Daily Pickleballs is a fun game that seems easy to pick up. However, there are common mistakes players make that hinder improvement. 

Let’s examine the top 5 errors to avoid for faster development in pickleball.

Taking Your Eye Off the Ball

Watch the ball all the way into your paddle on every shot. Don’t look to see where you want it to go before you make contact. 

This causes mis-hits and loses control. Keep your eye glued to the ball from the moment it leaves your opponent’s paddle to when it connects with yours. 

This engrains solid hand-eye coordination and feel. Missing this fundamental will stall your progress.

Not Using Proper Ready Position

Always return to a balanced ready position after each shot. Your paddle should be up at chest level with both hands on the handle. 

Arms are relaxed but extended, knees are bent, weight is forward on the balls of your feet. 

This athletic stance prepares you for quick reactions in any direction. Avoid these common ready position errors:

• Tucking elbows in close to your body
• Letting the paddle drift off-center
• Having a loose, unprepared grip
• Standing flat-footed
• Not bringing the paddle back up before the next shot

Ready position sets the foundation for quality shots. Engrain it consciously.

Hitting Backhands Instead of Forehands

Use forehands for balls on the paddle side of your body and backhands for balls on the opposite side of your body. For righties:

• Forehands on the right
• Backhands on the left

Don’t tie yourself in knots trying to twist unnaturally. Step to put the ball on your paddle’s forehand side whenever possible. 

This ensures optimal control and power. Keep your continental grip through the shot - no need to change hand position. 

Groove clean forehands and backhands to each side for best results.

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Poor Movement and Footwork

Always move with a purpose - don’t drift aimlessly. Step aggressively into returns and groundstrokes. 

On drops or dinks, weight shifts forward as you strike the ball. Moving forward engages your legs and lends power. Avoid these footwork pitfalls:

• Getting "stuck" flat-footed
• Leaning backward on shots
• Crossing feet awkwardly
• Turning sideways too dramatically

When moving back, side shuffle or turn your whole body - never backpedal where you may trip. 

Smooth direction changes and weight transfers are the hallmarks of quality footwork.

Trying Low Percentage Shots

Avoid attempting risky, low-odds shots in matches. Instead, learn to keep the ball in play with consistency. 

Go for high-percentage returns to the deep middle of the court. Don’t blast for the lines or attempt tricky spins. 

Play it safe until you develop skill, then work in controlled aggression. Don’t hand points away - simply outlast your opponents. This disciplined approach minimizes errors and unforced mistakes.

By avoiding these 5 common pickleball mistakes, you’ll play smarter, tighter matches right from the start. 

Great fundamentals like keeping your eye on the ball, proper ready position, correct stroke mechanics, efficient footwork and high-percentage shots build a solid foundation. 

Master the basics first before adding flair. Now go out and play your best Daily Pickleballs!

FAQs

Why is playing too close to the net a mistake in pickleball?

Playing too close to the net can cause you to pop the ball up or hit it into the net. Maintain proper distance so you have time to react to shots.

How can you improve communication with your pickleball doubles partner?

Discuss strategies before the game, establish signals and calls, and communicate constantly during play to stay coordinated.

What happens when players rely too much on a strong serve in pickleball?

Over-reliance on a serve means neglecting other parts of your game. You need well-rounded skills to succeed.

When can playing too conservatively cause problems in pickleball?

Being too conservative can create errors from tentative play. Smart aggression is often needed to win points.

Why should you adapt your game to your opponent’s style?

Adapting to your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses gives you the best chance of winning rather than playing one static style.