INTERMEDIATE by MATTHEW SCHWARTZ
Top Five Common Mistakes— And How to Fix Them
Three leading instructors weigh in on how to fix the most common mistakes made by recreational players.
You know exactly what you did wrong on the shot you just hit. You will yourself to correct it, only to make the same mistake several more times that day.
You’ re a 3.5 pickleball player or thereabouts, and you’ re frustrated about those repeated mistakes. You are far from alone. Pickleball instructors estimate that 75 to 80 percent of all recreational players are at the 3.5 level. Pickleball Magazine asked a dozen 3.5 players to list their five most common mistakes. Then we asked three top instructors for advice on ways to fix them.
For expert advice, we tapped Pickleball Hall of Fame members and certified instructors Steve Paranto and Seymour“ Rif” Rifkind as well as the legendary Richard Movsessian, known in the pickleball community as“ Coach Mo,” who has conducted thousands of clinics in more than 20 states and overseas over the past 20 years.
In no particular order, here are the five most common mistakes 3.5 players make, and the instructors’ advice on how to fix them.
MISTAKE # 1
“ I don’ t remember or just fail to get up to the non-volley line quickly, if at all.”
HOW TO FIX IT
Paranto:“ Remember the mantra‘ Return and go’ in your head. Don’ t stay back and admire your shot.”
Rif:“ Begin stepping forward to the NVZ after you strike your third, and get ready to do a split step [ feet parallel to each other ] when you see your opponent getting ready to strike the ball.”
Coach Mo:“ You should get to within an inch of the non-volley zone as quickly and efficiently as possible. Playing from there gives you the highestpercentage shot.”
MISTAKE # 2
“ I creep up past the baseline after I serve or my partner serves, the return lands at my feet and I hit the ball into the ground or net because it’ s too close to me.”
HOW TO FIX IT
Paranto:“ Remember the mantra for the serving team is‘ Serve and stay.’”
Rif:“ Avoid creeping up by doing a split step after your serve, which could actually be a slight hop back behind the baseline.”
Coach Mo:“ Stay at least a foot behind the baseline after your team serves. Do not step into the court until you are sure you know where your opponent’ s return will bounce.”
MISTAKE # 3
“ I hit too many pop-ups.”
HOW TO FIX IT
Paranto:“ A lot of pop-ups are caused by grip pressure that is too tight. Remember to relax your grip between shots.”
Rif:“ Hitting the ball too late and close to the body is a common cause of a pop-up. Using too much wrist, rushing the shot, and lifting your head too early are common errors when dinking, which causes pop-ups. Make sure you use the continental grip as it accommodates for both a forehand and backhand volley and avoid trying to switch grips.”
Coach Mo:“ Do not hit the ball on the run. Be in a set position, with your feet shoulder width apart.”
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