7 Common Pickleball Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, combining fun, fitness, and a strong sense of community. But its accessibility can be a double edged sword. Many beginners make fundamental mistakes early on-slowing down progress, risking injuries, or losing motivation altogether.

Understanding common pickleball mistakes doesn’t just help you play correctly,it helps you play better. In this guide, we’ll walk through seven of the most frequent errors players make, and offer practical ways to avoid them so you can improve faster and enjoy the sport more.

1. Skipping Warm-Ups

Many players believe that since pickleball involves less running than tennis, warming up isn’t necessary. That’s a dangerous misconception. While it doesn’t demand constant sprinting, pickleball requires sudden reactions, short bursts of movement, and lower-body agility.

Without proper warm-ups, players – especially those middle-aged and older-face a higher risk of injuries, particularly in the knees, ankles, and calves. Before you play, spend at least 5 to 10 minutes warming up your major muscle groups. Focus on shoulders, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles. Use a mix of dynamic stretches and joint rotations to boost blood flow, improve flexibility, and prepare your body for sudden movements on the court.

2. Poor Grip Technique – A Small Mistake with a Big Impact

Incorrect grip is one of the most overlooked yet critical mistakes in pickleball. A wrong grip can cause a lack of control, reduced accuracy, and even lead to wrist strain or muscle injuries. Many beginners grip the paddle too tightly or at the wrong angle, leading to weak or misdirected shots.

The correct method is called the “continental grip” – it’s similar to shaking hands with your paddle. Your paddle handle shouldn’t be too large or too small for your palm. For a comfortable, performance-ready grip, paddles like the Athena 16mm and Raiden from Thunder Sport are excellent options. They feature Feel -Tec Pure handles that offer the perfect blend of softness and grip, suitable for players of all skill levels.

3. Focusing on Power Over Control

A common misconception among beginners is that hitting harder means playing better. But pickleball is not like tennis. It’s a game of patience, precision, and tactical thinking. Overpowering your shots can easily send the ball out of bounds or into the net especially if you haven’t yet mastered paddle angles.

Instead of focusing on power, learn to aim with intention. Aim for placement, not force. Soft, well-placed shots can often win rallies more effectively than brute strength. Paddles designed for control like Raiden or Typhoon help you feel the ball better and make precise shots, even with minimal force. This approach leads to longer rallies, better technique, and more consistent improvement.

4. Poor Court Positioning and Movement

Pickleball is a game of quick reflexes and smart positioning. Standing in the wrong spot or failing to move at the right moment puts you on the back foot, leading to poor shot returns and lost points. Many beginners make the mistake of standing too close to the net during unclear rallies or failing to retreat when the opponent delivers a deep shot.

Ideally, your position should adjust based on the play maintain a balanced distance between the baseline and the net. Keep your knees slightly bent, your body weight centered, and your feet ready to move in any direction. For doubles, syncing your movement with your partner and covering the court efficiently is a skill that requires constant practice.

5. Ignoring the Kitchen – Misunderstanding a Key Tactical Zone

The “kitchen” or no-volley zone is one of the most unique elements of pickleball, and misunderstanding it can cost you tactical advantage. Many beginners avoid this area altogether, afraid of committing faults, while in reality, it’s a strategic space that, when used correctly, can help control the tempo of the game.

The rule doesn’t forbid standing in the kitchen – it only prohibits volleying while inside or touching its boundary line. Mastering kitchen control and learning how to execute dink shots soft, short hits close to the net is essential in modern pickleball strategy.

By knowing how to move around and within the kitchen zone, you’ll limit your opponent’s attacking options and create long-term advantages in every rally.

6. Using the Wrong Paddle – Not Matching Your Skill or Style

Choosing a paddle based on trends or vague recommendations is a common trap. A heavy paddle designed for spin control won’t suit a beginner who hasn’t mastered ball control. Conversely, an ultralight paddle with minimal feedback may hold back an intermediate player ready for more dynamic play.

Thunder Sport offers a full range of paddles designed for different playing styles and skill levels. For beginners, Athena and Medusa are ideal starting points. If you’re an intermediate player focusing on control, Raiden is a better fit. For advanced players who emphasize power or compete regularly, Typhoon is a high-performance paddle perfect for fast-paced, complex gameplay.

7. Practicing Without Direction or Technical Feedback

Practicing without a clear plan is one of the main reasons players fail to improve. Many people play casually, focusing on rallies for fun, without paying attention to their technique, movement, or posture. Over time, these small technical errors can become habits that are difficult to unlearn.

You should divide your sessions into clear phases: warm-up, skill drills, match play, and post-session review. Recording short videos of your form or asking experienced players for feedback can provide valuable insights.

Thunder Sport is currently collaborating with certified pickleball coaches in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to organize workshops, sample training sessions, and one-on-one paddle consultations. Getting involved in community activities not only accelerates your learning but also keeps you motivated and engaged long term.

Equipment Suggestions for Pickleball Players

Once you’ve identified common mistakes and learned how to avoid them, the next step is choosing the right gear to help you play better and stay safe. Thunder Sport proudly leads the Vietnamese market in providing specialized pickleball equipment, offering paddles and accessories for every skill level from beginners to professionals.

For beginners, the recommended models are Athena 16mm and Medusa 16mm. Both feature high-quality fiberglass surfaces and a thick 16mm Polymer Honeycomb core for stable power and enhanced control. With a standard weight of 8oz, they’re easy to handle, especially for players still developing their strength and swing mechanics.

Each paddle comes with a white Feel-Tec Pure grip that’s soft, slip-resistant, and designed to reduce wrist fatigue during extended play. Rated 80 for control and 85 for power, Athena and Medusa offer a well-rounded platform for mastering basic techniques.

If you’ve advanced to the intermediate level and are looking for more comprehensive performance, Raiden is an excellent choice. Its electric-charged carbon face delivers superb responsiveness and control, while the Durable Grit coating increases ball grip and spin. With a control rating of 90 out of 100, Raiden supports a defensive, tactical style of play, enabling quick reactions and consistent accuracy.

For semi-professional players or those preparing for competition, Thunder Sport offers the Typhoon – one of the most advanced paddles currently on the market. Typhoon is not only powerful but also remarkably stable, thanks to its balanced construction and high-grade carbon surface. With ratings of 90 for control, 85 for power, and strong spin potential, Typhoon instills confidence in high-pressure match situations.

In addition to paddles, Thunder Sport offers a full range of accessories, including official pickleball balls starting from 45,000 VND each. Packs of 3 are priced at 135,000 VND, and 6-ball boxes are available for 270,000 VND. All products are tested for bounce quality, durability, and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor courts.

Conclusion

Pickleball is not a difficult sport to learn but if you fall into these basic mistakes, progress can stall, or worse, you might give up prematurely. Recognizing and avoiding the seven most common pickleball mistakes will not only help you play correctly but also set you on a path toward safer, more effective, and sustainable development.

Thunder Sport doesn’t just offer certified pickleball equipment,  we’re committed to fostering a vibrant community of players who embrace improvement, connection, and the joy of the game. Whether you’re starting out or aiming to level up, don’t hesitate to reach out for tailored product advice, technical support, and the right tools to elevate your pickleball experience.