The Top Pickleball Mistakes Beginners Make (and How to Fix Them)

The good news? Most of these errors are easy to fix once you know what to look for. Let’s break them down and get your game tuned up so you can spend more time winning points and less time chasing balls into the next court.

Mistake #1: Wrong Grip

Your grip is the foundation of every shot. Many new players don’t think about how they’re holding the paddle. The result? No control. Failing to address your grip can hold you back before you even swing the paddle. But don’t worry. The best hold is also the simplest: the continental grip, also called the “handshake grip.” Just pretend you’re shaking hands with the paddle, or hold it as if you were going to hammer a nail with the edge. It’s a neutral, versatile grip that lets you transition between shots smoothly. You’ll be surprised how much this simple adjustment improves your accuracy.

Mistake #2: Rushing the Serve

You’re excited. We get it. You toss the ball, hit it fast, and hope it lands in. But in pickleball, the serve doesn’t need to be fast. It just needs to be consistent. Say the score. Take a breath. Aim deep, especially toward your opponent’s backhand. A calm, controlled serve is more annoying to return than a wild power shot. Spending some of your practice time drilling at the service line can help you dial in a serve that will keep your opponents hopping!

Mistake #3: Glued Feet Syndrome

Ever feel like your shoes are stuck to the court? You’re not alone. New players often forget that pickleball is a movement sport. Standing still—or worse, reaching with your arm instead of stepping into the shot—throws off your balance and timing. Focus on small, quick steps and stay light on your feet. “Float like a butterfly” isn’t just boxing advice.

Mistake #4: Third Shot Freeze-Up

After the serve and return, the third shot sets the tone. A lot of beginners hit it and then… just stand there. That’s a huge tactical miss. As soon as you assess that the shot will bounce or force your opponents to hit "up" on the ball from below the net, then begin advancing to the kitchen line. This assessment becomes quicker over time. Just remember to stop moving and get balanced when your opponent begins their swing so that you're not moving when the ball comes your way. Right behind the kitchen line is where the action happens and where the game is won. Hang back too long and you’re giving your opponent all the control.

Mistake #5: Blasting Every Shot Like a Line Drive

It’s tempting to swing hard at every opportunity. It feels satisfying—until you hit it into the net or over the fence. Pickleball rewards precision over power. Learn to slow things down, especially at the net. Master the dink game. You’ll frustrate the big hitters and win more rallies with a soft touch than with brute force.

Mistake #6: Living in the Kitchen

Here’s the deal with the kitchen: it’s the no-volley zone. You can’t volley (hit the ball out of the air) while standing in it. Yet many new players accidentally step in during volleys, which costs points. Practice awareness of the line and get used to pausing just behind it. Once you have that spatial awareness down, your game will instantly feel sharper.

Mistake #7: Playing with a Floppy Paddle

Always keep your paddle up and out in front of you. Hanging it low by your hip is an easy way to miss quick shots at the net. Think of your paddle as a shield in a fast-paced sword fight. It needs to be ready for action, not dragging behind.

Mistake #8: Trying to Be Fancy Too Fast

Trick shots and spin serves are fun, but only after you’ve fully mastered the basics. Focus on consistent serves, clean returns, and smart positioning. The fancy stuff can wait. Trust the process, and your progress will come faster than you think.

At Power Pickleball Club, we love helping players sharpen their game. Whether you’re still learning what a dink is or you’re already rallying with confidence, we’ve got everything you need to level up, from coaching sessions and kids’ camps to wellness support and tournaments year-round.