4 Pickleball Errors Costing You Games and How to Fix Them

Perhaps the biggest problem that pickleball players have to cause them to make too many errors is that they are pressing when they don’t need to. In this article, we’re discussing a recent video by In2Pickle. In particular, we’re going to highlight some of the errors that happen when you press too much during a pickleball match and how you can fix those errors so that you can have better matches and win more games. 

Let’s get started.

Error #1 - Over hitting attack shots

The first error when pressing too much (trying too hard) is that players tend to over hit attack shots. Basically, when a ball comes your way, and it’s clear that you could score with the shot, too many players hit the ball too hard, trying to ram it down their opponent’s gullet. This can cause you to hit the ball out of bounds and cost yourself an easy put-away. 

If the ball is in a position for you to score, allow yourself to slow down and take the smart shot instead of slamming your paddle into it.

Error #2 - Hitting too low over the net

The next error is that too many players hit too low compared to the net. They try to barely cross it because they think they have a better chance of scoring, or they’re afraid their opponent will slam it back in their face. You want to aim your shots consistently several inches over the net. This is especially true when dinking or in a rally. 

A dink shot doesn’t have to barely cross the net for it to be effective. You can lift the ball safely over the net and still hit a great dink shot by landing it just inside your opponent’s kitchen. However, when you’re pressing, it’s easy to lift that dink too high, allowing your opponent an attempt at a put-away.

Error #3 - Attacking when no attack exists

Error number three is attacking at the wrong time or when the attack really doesn’t exist. For example, you think there’s a hole in the middle, and you go for it. But many times, that’s a phantom hole. Instead of forcing an attack, it’s better to wait for the right moment that’s clear. It’s going to come. But, oftentimes, it’s the team with the most patience and whose members aren’t pressing that finds more of those moments.

Error #4 - Attacking under duress

No one likes to feel under pressure or under duress. For example, if the other team has rushed up to the NVZ, and you’re alone, or you haven’t made your way up there yet, that’s a high-pressure situation that could cause you to press too much. When pressing in this situation, you are more likely to hit a dink too far and pop up the ball, giving your opponent an easy slam. 

Instead, you should try thinking more defensively in these situations. Instead of thinking about scoring, think about what shots you can perform that will help you either get out of this situation or allow your partner to catch up to where you are. A nice little dink in a corner is a great way to slow down the match and reset your feet.

How to Stop Pressing

Experience is the best way to get more comfortable in uncomfortable situations. When we’re trying too hard, it’s easy to over hit or mishit a ball. You may think that calm and collected players have some great gifts that others don’t. But the truth is that these players have put themselves in these situations repeatedly. They want to be in these situations because they know that they have an edge.

Pressing can happen to anyone, however. You may not even realize you’re doing it. One way to recognize if you are pressing is if you find yourself missing shots that you normally make. Instead of thinking something is wrong with you, or you’re just having a bad day, consider that you might be trying too hard or forcing too many attack shots. 

Take a few deep breaths between serves and remind yourself to stay within your game. 

Play to the rhythm of the rally

It may sound silly, but every rally has a rhythm or a natural cadence to it. Perhaps it’s a lot of soft dinks in a row, or it’s a few dinks followed by some quick scoring attempts. Whatever it is, you should try to play to that rhythm. When you step outside of it, is when mistakes are bound to happen. 

Learn from your mistakes

There’s something to be said about being able to identify not only the mistake you made but why you may have made that mistake. Perhaps it was your footwork or positioning. Maybe you were expecting another shot. Or maybe you’re pressing just a bit too much. Whatever the reason, learn from them. As you recount your rallies and matches, whether it’s between points or after the game is over, consider why some things worked and others didn’t. Try to recall where you were on the court and what you were thinking at the time. Were your emotions high?

As you do this, you’ll find yourself getting better and better at recognizing these mistakes (and their reasons) while you’re actually playing the match itself. Once you recognize them, you can make in-game adjustments and win more matches.

To see more of these tips, visit In2Pickle on YouTube and check out this video.

For more information about pickleball news, tips, and strategies, keep up with our blog at Pickleball University.