6 Common Pickleball Mistakes New Players Make (And How to Avoid Them)

[@tjtexas5130]

1️⃣ Grip (1:34) 2️⃣ Footwork (2:54) 3️⃣ Long swing (4:20) 4️⃣ Too much (focus on basics first) (5:38) 5️⃣ Attacking the unattackable (7:36) 6️⃣ Staying at the baseline (10:00) Thanks for video. Going to start my pickleball adventure soon . . .

[@BetterPickleball]

Welcome to pickleball TJ. We’ve got some free resources for beginners at wearepickleball.com/beginners

[@dotjai330]

instruct using the "shake hands" grip. It is used universally in all racquet sports. Player is ready for all return hits forehand or backhand

[@truehope09]

My family just started playing pickle ball. I looked in KZbin for rules and tips. By far, CJ is the best instructor I found! Thank you for taking the time to teach people how to play.

[@BetterPickleball]

Welcome to pickleball! Thank you for the nice compliment.

[@guardiansofthecontest3461]

That’s funny my family started a few days ago and my brother and I started a week before them

[@nicolakomlodi9476]

Great video CJ! Mistake #5 is something I need to work on. Patience, patience! Keep those videos coming, super helpful.

[@BetterPickleball]

Didn't Guns and Roses make a lot of money on a song about Patience? 😂😂

[@donnamartin1281]

I just started playing and I love it. These videos are great!! Thank you!

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad you like them Donna!

[@jerryklimas1545]

Really great tip on the split step to reset - thank you!

[@BetterPickleball]

You're welcome! Glad it was helpful.

[@johncraig7548]

I like your approach, very articulate and easy to follow. Great pointers thank you.

[@BetterPickleball]

Thank you John

[@joshc.6706]

I’m just starting to getting to play. I’m going to be 30, with zero pickleball experience but a very extensive competitive tennis background. Definitely see similarities in some footwork and also playing with patience and attacking, attackable shots, also why being at the net takes away time. Very cool video. It’s a bit cold where I’m at now but excited for the spring

[@BetterPickleball]

Welcome to pickleball. Here’s another video you may find helpful kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZrGg6CJlLlpZtUsi=qoi3hYJ6tSFdbMmv

[@joshc.6706]

@@BetterPickleballThank you! Much appreciated

[@joshc.6706]

Just an edit… these tips really work. Along with others now at two months I’m beating people consistently at 3.5. There’s a big jump from 3.5-4.0 though so in the learning curve process

[@gregmcdonald2846]

Just started playing. I appreciate your simple advice.

[@BetterPickleball]

I'm glad it was helpful

[@jonathantaylor5562]

Good straightforward advice. Incidentally: An inexpensive wireless mic is well worth it when shooting any sports instructional video!

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Jonathan thanks for the feedback

[@anandkv74]

Thank you for this. This was really informative

[@BetterPickleball]

You’re welcome

[@jerryjobe5201]

Thanks CJ et al - you help us all. JJ

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad to help!

[@daphinebates7524]

Great tips! Thank you!

[@BetterPickleball]

You are so welcome!

[@Doggs001]

CJ is a tremendous teacher!!

[@BetterPickleball]

Thank you Greg

[@AnthonyWabo]

That was awesome! I had my first game yesterday, it was extremely fun!

[@BetterPickleball]

Welcome to pickleball. We have a free beginner course at betterpickleball.com/beginners

[@PerfectTheDesign]

Thank you this will certainly help me as I'm a new beginner

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cherylkeller5181]

Split step- thanks I will try that !

[@BetterPickleball]

Cheryl, the split step helps us to stop moving and change directions. Let us know how it works for you.

[@danielcollazos317]

Nice tips but I struggle with staying at the baseline comment. I have been playing for 3 months at the beginning/intermediate level and I find that most people at that level that move closer to the kitchen miss their shot; my baseline game is decent from my tennis background so I tend to do better; and this goes back to common mistake #4 - trying to do too much, volleys are difficult. And I find baseline playing to be more fun.

[@georgefairfax6508]

Because you play pickle like you played tennis your game will always be weak. The player at net always has the advantage

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Daniel you're right tennis players have an advantage when playing from the baseline, and yes the volley is a more difficult shot. If your intention is to just have fun and stay at your current level, then by all means, stay at the baseline. If at some point you'd like to move up in levels that strategy makes it impossible. But that's the great part of this sport, we all get to choose what we want from it and how we enjoy doing it. Have fun out there!

