5 Common Pickleball Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Most pickleball players lose points before the ball even bounces twice. Here's what to fix if you want to stop gifting your opponents free points.

The Most Common Beginner Mistake

Running to the net too early. It feels aggressive, but if you sprint to the kitchen line before your opponent has been pushed back, you're handing them an easy angle. Work your way up with transitional shots and reset when you need to.

Errant Third Shots

The third shot drop is one of the most important shots in pickleball, and one of the least practiced. If you're blasting your third shot back and your opponents are already at the net, you're in trouble. Practice the third shot drop until it becomes automatic — soft, arcing, and landing in the kitchen.

Hitting at the Person, Not the Gaps

The best pickleball shots go toward the feet, into the transition zone, or through the middle. Hitting directly at a well-positioned player is usually a mistake. Look for the gap at their feet or the middle seam between two players in doubles.

Trying to Rip Winners at 3-2-1

Patience wins pickleball. You don't need to end every rally with a power shot. Reset the point, wait for the error, and take your shot when the opportunity is real — not just when you're bored of the rally.

Equipment That Helps

A paddle that you trust makes hesitation less likely. The High Roller Paddle gives you the carbon face feedback to know when you've hit a clean ball versus when you've got too much on it. Confidence in your equipment translates directly to fewer unforced errors.