Pickleball is growing rapidly in popularity — and for good reason. It’s accessible for beginners but offers enough challenge to keep improving for years. Still, we often see new players make the same mistakes, which slows down their progress on the court. Below are the 5 most common beginner mistakes — and how you can avoid them.

1. Rushing the serve

Pickleball is a fast-paced game with few breaks. That’s why beginners often rush their serve. They walk up to the line and hit immediately, without taking a breath. The result? Less control, poor placement, and unnecessary errors.

Tip: Build a small routine before you serve. Bounce the ball a few times, take a deep breath, look at your opponent, and then serve. This helps you stay calm and improves your precision.

Be sure to check out this video from Selkirk:

2. Taking your eye off the ball

“Watch the ball” sounds simple, but in practice it’s harder than you think. Especially if you’re tempted to look at your opponent or the court while swinging. This often leads to missed shots or hitting the ball too high.

Tip: Start by practicing alone against a wall. There are no distractions, and you’ll learn to focus better on the ball. Then try applying this in a rally with a real opponent.

3. Wearing the wrong shoes

Many beginners play their first games in running shoes or regular sneakers. Not a good idea. Good shoes are just as important as a quality paddle. Even with great technique, if your feet can’t keep up, you’ll struggle.

Tip: Choose shoes designed specifically for pickleball, padel, or tennis. They provide support in all directions, better grip, and protect your joints. Invest in good footwear before splurging on an expensive paddle.

4. Standing still during play

A common pitfall: keeping your feet planted while the game continues. Pickleball can feel overwhelming — especially while you’re thinking about technique, positioning, and shot selection. The result? You lose position and miss the ball.

Tip: Find a practice partner and work on your footwork. Take the time to move to the right spot before hitting. As you gain experience, this will become second nature.

An interesting video on this:

5. Panicking at the net (the ‘kitchen line’)

Playing at the net can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re paired with someone you don’t know well. Many beginners panic because they don’t want to disappoint their partner. But trust us — your partner is likely thinking the exact same thing. Let go of that insecurity and just enjoy the game.

Tip: Remind yourself why you’re on the court: to have fun. Let mistakes go, laugh them off, and discover how much joy pickleball truly offers.

Bonus mistake: Not practicing enough

If you want to improve, you have to practice. Only playing matches won’t help you progress quickly. Set aside time for focused drills: repeat shots, improve footwork — all the things that happen too fast during real matches.

Tip: Mix match play with targeted practice. That way, it stays fun and productive.