[@henrystrauss168]

You won't find many people who want to play with you if you stay at the baseline, as, the strategy is to "Stay tethered" so to speak, with your partner and you can cover more of the court. When you stay at the baseline there's a huge hole where the ball will come right through and your team will lose the point. Its just not good pickleball strategy.

[@barbarachaplick4718]

Excellent tips, CJ!

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad you like them Barbara’s

[@tomkatunleashed8708]

Excellent X 6!!!!!! Thank you 😊

[@BetterPickleball]

You’re welcome

[@hoadang409]

👍

[@tpiorkowski]

Great tips, Thanks,

[@BetterPickleball]

You bet Tom!

[@FoodAsMedicine7]

New player here, thanks for the tips!

[@BetterPickleball]

Welcome to pickleball!

[@Kingaxel1]

Great tips!

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad you found them to be helpful

[@suthanyamardaru5008]

Very nice I love it when I watching.👍

[@BetterPickleball]

Thank you!

[@barbstev12]

Awesome tips !!!

[@KariOkamoto]

Thanks CJ!!

[@kyleromeo5421]

Oh boy I cannot wait to sign up!

[@BetterPickleball]

We look forward to meeting you

[@bibianhuynh]

Thank you!!!

[@BetterPickleball]

You’re welcome

[@richardlowe8062]

Excellent tips and presenting them.

[@BetterPickleball]

Thank you

[@lweather]

Great video!

[@BetterPickleball]

Which tip was most useful Larry?

[@lweather]

@@BetterPickleball I think the one about not staying back at the baseline.

[@heartmattersblog7820]

Wonderful tips, CJ. Thanks again.👍🏼👏🏼

[@BetterPickleball]

My pleasure!

[@marietylerwiley945]

I love the part about the return serve trying to hit it deep. I’m only at the beginning stage of just trying to connect the racket with the ball. 😂😂😂

[@BetterPickleball]

Welcome to Pickleball! We have a free beginners guide and video class at betterpickleball.com/beginners

[@observer1242]

Regarding grip. What does it mean when the palm side of your middle finger is black and blue after playing. Gripping too hard?

[@BetterPickleball]

It’s hard to tell without seeing you but it sounds like that might be an issue

[@claytonryon9829]

Great tips, thanks! Especially the one on reducing backswing...thank you!

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jonmilburn5259]

CJ.....enjoy your videos. Old tennis player here trying to get used to the differences and patience. Question.....who does the ranking of levels of players? I keep hearing 3.0 and 4.0 and 5.0.....are they ranking themselves and what is the guide for these levels? Thanks again for the good instructional videos

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Jon, welcome to pickleball. It's similar to USTA ratings. Most players are self-rated until they play in a tournament when the rating is adjusted based on their record. There are certified raters who will rate at a club level. This helps to put players on courts with players of a similar level. Here's a guide to the ratings which you may find helpful usapickleball.org/tournaments/tournament-player-ratings/player-skill-rating-definitions/

[@jonmilburn5259]

@@BetterPickleball thanks. Similar to my past with USTA. Kind of what I thought might be. Thanks much for the reply. Will keep tuning in and playing and having fun.

[@robertomaranhao-thepuppets388]

Muito bom 😊 from Brasil

[@BetterPickleball]

Hello to you!

[@bkmason57]

You're a good person.

[@BetterPickleball]

Thanks

[@clarkbilly5670]

can you add topspin to this plastic ball?

[@BetterPickleball]

Yes, but it's not necessarily easy to do. Here's a video to explain it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2PZd595nJxpmas

[@prakashbabu2497]

Please share the basic size of court and net height and and margin around the court minimum standard required

[@BetterPickleball]

@@prakashbabu2497 this video will help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y5TdepljbKaobrM It's best to have 8 feet from the baseline to a fence behind it.

[@timl9495]

I would like to see an example of number 4.

[@BetterPickleball]

I think you mean the deep return of serve, Here are just a couple of examples kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWWVl5mVpdOmma8 and kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIHCmqygaqube68

[@puccini70]

I don't understand the last point you made. If I stay back, then I have all the time to decide what to do. If my opponent is right at the net, she has less time to react to what I hit. The game at the kitchen line is so fast. Please explain.

