Whether you’re here because a friend dragged you to the court or you stumbled upon a game and thought, “Hey, that looks fun!”—congratulations, you’re here and that’s the hardest part. But before you start imagining yourself as the Serena Williams of pickleball, let’s talk about some common mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them. After all, we want you to look like a pro from day one (or at least avoid tripping over your own feet).

1. The Overzealous Serve

The Mistake:

You’re pumped up, adrenaline’s rushing, and you’re ready to launch that ball across the net with the power of a thousand suns. But wait! You forget that pickleball serves are underhand. Oops!

How to Avoid It:

Remember, a pickleball serve must be underhand, and the paddle must make contact with the ball below your waist. Think of it as a gentle nudge rather than a full-on tennis serve. Practice makes perfect, so spend some time getting the feel of an underhand serve. And if all else fails, imagine you’re trying to gently coax a cat out of a tree—softly and with care.

2. The Kitchen Catastrophe

The Mistake:

You’re dominating the net, feeling invincible, when suddenly, you step into the kitchen (the non-volley zone) and volley the ball. Your opponents cheer as you look around, bewildered by what just happened.

How to Avoid It:

The kitchen is a 7-foot zone on either side of the net where volleys (hitting the ball before it bounces) are forbidden. This rule prevents unfair advantages and keeps the game dynamic. To avoid the dreaded kitchen fault, practice positioning yourself just outside the zone. If you find yourself drifting in, remember: it’s okay to step into the kitchen, but only to hit a ball that has bounced first.

3. The Footwork Fumble

The Mistake:

You’re running around the court like a headless chicken, constantly out of position and tripping over your own feet.

How to Avoid It:

Good footwork is the foundation of great pickleball play. Practice shuffling side to side and moving forward and backward smoothly. Keep your knees slightly bent and stay on the balls of your feet for quick movements. Imagine you’re dancing—light, nimble, and always in rhythm with the game. And remember, practice those dance moves (aka footwork drills) regularly!

4. The Paddle Panic

The Mistake:

You’re gripping your paddle like it’s the last slice of pizza at a party, and every shot you take feels awkward and uncontrolled.

How to Avoid It:

Relax! A relaxed grip allows for better control and more fluid movements. Hold your paddle with a firm yet gentle grip—think of it like holding a baby bird. Too tight, and you’ll crush it; too loose, and it’ll fly away. Practice hitting balls with different grips to find what’s comfortable and effective for you.

5. The Overhead Overkill

The Mistake:

You see the ball coming high over the net, and you wind up for a smash that sends the ball sailing out of bounds, over the fence, and into the parking lot.

How to Avoid It:

While it’s tempting to smash every high ball with all your might, precision is more important than power. Focus on controlling your overhead shots, aiming for an empty space on your opponent’s side of the court. Practice makes perfect—work on your overheads regularly, and soon you’ll be placing them with pinpoint accuracy.

6. The Dink Dilemma

The Mistake:

You’ve heard that dinking (a soft shot that lands just over the net) is crucial, but every time you try, the ball either falls into the net or pops up for an easy smash by your opponent.

How to Avoid It:

Dinking requires finesse and control. Start by practicing your dinks with a partner, focusing on gentle, controlled shots that barely clear the net. Keep your paddle face open and use a soft, upward motion. Over time, you’ll develop the touch needed to execute perfect dinks and keep your opponents guessing.

7. The Communication Crash

The Mistake:

You and your doubles partner are constantly colliding, missing shots, and arguing over who should have hit the ball.

How to Avoid It:

Communication is key in doubles play. Develop a system of calling shots (like “mine” or “yours”) and stick to it. Practice moving in sync with your partner, covering the court effectively without stepping on each other’s toes. Remember, pickleball is a team effort, so work together and support each other.

8. The Etiquette Errors

The Mistake:

You’re so focused on the game that you forget about pickleball etiquette—hogging the court, making snide comments, or ignoring the traditional paddle tap after the match.

How to Avoid It:

Pickleball is as much about sportsmanship as it is about skill. Be courteous and respectful to your opponents, whether you win or lose. Always tap paddles at the end of a match as a sign of good sportsmanship. And remember, it’s just a game—have fun, be friendly, and enjoy the experience.

9. The Training Tumble

The Mistake:

You’re practicing endlessly but focusing only on your strengths and ignoring your weaknesses.

How to Avoid It:

A well-rounded pickleball player practices all aspects of the game. Identify your weaknesses and work on them diligently. Whether it’s serving, dinking, or footwork, dedicated practice will lead to improvement. Mix up your drills to keep things interesting and ensure you’re covering all areas of your game.

10. The Fun Fizzle

The Mistake:

You’re so focused on winning that you forget to have fun, and the joy of playing pickleball starts to fizzle out.

How to Avoid It:

Pickleball is meant to be enjoyable! Keep the competitive spirit alive, but don’t forget to laugh, smile, and enjoy the game. Play with different people, join social events, and remember why you started playing in the first place. The more fun you have, the better you’ll play.

Embrace the Journey!

Every pickleball player, from novice to pro, makes mistakes. It’s part of the learning process. Embrace the journey, learn from your errors, and keep improving. With a bit of practice, patience, and a good sense of humor, you’ll be dominating the court in no time!