Photosource: Freepik
Pickleball is a fast-paced and fun sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, everyone faces challenges as they improve their skills. In Asia, where the sport is rapidly growing, players from countries like Singapore, Japan, South Korea, and India are embracing pickleball with enthusiasm. However, with the growth of the sport comes the risk of developing bad habits and making common mistakes that can hinder your progress.
To help you level up your game and avoid the pitfalls that many players face, we've identified some of the most frequent mistakes in pickleball and provided practical strategies for overcoming them. Whether you're playing outdoors in the tropical climates of Southeast Asia or indoors in a more temperate region, these tips will ensure that you play smarter and perform better on the court.
🥏 For more tips and resources, check out pickleball in Asia.
1. Poor Footwork and Court Positioning
Mistake: Many players, especially beginners, fail to position themselves correctly on the court. Bad footwork leads to poor shot execution and leaves you vulnerable to your opponent's attacks. Common mistakes include standing too flat-footed, not adjusting your body to the ball, or failing to move quickly enough to get in position.
Solution:
- Stay on the balls of your feet: This allows for quicker reactions and better balance. Avoid being flat-footed, as this will slow down your movement.
- Use a ready stance: Keep your paddle up and your body slightly bent with your knees flexed. This position allows you to move swiftly in any direction.
- Work on lateral movement: In pickleball, you’ll often need to move side-to-side. Practice sliding and pivoting on the balls of your feet to maintain a low, balanced position.
- Engage in court awareness drills: Set up a practice routine that involves shadowing your opponent’s movements or running short sprints to different spots on the court, mimicking game situations.
In Asia, where many outdoor courts are in hot and humid climates, it’s especially important to develop good footwork to conserve energy while still covering the court effectively.
2. Failing to Use the Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen) Correctly
Mistake: One of the most common mistakes is not understanding or properly executing plays in the non-volley zone, often referred to as the "kitchen." Many players make the error of entering the kitchen too early, or hitting volleys while standing in the kitchen, which is a violation.
Solution:
- Keep your feet outside the kitchen when hitting a volley. Remember, you can only step into the kitchen after the ball has bounced.
- Use the kitchen to your advantage: When in the kitchen, focus on soft, controlled shots like dinks (low, soft shots), which are critical in pickleball strategy. Dinking forces your opponent into mistakes and opens up opportunities for aggressive shots once the ball is lifted.
- Practice your dinks: Develop your dinking skills by practicing with a partner to get a feel for how to control the ball just over the net. This is especially important in high-level matches where the kitchen becomes a focal point of the game.
Photo by Anh Lee: Pexels
3. Overhitting or Playing Too Aggressively
Mistake: Newer players often try to hit every ball with too much power or aggression, even when a controlled shot would be more effective. Overhitting can lead to errors, such as hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net.
Solution:
- Focus on control over power: Instead of always trying to smash the ball, focus on placement and consistency. Make your opponent move around the court and wait for an opportunity to hit a winner.
- Master the soft game: Soft shots like dinks and drops are crucial for setting up your opponent for a powerful shot. These shots can break the rhythm of aggressive players and force errors.
- Know when to play aggressively: Timing is key. Instead of hitting aggressively every time, wait for the right moment when your opponent’s return is weak or when you have a clear angle for a winner.
In places like Thailand and Malaysia, where players tend to enjoy fast-paced outdoor games, it's easy to get caught up in hitting too hard. But patience and strategic shot placement will lead to more success.
4. Inconsistent or Incorrect Grip
Mistake: The grip on your paddle plays a significant role in the quality of your shots. Using an improper grip can lead to poor control, lack of power, or even wrist injury. A common mistake is using the same grip for all shots, which limits your ability to execute different types of shots.
Solution:
- Learn the Continental Grip: This grip is one of the most commonly used in pickleball and works for most types of shots. It's ideal for both forehand and backhand shots and is especially useful for volleys and serves.
- Try the Eastern Grip for backhands: The Eastern grip allows for better spin and control, especially when playing backhand shots.
- Switch grips for different shots: For example, use a firmer grip for power shots like smashes, but soften your grip for dinks and soft shots to maintain control.
If you're playing in countries like South Korea or Japan, where pickleball is relatively new, many players may not yet understand the importance of adjusting their grip. Take the time to experiment with different grips to see what feels most comfortable and effective for you.
5. Lack of Communication in Doubles Play
Mistake: In doubles, lack of communication between partners can lead to confusion and missed opportunities. Many players fail to call shots, and as a result, both players may attempt to hit the same ball or both miss it entirely.
Solution:
- Establish clear communication: Before the game starts, agree on call signals such as "mine" or "yours" for shots. Make sure to communicate throughout the game, especially when one partner is at the net and the other at the baseline.
- Develop a sense of timing: Understand when your partner will take a shot and when it’s your turn. Avoid crowding each other, and make sure you have your assigned area of the court.
- Practice with your partner: Spend time practicing together to develop better chemistry and an intuitive understanding of each other’s movements and decisions.
In India and China, where doubles play is quite popular, improving communication can make a huge difference, as it ensures both players can work in sync and play a more cohesive match.
6. Neglecting to Stay Mentally Focused
Mistake: Pickleball is a mentally demanding sport, and players often make the mistake of losing focus, especially after a long rally or a tough point. Getting distracted can result in mistakes or unforced errors.
Solution:
- Stay mentally sharp: Focus on each point as it comes, rather than dwelling on past mistakes or thinking about the future. Take a deep breath between points to reset and refocus.
- Visualize your shots: Before serving or returning a ball, take a moment to visualize where you want the ball to go. Having a mental plan will help you stay calm and execute your shots more effectively.
- Play with purpose: Set small, achievable goals for each game. For example, aim for consistency in your dinks or try to improve your first serve accuracy.
In highly competitive regions like Singapore, where pickleball has a large following, mental preparation and focus can be the difference between victory and defeat, especially in tournament play.
7. Not Adapting to Different Court Conditions
Mistake: Many players, especially those new to the sport, fail to adapt their style of play to the court conditions. Playing outdoors in the hot, humid climates of Southeast Asia or in more temperate indoor conditions can dramatically affect how the ball behaves.
Solution:
- Adapt to outdoor conditions: When playing outdoors in humid climates like in Thailand or Malaysia, the ball may feel heavier and bounce higher than indoors. Use a firmer grip and adjust your shots to compensate for the humidity.
- Adapt to indoor conditions: In air-conditioned indoor courts, like those in Singapore or South Korea, the ball may bounce lower and faster. Prepare by adjusting your stance and timing to hit low, fast shots.
Final Thoughts
By understanding and avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll improve not only your technical skills but also your strategic awareness on the court. Whether you're playing in the tropical heat of Southeast Asia or in more temperate climates, these tips will help you stay ahead of your opponents and make the most of your time on the pickleball court.
Remember, improvement takes time, practice, and patience, so get out there, avoid these pitfalls, and enjoy the game!