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Indie, I know it sounds strange but it's just the opposite. When you are at the back the players at the net can attack a ball that's above the net and hit hard it at your feet which gives you less time to react. When they are at the net their feet are hidden from you and you can't hit the same type of shot. To get at their feet you have to hit a slow high shot. In addition, if you stay back you have more angles to cover. Another look at the picture might help. Hope that helps.

[@jeffphillips7400]

I am almost 70, but gotta give it a try ! Thanks for the video.

[@BetterPickleball]

Lot of people much older than 70 playing this game ;)

[@robertomercer]

Good 👍

[@BetterPickleball]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@computerwizard1959]

One thing I have a problem with is not being able to tell or anticipate where the volley is heading until it's too late to get it. I'm about 6' 2" and it's hard for me to get way down to get under low hit shots.

[@BetterPickleball]

Anticipation is a learned skill with several layers. One of the first ones is watching your opponent. Here's a video that might help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ27eGN_j5xnjbssi=E1Kq8XAhKExWmZfT

[@karenmchugh5511]

I wish you would redo this and show examples of issues 4 and 5. I really could benefit by demonstrations of what you are talking about. Thanks

[@BetterPickleball]

I'll put it on the list. Thanks Karen

[@donnavercautren6985]

Couldn't find the grip vidoe

[@BetterPickleball]

Here you go kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2nSf2yKnraAfZI

[@KKIcons]

I hope there is one for biomechanics to play smart to reduce wrist strain. That is what is *literally* hurting my game the most, *ouch*

[@BetterPickleball]

One of the interesting things about Pickleball is that you really don't need to utilize the wrist joint as much as you think you do. In fact, it's often when people get too "wristy" that the shots go into the net! Try using more of your shoulder joint rather than your wrist to move the ball and see if that helps alleviate some pain!

[@TnsToad]

Only 2 times you stop moving you feet on a court... when you are hitting the ball and when your opponent is hitting the ball... exception on the run shots..

[@BetterPickleball]

exactly

[@ezrhino100]

In the south it's called the Charleston not the split step. Also the ladies wear long flowy dresses and curtsy during courtship.

[@BetterPickleball]

It's hard enough without having to wear a dress. 😂

[@dudhack1888]

CJ j ust need your opinion. Is the game evolving so much that the soft game is slowly fading?

[@BetterPickleball]

At the under 50 pro level it seems to be changing although it’s subjective since there aren’t any official stats. Hitting multiple drives and keeping them in is challenging. Most players in the 3.0-4.0 would benefit from ducking after the 1st drive. People will be surprised at how many go out.

[@LatiNoble]

@@BetterPickleball Yes! The shallow return really is the reason we’re seeing less of a short game. My coach has become quite the stickler for penalizing shallow returns and not driving 3rd shots that are from short returns. Another reason for less dinking is the importance of letting out balls go. This skill forces “bangers” to play a dinking game, which they hate.

[@adenois80]

@1:36

[@BetterPickleball]

Not sure what you mean?

[@adenois80]

@@BetterPickleball saying that is when the video really starts. Tbh, since you own the channel, as an audience, the first 1:36 is noise to me. Short and to the point videos go a long way.

[@jeffw3776]

So many feel it’s important to GET IT UP TO THE KITCHEN. important yes. But stopping when you can’t get up there is important. Hence, split step as you call it. Don’t just chase the garbage. Ie., attackable shot coming your way

[@BetterPickleball]

You're so right Jeff you can't run through the shot. Split step and hit the shot and then move forward!

[@McGyver9]

Just in rec-play, can't STAND when your partner REFUSES to move up.... You get destroyed!

[@BetterPickleball]

It's hard to win when one is at the NVZ and the other at the baseline.

[@hurstma59]

I agree. I’m thankful I learned the game 8-10 yrs. ago when I lived in WA state. 4 yrs. ago I returned to SW Indiana and was pleased to hear that PB was being played here. So far, what I have found is 75% or more of these players are simply former tennis players. No one actually taught them techniques or how to play the game properly. I guess the correct term for them is bangers? They want to stay on that back line and hit it hard back & forth at each other. When I see this, I’ll hit a bunch of short shots or cross court shots.

[@freeyoga]

Junk food advertisement ug! But love your teaching

[@BetterPickleball]

I'm thinking that's the ad that came up before the video. Sorry about that.

[@moredatesmorefiber3526]

im over 50

[@BetterPickleball]

Awesome! Me too!

[@beckyhunter3967]

I have never played and have watched 8 or 9 of your videos. I am confused at your steps in the kitchen. I thought that was not allowed.

