The 10 Strategy Mistakes That Are Killing Your Pickleball Game

If you’re making these 10 common mistakes, you’re handing your opponents free points. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate player, fixing these bad habits will immediately improve your game. Let’s break it down from the baseline to the kitchen—so you can stop losing and start dominating.

🔹 Stepping in too soon – If you serve and immediately step forward, a deep return will force you onto your back foot. Instead, serve and stay so you can move into the ball with controlled momentum.

🔹 Power over placement – A hard serve isn’t always better. Aim for the back quarter of the court to force weaker returns and set yourself up for a stronger third shot.

Return Mistakes

🔹 Standing still after returning – Too many players admire their shot instead of running to the kitchen. Hit your return and sprint forward to take control of the net—because the team that gets there first, wins.

Third Shot Mistakes

🔹 Pre-determining drop vs. drive – If you decide before seeing the return, you’re making a huge mistake. React to the ball—if you’re balanced, drop; if you’re stretched out, drive.

🔹 Trying to be “too perfect” – Aiming for an inch over the net? That’s how you hit the net and lose the point. Instead, give yourself margin for error—a slightly high drop is still better than a dead one.

🔹 Thinking all good drops land in the kitchen – The real goal isn’t just to drop into the kitchen—it’s to force your opponent to hit up on their next shot. That’s when you move in and take control.

Kitchen & Transition Mistakes

🔹 Hitting consecutive drives – Two drives in a row = a disaster. If you drive, follow it up with a drop or reset so you can move forward instead of getting stuck at the baseline.

🔹 Letting too many balls bounce – If you back up unnecessarily, you’re losing your position. Take balls out of the air whenever possible to maintain control of the net.

🔹 Being glued to the kitchen line – You don’t always have to stay right on the line. Stepping back temporarily to stay balanced can actually open up attack opportunities.

🔹 Attacking when off-balance – If you’re pulled wide and off-balance, DON’T ATTACK. Instead, reset the ball softly to the middle to avoid an easy counterattack.

Fix these mistakes, and you’ll instantly become a more strategic and dangerous player. Now, go win some points.