10 Common Mistakes Every Beginner Pickleball Player Makes

Pickleball is slowly taking over the sports world. Reasons for this increased popularity include the game is perfect for all ages, and the rules are easy to follow; not to mention, pickleball is a blast! Yet, as exciting and simple as it is, some folks have trouble knowing where to start. Well, we encourage these individuals to read about the most common mistakes every beginner pickleball player makes before picking up a paddle.

Getting the Wrong Equipment

Pickleball is a specialized sport with its own unique set of equipment. Players can’t simply substitute a paddle for a tennis racket and call it a day. That’s a huge no-no in the pickleball world! Instead, aspiring pickleball players should get the right equipment from a professional store like Fromuth Pickleball. We have the pickleball equipment newbies need, from top-of-the-line paddles to ball machines. Folks should shop our collection before heading to the court.

Ignoring the Rules

Beginners must learn about pickleball before picking up the sport. Pickleball has its own unique set of rules that are different from any other game. For starters, one player must reach a score of 11 for the game to be over. Additionally, the victor must win by 2, so hypothetically, the score could be 10-12. Another interesting rule in pickleball is that people must serve underhand; in similar sports, like paddle tennis, this isn’t allowed.

Wearing the Wrong Gear

Yes, there’s specific attire people should wear while playing pickleball. For example, getting the right shoes is a must. Fromuth Pickleball has men’s court shoes for pickleball to ensure every player’s foot is supported. The feet are the foundation of the body; if they’re inaccurately aligned or unsupported, the rest of the body will feel the pain. Individuals should also consider checking out the pickleball apparel at our store. We have comfortable clothing that makes it easy for players to run around and stay cool on the court.

Forgetting to Drink Water

Another common mistake every beginner pickleball player makes is not staying hydrating. Sure, pickleball may not seem as intense as other sports, like football. Yet, that doesn’t mean folks shouldn’t drink water while on the court. In fact, staying hydrated during a pickleball game might be more important than people realize because it’s played outside most of the time. The last thing anyone wants is to see a player pass out from the heat of the summer sun.

Not Stretching Beforehand

Individuals underestimate pickleball’s intensity. Players are constantly running up and down the court, trying to get the ball over the net. For this reason, it’s critical to stretch beforehand. Muscles must be limber and ready for lots of physical activity. Forgetting to stretch leads to a greater chance of injury.

Neglecting Equipment Maintenance

Everyone must take care of their pickleball equipment. Neglecting basic maintenance could end up affecting a person’s game. That’s frustrating because it’s so avoidable. There are simple things players can do to ensure their gear stays intact for years to come. Here are a few pro tips:

• Wipe debris off a paddle with a lint-free cloth. It’s best to avoid water when cleaning things because that might impact the paddle’s texture.
• Never leave a paddle outside in harsh weather conditions. Extreme cold or warm temperatures could compromise the paddle’s efficacy. 
• Folks should know when it’s time to let go. Sure, they can keep the old gear for the memories, but using old equipment will affect a person’s game over time.

Now that we’ve discussed what not to do before starting a game. It’s essential to review common mistakes new players make in their first game.

Trying to be Too Fancy

Ball spin is one of the most important aspects of a pickleball player’s game. More advanced professionals put crazy spins on their hits to make it more challenging for their opponents to react. Newbies shouldn’t try to be this fancy when they’re just starting. Concentrating on the spin rather than getting the ball over the net won’t do people any good. Rather, they should stick to the basics before trying any advanced techniques.

Attempting to Hit Balls Out of Bounds

There’s an old saying in the pickleball community, “If it’s shoulder high, let it fly.” Essentially, it means that people shouldn’t try to hit balls that are clearly going out of bounds. Yes, everyone wants to be the hero and make this incredible hit that’ll go down in pickleball history. However, it’s wiser to just take the easy points while learning the game. Newbies shouldn’t run themselves ragged trying to catch up with a ball if they’re not even going to hit the return anyway. As a result, beginners should just take the point and let it go out of bounds.

Taking the Game Too Seriously 

Fractious pickleball players are the worst. No one wants to be around a curmudgeon who has completely taken the fun out of the game. Beginners, please don’t be one of these people. Folks must remember that this is a joyous activity that people of all ages can play. Those interested in becoming more advanced pickleball players can join a league where there might be more crotchety sore losers around. People just looking to have fun, though, should never take the game too seriously.

There’s no better sport to learn than pickleball. The game is light-hearted and the rules are easy to understand. For these reasons and more, folks should pick up pickleball this summer. Although, newbies shouldn’t forget to visit Fromuth Pickleball before they start playing. We have all the essentials someone needs to become a pickleball enthusiast. Who knows—some of the beginners reading this article might become pros one day.