Welcome to pickleball, the sport that’s part tennis, part ping-pong, and entirely addictive. You’ve got your paddle, your enthusiasm, and maybe a vague idea of what “the kitchen” means. But let’s face it—every pickleball newbie makes mistakes. It’s practically a rite of passage.
Don’t worry, though. These missteps are as common as yelling “Was that in?!” and as fixable as a broken shoelace. Let’s dive into the top five blunders beginners make and how you can dodge them (or at least laugh when you inevitably commit them).
1. Standing in the Kitchen Like You’re Waiting for a Snack
Ah, the kitchen. That mysterious seven-foot zone near the net that every beginner either completely ignores or treats like a waiting room. Standing in the kitchen during a rally is like stepping onto lava—it’s a no-go unless the ball bounces first.
What Happens:
You wander into the kitchen mid-game, paddle in hand, feeling invincible. Then someone yells, “YOU’RE IN THE KITCHEN!” and your confidence shatters like a dropped pickle jar.
How to Avoid It:
• Pretend the kitchen floor is covered in glue, lava, or your ex’s bad vibes—whatever keeps you out of it.
• Learn the rule: You can enter the kitchen only if the ball bounces there. No bouncing? No standing.
Pro Tip: If someone catches you in the kitchen, blame your paddle. It’s a rookie move, but it works.
2. Smashing Every Ball Like It Insulted Your Family
We get it. Smashing is fun. There’s nothing more satisfying than hitting the ball with enough force to make your opponent flinch. But pickleball isn’t just about power—it’s about finesse.
What Happens:
You smash every shot, sending half of them out of bounds and the other half into the back of someone’s head. Congratulations, you’re officially a “banger.”
How to Avoid It:
• Mix it up. Learn to dink, drop, and gently place the ball. Smashing should be your backup plan, not your default mode.
• Control is key. Smashing without aiming is like throwing darts blindfolded—you might hit something, but it probably won’t be the target.
Pro Tip: Reserve your smashes for actual opportunities. Otherwise, you’re just giving the ball back to your opponent (or launching it into orbit).
3. Forgetting the Score (Every. Single. Time.)
Pickleball scoring isn’t rocket science, but it can feel like it when you’re on the court. You’re supposed to call out the score before every serve, but what happens when you can’t remember it? Awkward standoffs and lots of shrugging.
What Happens:
You serve confidently, announcing, “Uh… 4-3-2?” Your partner glares at you. Your opponents exchange glances. Someone says, “Wait, I thought it was 3-4-1.” Chaos ensues.
How to Avoid It:
• Take a deep breath and repeat the score in your head after every rally.
• If you’re unsure, don’t fake it—ask. It’s better to clarify than to end up with a scoring dispute worthy of a courtroom drama.
Pro Tip: If all else fails, loudly say, “Let’s just call it 0-0 and start over!” People might laugh, but hey, problem solved.
4. Overplaying the Backcourt
Newbies love hanging out near the baseline. It feels safe back there, far away from the terrifyingly fast net action. But here’s the thing: pickleball rewards players who step up to the kitchen line (without stepping in it, of course).
What Happens:
You camp out in the backcourt, valiantly defending shots, while your opponents dominate the net like it’s their personal kingdom. Spoiler alert: You lose.
How to Avoid It:
• Get comfortable moving forward. After the serve and the initial bounce, aim to join your partner at the kitchen line.
• Practice volleying and dinking—skills you’ll need up close.
Pro Tip: Think of the backcourt as a parking lot. It’s fine to start there, but you don’t want to live there.
5. Treating Pickleball Like Singles Tennis
In doubles pickleball, teamwork makes the dream work. But many beginners treat it like singles tennis, running all over the court and leaving their partner in the dust.
What Happens:
You chase every ball, leaving your partner to stand there, paddle in hand, wondering if they’re just a decorative accessory. Meanwhile, your opponents exploit the gaping hole in your court coverage.
How to Avoid It:
• Communicate with your partner. Call “mine” or “yours” to avoid confusion.
• Cover your side of the court and trust your partner to handle theirs.
Pro Tip: Remember, your partner is not a spectator. Let them play, too.
Bonus: Taking Yourself Too Seriously
Pickleball is meant to be fun. Sure, it’s great to win, but if you’re yelling at your partner, slamming your paddle, or storming off after a loss, you’ve missed the point.
What Happens:
You treat every rally like it’s the Olympic finals, forget to laugh, and end up looking like that one angry player no one wants to partner with.
How to Avoid It:
• Laugh at your mistakes. Everyone makes them.
• Celebrate small wins, like landing a decent dink or avoiding the kitchen for an entire rally.
Pro Tip: If you’re having fun, you’re already winning (even if the scoreboard says otherwise).
Final Thoughts: Mistakes Make You Better
Every pickleball player—yes, even the pros—started as a newbie making these same mistakes. The important thing is to learn, laugh, and keep coming back for more.
So, embrace your kitchen violations, laugh at your wild smashes, and don’t sweat the score mix-ups. You’re playing pickleball, after all—the most fun you can have with a paddle in your hand and a wiffle ball at your feet.
Now get out there and dink like you mean it!