There are several myths about certain strategies in pickleball that need to be debunked. Here are some of them:
- Myth: Pickleball is all about the soft game. Fact: While the soft game is an important aspect of pickleball, it is not the only strategy that advanced players use. Advanced players also use slow and low shots, as well as hard and fast shots, to keep their opponents off balance. (https://www.pickleballuniversity.com/home/thinking-uncritically-about-pickleball-orthodoxy-two-pickleball-myths)
- Myth: The more you move, the better you’ll play. Fact: While movement is important in pickleball, it is not the only factor that determines success. Strategic shot selection and court positioning are equally important, if not more so, than movement. (https://pickleballkitchen.com/8-pickleball-myths-misconceptions-need-busting/)
- Myth: The forehand takes the middle. Fact: While the forehand is an important shot in pickleball, it is not always the best shot to take. The best shot to take depends on the situation, such as the position of the players on the court and the strengths and weaknesses of the players involved. (https://primetimepickleball.com/forehand-takes-the-middle-myth-busted/)
- Myth: The ball must bounce in the non-volley zone before you can step in. Fact: This is absolutely not true. Players can step into the non-volley zone at any time, as long as they do not hit the ball while standing inside the zone.
(https://sarahansboury.com/5-biggest-myths-in-pickleball/ and https://sportsedtv.com/blog/how-to-play-pickleball-5-biggest-myths-debunked) - Myth: You have to get from the baseline to the net right away. Fact: While getting to the net is important in pickleball, it is not necessary to do so right away. Players should focus on hitting high-percentage shots and maintaining court position, rather than rushing to the net.
(https://sportsedtv.com/blog/how-to-play-pickleball-5-biggest-myths-debunked)
These myths can prevent players from improving their game and enjoying the sport to its fullest. It is important to understand the truth behind these myths and focus on the strategies that actually work in pickleball.
Look for my upcoming posts that add more depth to each point.
The information in this blog post comes from my research and experience playing pickleball and can be found in my books — HOW TO GET STARTED PLAYING PICKLEBALL and HOW TO IMPROVE FROM BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE IN PICKLEBALL — both available on Amazon. I hope you learn something from this post that you can take onto the courts to help you improve your game.