[@BetterPickleball]

Hi Becky, you can step into the kitchen as long as it doesn't involve a volley, which is a ball that doesn't bounce. If you've watched some videos it's time to get out and give it a try. This is a fun game. If you haven't already gotten the free beginners guide to pickleball click the link below. It will help you find resources in your area. www.cjjohnsonglobal.com/how-to-play-pickleball You'll also want to tune in to the Live Show on Sept 1 at 4 pm pacific, we'll be discussing a program that is designed to introduce new players to the game. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnnJgq2Zm51_jJY

[@loismayette2747]

My defination of mistakes are learning growling experiences

[@BetterPickleball]

You're right Lois. Always look for an opportunity to grow.

[@heartnsoul3357]

I love it when I get advice from the partner, usually male, sorry, who gives advice when he's missing easy shots. I had one to say, "Take it easy on her. She's still learning." Thanks dude who couldn't keep the ball in the court. We lost.

[@BetterPickleball]

Happens all the time. 😂

[@phoenixrising441]

Should have known the comment section would be full of man hating feminists 😂

[@Floridapickleballexpo]

Instead of saying “over 50” can you say over 30 😂😂😂😂

[@BetterPickleball]

Yup!😂

[@allangontang533]

=

[@02Jenhen]

Im 11 years old

[@BetterPickleball]

Great! Welcome to pickleball!

[@gail6069]

Why is it called pickelball?

[@BetterPickleball]

There’s some debate about the exact origins. Some claim a dog named pickles and others talk about the pickle boats in that area. Check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpjXqIGejr6lrtk

[@rickdixon9933]

OMG....I am over 50!

[@BetterPickleball]

OMG! Me too

[@buddymac3993]

Mistake one,not putting a real smelly juicy large pickle or pickles in the ball before play begins!!!

[@girlart9]

HAHAHAHA!!

[@BetterPickleball]

lol

[@pickleballgoyangcitykorea7988]

It is free to simply put in rotation as a swing, but applying the primary rotation using both hands should be banned by the Pickleball Association. It can be said to be an ungentlemanly act.

[@daninusa5297]

The main rule of pickleball is that all rules are to allow non athletes , kids and the elderly to play this non sport. Remember before complaining that these silly kitchen rules or the other dumb rules affect your masterful performance, if you were any good youd be playing tennis!

[@BetterPickleball]

😂

[@jimmansi9046]

Another stupid comment from another Tennis snob

[@TheNinjaNarwhals]

Dang I have to be over 50 to watch this?

[@BetterPickleball]

Nope. Most of it applies to all levels of play. However bodies that are over 50 can't always do what a younger body can do and we take that into consideration when we provide instruction.

[@BetterPickleball]

Welcome to Pickleball!

[@TheNinjaNarwhals]

@@BetterPickleball hahaha I was just joking with ya I heard the first thing in the video and it made me laugh. I wanted it and it helped me out

[@TheNinjaNarwhals]

@@BetterPickleball thank you! I’m very sore from playing Monday , Tuesday and yesterday hahah

[@heathhester6202]

Over 50? Okay bye bye

[@BetterPickleball]

No worries. Stay or go.

[@heathhester6202]

@@BetterPickleball tips at getting better at pickleball are tips at getting better at pickleball. Simply that. I actually like your content. Just saying that you might be able to help more people or get more reach if you did put age out there. There are plenty of 20, 30 or 40 somethings that have injuries, and can't move like they used to. And would love your tips. But you shut them off when you say over 50. And they leave. Just constructive criticism.

[@micksharratt5693]

I m over 85 and love it

[@BetterPickleball]

Awesome Mick!

[@acr21957]

As a former tennis player I know everything she’s saying already

[@BetterPickleball]

Good for you. Welcome to pickleball!

[@coobay4786]

This game is about as exciting as shuffle board.

[@lynnpaarmann7983]

???

[@scoobydoo4087]

That’s because you don’t play

[@henrystrauss168]

It's addicting, you obviously don't play.

[@coobay4786]

@@henrystrauss168 so is herion but I'll pass.

[@suzannemorekerr599]

Anything but boring my friend.

[@magic2506]

Seriously, what a dumb name for this sport.

[@BetterPickleball]

What the name lacks the sport makes up for in fun.

[@peterhippard2149]

first mistake is to take up this annoying sport. clack clack clack

[@BetterPickleball]

Yeah but it’s a lot of fun!