Don’t Let These 10 Costly Mistakes Hold You Back in Pickleball

Are you ready to take your game to the next level? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, it’s easy to fall into some common mistakes that can hold you back from reaching your full potential on the court.

In this blog post, I’m going to share the top 10 intermediate pickleball mistakes that you should be aware of and avoid. Trust me, these blunders will have you saying “darn it” 😩 in no time if you’re not careful!

Get ready to “pickle” your brain 🧠 with useful tips and tricks to help you “serve up” a winning game 🏆. So, without further ado, let’s get started on the countdown of the most common mistakes made by intermediate pickleball players.

Hitting to your opponent’s forehand:

Targeting your opponent’s weaker hand may seems like a good idea, but it can actually give them an advantage. Mix up your shots and hit both sides of the court to keep your opponent guessing.

Not using (or working on) your backhand:

A strong backhand is crucial in pickleball, as it allows you to hit shots that your opponent may need to be expecting. Make sure to practice your backhand so you can take advantage.

Standing in no man’s land:

Positioning is the key in pickleball, and standing in the middle of the court can leave you vulnerable to shots from either side. Pay attention to your positioning and stay near the lines to give yourself the best chance at success.

A thought just crossed my mind “Why do players stand in no man’s land? I think the main reason is that they lost their position and didn’t know how to go, so they just stayed put!”

Not being in sync with your partner:

Pickleball is a team sport, and it’s important to communicate and work together with your partner. Let your partner know where you are on the court or what shot you plan to hit.

Lack of pattern recognition:

Looking to your opponent’s shot patterns and anticipating their next move can give you a huge advantage on the court. If you focus on your opponent’s body language and previous shot patterns you can easily predict their next move.

Why did the pickleball player struggle to hit the shots accurately? Because she/he was too busy making a pickle in the kitchen!😁😆

Body dinking:

A body dinking mistake in pickleball is when a player hits the ball with their body rather than their paddle. This can happen if the player misjudges the trajectory of the ball or is not focusing. To avoid body dinking mistakes, it is important for players to focus on the ball, stay alert and aware of their surroundings, use good footwork techniques, and remember to always use their paddle to hit the ball.

Playing too tight:

While it’s important to keep the ball in play, playing too close to the net can leave you at risk to shots from your opponent. So, mix up your shots and play at different depths to keep your opponent on their toes.

No changing up the serve:

If you always serve the same way, your opponent will quickly catch on and be able to predict your next move. Mix up your serve and use a variety of strategies to keep your opponent guessing.

By being aware of and avoiding these common intermediate pickleball mistakes, you can become a better player and take your game to the next level. So don’t let these blunders hold you back, and get out on the court and start improving your game today!

FAQs

What is an intermediate-level pickleball player?

An intermediate-level pickleball player is someone who has a solid understanding of the game and has developed basic skills such as serve, forehand, and backhand strokes. Intermediate players are able to play a consistent game and use strategies such as drinking, lobbing, and placing shots.

What is the difference between a 3.5 and 4.0 pickleball player?

In pickleball, players are ranked on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0, with 5.0 being the highest level. A 3.5 player is considered intermediate and has a good understanding of the game and solid technical skills. A 4.0 player is more advanced and has a higher level of skill and strategy.

How many levels are in pickleball?

There are five levels in pickleball, with 1.0 being the lowest and 5.0 being the highest. Players can progress through the levels by improving their skills and gaining experience in the game.

How do you know what rank you are in pickleball?

To determine your rank in pickleball, you can participate in a rating event or ask a local pickleball organization or club for guidance. Some organizations may also offer self-rating guidelines to help players determine their level.

3 Top Pickleball Tips For Intermediate Players

Work on developing a strong serve:

A strong serve is the main component of a successful pickleball game. Practice your serve consistently to improve your accuracy and power.

Vary your shots:

Mixing up your shots and using a variety of strokes will keep your opponent guessing and make it harder for them to defend.

Pay attention to your positioning:

Proper positioning on the court is important in pickleball. So, make sure to position yourself correctly and move around the court efficiently to give yourself the best chance at success.