In my last post, I highlighted five common myths that circulate amongst players about pickleball strategy and tactics. In this post, I lay out the facts debunking these myths. Here are the myths and the facts that disprove 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. The soft game is indeed a crucial component of pickleball, as it can force opponents into making errors or hitting weak shots. However, a good pickleball player also understands the value of variety. Mixing up the pace and spin of shots, as well as using different parts of the court, can keep opponents guessing and create openings for winning shots (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. It’s true that movement is key in pickleball, but quality is more important than quantity. Positioning is a critical aspect of the game – you want to be in the right place at the right time to hit effective shots and cover your side of the court. Overrunning the ball or moving without purpose can lead to errors (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. This is a rule of thumb, not a hard and fast rule. While the forehand often gives more control and power, using it to take the middle may not always be the best strategy. It largely depends on your team’s strengths, weaknesses, and strategies. For instance, a left-handed player’s backhand will cover the middle if teamed with a right-handed player (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. The rule is not that the ball must bounce in the non-volley zone before you can step in, rather you cannot volley (hit the ball in the air without a bounce) while in the non-volley zone. You may step into the non-volley zone at any time, as long as you’re not volleying the ball
(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. While getting to the net – known as the “kitchen” in pickleball – can provide control and allow you to hit downward at the ball, it isn’t always feasible or even beneficial to rush there immediately. Patience and shot selection should dictate when you move forward. It’s often safer to approach the net behind a well-placed shot that gives you time to get there without leaving you vulnerable to an aggressive shot from your opponents
(https://sportsedtv.com/blog/how-to-play-pickleball-5-biggest-myths-debunked).
Understanding these nuances and strategies can greatly enhance your pickleball game, moving beyond misconceptions to a deeper knowledge of effective play.
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.