhand. One way to get around your weakness is to avoid it. But, this is bad advice.
And it’s bad for a variety of reasons.
One reason that it’s bad is that when you run around the shot, you’re actually pulling yourself out of position for the shot. Being out of position forces you to make an awkward stroke on the ball, likely ending up in a bad shot or mishit.
The next reason it’s bad is that you’ll eventually need to know how to use a backhand during a match. You simply don’t have time to always run around the ball. You might as well work on your weaknesses now so that you can get stronger at them in the future. Don’t avoid your weaknesses; instead, focus on getting better at them.
Conclusion
Fortunately, videos like this one from Better Pickleball are great resources to help you improve your game. Our blog also has a lot of articles and resources to make pickleball more fun and make you more competitive. After all, no one wants to keep playing something they’re bad at. Next time you’re on the court and hear someone offering one of these bad tips, simply nod your head and show them you know better. Good luck!
