Starting pickleball is surprisingly easy. Improving at it is where things get interesting.

Most beginners don't struggle because the game is complicated. They struggle because of a few small habits that show up early and stick around longer than they should.

The good news is that almost everyone makes exactly the same mistakes at the start. Once you spot them, they're much easier to fix.

Trying to hit everything hard

The first instinct in pickleball is usually to go for power. Ball comes towards you, hit it hard, win the point. It feels natural.

The problem is that this leads to rushed shots, balls going out, and easy returns for the other side.

Control comes first. Slowing the game down - especially near the net - gives you more time and more options. It might not feel as satisfying as a big shot, but it wins far more points.

If you're thinking "I just need to hit that harder," it's usually a sign to do the opposite.

Forgetting about the kitchen

The kitchen rule catches almost everyone at least once. You step forward, hit a clean shot in the air, feel great about it - and then someone points out you were standing in the non-volley zone.

The fix is simple: stay aware of your feet near the net and give yourself that extra half-step of space. Once it becomes habit, you stop thinking about it. But early on, it's worth paying attention to.

Standing too far back

A lot of new players stay near the baseline for too long, even after returning the serve. It feels safer back there. It isn't.

The team closer to the net has more control over the point. After the return of serve, the aim is to move forward and get to the kitchen line. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but it's where rallies are won.

If you're constantly playing from the back, that's the thing to adjust.

Not communicating in doubles

Two players going for the same ball - or both leaving it - is one of the quickest ways to lose a point in doubles.

Simple calls fix most of this. "Mine," "yours," or just a quick decision made early. It doesn't need to be perfect. It just needs to be clear.

Rushing the point

There's a tendency to try and end points quickly, especially when an opportunity appears. But pickleball rewards patience.

Many points are won not by hitting a perfect shot, but by waiting for the right moment. Taking an extra beat, choosing a better placement, or resetting the rally instead of forcing it can make a big difference.

If points keep slipping away, it's usually not about ability - it's about timing.

Ignoring the soft game

Dinks, drop shots, controlled placements near the net - this is what separates beginners from more confident players.

It doesn't feel natural at first. The instinct is to hit harder. But once you start using softer shots to control the pace of a rally, the game opens up. If everything feels rushed or unpredictable, more control is almost always the answer - not more power.

Being too hard on yourself

This might be the most common mistake of all.

Missing shots, getting positioning wrong, forgetting rules - it's all part of the process. Most players on court with you have been through exactly the same stage. The ones who improve fastest tend to be the ones who stay relaxed and keep playing without overthinking every mistake.

What to focus on instead

Keep it simple:

  • Focus on keeping the ball in play
  • Move forward when you can
  • Communicate clearly in doubles
  • Stay patient during rallies

Everything else builds from there. And most of these habits fade naturally as you play more - the key is just being aware of them so they don't stick around longer than they should.

Ready to put it into practice? Find a pickleball court near you on The Pickleball Directory | The Home of UK Pickleball.

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