Top 7 Pickleball Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Fix Them Fast)

Learn the most common beginner pickleball mistakes and how to fix them quickly. Improve your consistency, footwork, resets, and overall game with simple coaching tips.

Top 7 Pickleball Mistakes Beginners Make — And How to Fix Them Fast

If you’re new to pickleball, you’re going to make mistakes — everyone does.

The fastest way to improve is to clean up the big ones first. These are the mistakes I see every week in lessons and clinics, and fixing them instantly levels up your game.

1. Standing Too Far Back From the Kitchen

Beginners stay at mid-court or hover behind the line, which leaves them vulnerable.

Fix:

After your return, move to the kitchen and stay there. The team that controls the kitchen controls the point.

2. Swinging Too Big

Big, tennis-style swings lead to late contact and errors.

Fix:

Keep your strokes short and compact. Control > power.

3. Not Split-Stepping

Standing flat-footed makes you slow and off-balance.

Fix:

A small hop (split-step) as your opponent hits the ball gives you better reaction and balance.

4. Overhitting Dinks

Beginners try to “win” dinks instead of staying consistent.

Fix:

Soft hands. Small arc. Play patient, not perfect.

5. Speeding Up Low Balls

If the ball is below net height, attacking is almost always a mistake.

Fix:

Reset! Lift the ball back into the kitchen and restart the point.

6. Not Transitioning Forward

Players hit their third shot and watch it instead of moving.

Fix:

Hit → move.

Follow your drop or drive toward the kitchen.

7. Watching the Ball Instead of the Opponent

Better players read body language, not just the ball.

Fix:

Watch their paddle angle, stance, and shoulders to anticipate the shot before it comes.

Related Posts

• 5 Pickleball Drills You Can Do Alone

• What Every Beginner Should Know Before Their First Lesson

• The Kitchen: How to Dominate the NVZ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the biggest beginner mistakes?

A: Staying too far back, swinging too big, and attacking low balls.

Q: How do beginners improve quickly?

A: Work on footwork, consistency, and patience.

Q: How long does it take to get good?

A: With focused practice, most beginners jump levels in 4–6 weeks.

Ready to Level Up Your Game?

Join one of my weekly clinics or book a private lesson.

👉 Visit: www.TomCostaPickleball.com

👉 Or text me directly: 805-587-0004

Let’s get you dialed in fast.