Fixing The Biggest Mistake in Pickleball: Not Trying

Frank Hines

Team The Kitchen

Last Edited

Sep 27 2024

Fixing This Terrible Pickleball Mistake

Play every single game like you’re playing for gold. Plain and simple.

Give it your all, all the time, no matter what. This is the only way to train good habits. If you only try hard when you play against people at your level, then you only play the game at your full potential 50% of the time.

You won’t ever be able to improve that way.

Every time you step out on that court, it has to be with the full intention of playing and playing hard. Taking your game to the next level does not come easy, but you make it so much harder by slacking off during games you don’t really want to play.

You cannot always control who you get paired with, but you can control how you play the game.

How to Play With Those Lower in Level Than You

Once I finally realized that, I took it to heart. I challenged myself to not let that mental block pop up when I got paired with a DOTD.

It was really hard at first, but I found a few tricks that really helped:

Use this game to practice new things. You should always be working on new shots, different placements, or just all around game improvements; but working those into super competitive games can be a challenge.

Playing a lopsided game gives you the opportunity to try new stuff with a lot less pressure on winning vs. losing.

Take the things you’ve been drilling and apply them during these settings. Focus on one or two things and really try to improve them in a live game setting and gauge what areas you need to work on.

Next, have fun. If you’re anything like me, you take the game very seriously. When I’m out on the court, I’m there to win and to get better. When you are playing with someone who isn’t that good, the winning part can be tough. So use it as a reset.

Go out there and be casual. Still give it your all, but don’t take it seriously enough that it ruins the entire rest of the session.

One game cannot affect your entire performance. Use it as a mental test to control your emotions and center them around enjoying the fact that you are playing pickleball.

Lastly, teach (when asked for advice). If you feel comfortable giving advice, and someone is asking, then give it. Teaching someone how to do something is the single greatest way to enhance your own skill set. This applies to anything, but especially pickleball.

I always notice when people are hitting off their back foot as it’s one my worst tendencies. Seeing someone do that and then showing them the right way not only helps them get better, but it reinforces my knowledge around a bad habit.

Never gatekeep information to help someone get better at pickleball. We are here to help grow the sport. Remember that.

Try these things the next time you step out on the court and you get paired with the DOTD. Play at 100% and do everything you can to win. Even if you lose the game, you will become a better player.

It’ll be frustrating and you’ll want to give up, but that’s what separates the good from the great.

Be great!

Frank Hines loves the game of pickleball and sharing that passion with as many people as possible. He found the game over two years ago and hasn't let up since. Follow Frank on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.