Mistakes
These are 15 most common mistakes I see beginners make in order of frequency I see this happening.
Thinking a player cannot enter the NVZ until the ball bounces. This is a very common misconception.
Stepping back from the NVZ line instead of volleying the ball.
Reaching way too far into the NVZ to volley a ball that they should have let bounce
After stepping back from the NVZ line, not getting back to it.
Bending at the waist instead of the knees.
Running around the Backhand to hit a Forehand drive.
Hitting a Forehand Dink when the ball is on the Backhand side.
Not doing enough foot work to get to the ball into the ideal hitting zone.
Attacking a ball that is behind or too far to the side. Contact that ball out in front!
Smashing a ball at the NVZ line that is too shallow and or too low and hitting it right into the net.
Thinking a drop is the best 3rd shot. The best 3rd shot is really contextual and dependent on the skill of the opponent and the player hitting the ball. A drive is initially a good idea to get an idea of how good your opponents volleys are.
Doubles: When their partner runs down a lob on their side, they don't switch to the other side.
Doubles: When their partner moves laterally even off the court, they don't follow.
Doubles: Not making a play on balls down the middle since it's not clear whose responsibility the middle is.
Doubles: Both swinging at a ball at the NVZ line and sometimes smacking paddles together since it's not clear whose responsibility the middle is.
After the serve, the server steps into the court. If your opponent has a deep return with pace, you may have to step back quickly and will be off balance for an aggressive 3rd shot. Since you can't volley the 3rd shot, it's best to stay at the baseline until you see where the 2nd shot is going. Remember: Serve and Stay. It is easier to run forward than it is to run backwards. Moreover, you will have more control and leverage when you hit a ball moving forward compared to moving backwards. If your opponent can hit a 2nd shot drop from a serve with pace and spin, then you'll need to look at their stroke to guess which shot is coming and position yourself appropriately. So in general, serve and stay behind the baseline until your opponent shows they can hit a 2nd shot drop.
2:20 The 3rd shot drive is used too often. I don't agree with this point. What if the player has an amazing drive? If you're a total beginner with no tennis experience, I would recommend learning how to drive properly. Then learning how to drop properly. Then when you play, mix it up so your opponent doesn't know what is coming. To say drive less or drop less is a bit too general and it is totally player and opponent dependent. Just get good at both driving and dropping and then mix it up depending on the strengths of your opponent and the context.Â
5:00 Being sporadic at the kitchen line. I haven't seen this, but if you are moving with no purpose, then yes, this is something you should stop. I highly recommend reading and watching the video on the Footwork page.
6:33 Taking big swings. This usually comes from a tennis background since that's what we're taught. These big back swings aren't necessary in Pickleball since the court is only 44' long, a player can generate maximum pace with a backswing at or just past their side. Smashing a ball that is too low 7:00 he demonstrates something different from what he talked about. He's demonstrating hitting a smash on a ball that is too low. This is something different. However, this is indeed a big mistake that beginners commonly make. Unless the ball is popped up over your head, don't try to do an overhead smash. Depending on the height and pace, bend your knees and smash it back, step back and hit a backhand or forehand swinging volley, punch volley it as he shows you in the video, or just let it bounce and dink or lob.
Now, taking large loopy tennis backswings for drives/ground strokes at the baseline. Not really necessary, but if you're a tennis player and have the time, you can do it, but experiment with backswings in a closed stance that go back to your side of just past your waist and compare that to a full loopy tennis back swing and see what you think.8:20 Being closed minded. Sure, be open to learning new techniques and shots. 9:12 Seek feedback. This is risky. Who is the person giving the feedback? Just because they are a better player than you doesn't mean they are a good coach. Any pro tennis player can beat their coach in a match so what does that prove? I'd recommend a qualified coach to teach you. If that isn't a viable option, then watching YouTubers like Briones Pickleball or Tyson McGuffin Pickleball is very helpful.
10:15 Low paddle position. I 100% agree with this! Position the paddle between having the butt of the handle around waist level to the top of your paddle around your nose. At the baseline the handle butt can be at waist level, but at the NVZ line, it's better to have higher just below eye level in case a drive comes right at you. See the page on Ready Position for more details.
Intermediate Mistakes
Hitting balls that are high and going to go out. This is pretty common especially in a fire fight.
Moving through the transition area too quickly and not split stepping before the opponent strikes the ball. Don't be in a rush. Split step early if necessary. It's only 15' from the baseline to the NVZ line, so that's just 3 steps anyways.
Driving too many balls in a row. A good rule is 2 drives in a row and then drop or lob.
Thinking a drop is the best 3rd shot. The best 3rd shot is really contextual and dependent on the skill of the opponent and the player hitting the ball. A drive is initially a good idea to get an idea of how good your opponents volleys are.