If you're playing at an intermediate level (roughly 3.0–4.0), you’ve probably discovered that pickleball isn’t just about power. At this stage, the game becomes more about strategy, consistency, and subtle adjustments. Many players who have moved past the beginner stage hit a plateau because they repeat the same habits without realizing they’re holding themselves back. The good news is that with awareness and a few practical fixes, you can break through that ceiling and start playing with more confidence and control. Below are some of the most common mistakes intermediate players make, paired with solutions that can elevate your game.
1. Advancing Too Early After Your Serve or Return
One of the biggest errors is rushing forward immediately after serving or returning. It feels natural to want to push up toward the pickleball net, but advancing before you’ve seen how the ball develops leaves you exposed. A deep return or strong third shot can force you into a backpedal, which often results in weak or rushed contact.
Fix it: After serving, stay planted behind the baseline until the return comes into view. Give yourself space to react to deep shots. On returns, stand two to three feet behind the baseline so you’re ready for serves that push you back. Patience here gives you the time to set up properly and keeps you in control of the rally.
2. Rushing Into the Kitchen Without Reading the Third Shot
Intermediate players often understand the importance of getting to the non-volley zone, but they can be too eager to get there. Charging forward without watching the opponent’s third shot sets you up for awkward volleys or vulnerable pop-ups.
Fix it: Treat the third shot as your green light or red light. If it’s low and soft, you can move up comfortably. If it pops high or comes with more pace, pause and reset. Moving deliberately instead of automatically ensures that you’re stepping into a position of advantage, not into a trap.
3. Not Stopping Forward Momentum on Short Balls
When chasing a pickleball ball that lands short, many players hit while still moving forward. This lack of stability often leads to mishits or balls that sail too high.
Fix it: Train yourself to stop and set before making contact. Plant your feet, bend your knees, and use your legs to steady your shot. Even a soft dink requires balance to be effective. Think of it as pressing pause for a split second—just long enough to execute a controlled shot that keeps you in the rally.
4. Overthinking Your Own Kitchen—Ignoring the Opponent’s Side
A lot of players become overly cautious about staying out of their own kitchen and forget to use their opponent’s non-volley zone to their advantage. A well-placed dink isn’t just about keeping the ball low; it’s about forcing your opponent into uncomfortable positions.
Fix it: Dink with purpose. Aim at your opponent’s feet, stretch them wide, or pull them forward to create openings. Instead of just surviving at the kitchen line, take control of the exchange. Making them reach or move awkwardly creates opportunities for you to finish the point with confidence.
5. Oversized Swings at the Net
Big, dramatic swings may feel powerful, but they’re too slow for net play. When you overcommit to a swing at the kitchen line, you can’t recover in time, and your opponent has an easy counterattack.
Fix it: Shorten your swing. Use compact, efficient motions that let you reset quickly and stay ready for the next ball. Power at the net doesn’t come from huge movements—it comes from timing, positioning, and sharp, controlled strokes. Think crisp over flashy.
6. Footwork—Still The Most Underrated Discipline
Even at higher levels, footwork separates consistent players from those who constantly scramble. Flat-footed players or those who overreach often find themselves late to the ball, which leads to forced errors.
Fix it: Keep your feet active with small, quick steps instead of lunges. Use a split-step as your opponent makes contact so you’re ready to move in any direction. Staying light and balanced improves reaction time and helps you recover faster between shots. Remember, good pickleball is as much about where your feet are as where your pickleball paddle is.
7. Lopsided Shot Variety—Dinks, Drops, and Dullness
Intermediate players often fall in love with one type of shot—usually a powerful drive—and lean on it too heavily. While drives are exciting, predictable play makes it easier for opponents to counter.
Fix it: Add variety. Practice your third shot drop, master the soft dink, and don’t be afraid to lob occasionally to change the pace. Mixing your shots keeps your opponent guessing and prevents them from locking into a rhythm. Balance offense with finesse, and your game will feel layered and much harder to read.
Poor Return Positioning—Too Close, Too Composed
Standing right on the baseline when returning a serve is a recipe for trouble. A deep serve can push you back off balance, while standing too far back makes it harder to take control of the rally.
Fix it: Position yourself a few feet behind the baseline, adjusting depending on the pace and depth of your opponent’s serve. From this spot, you can step forward on shorter serves or absorb deeper ones with more comfort. Once you return the ball, focus on moving forward with purpose rather than drifting without intention.
Friendly Final Thoughts and Action Plan
Intermediate players often have the mechanics to compete but struggle with consistency because of these small habits. The encouraging part is that fixing them doesn’t require a total overhaul—just awareness and practice.
Here’s a simple plan to put into action:
1. Choose one mistake to work on during your next session.
2. Drill that scenario deliberately—repetition is how new habits stick.
3. Don’t try to fix everything at once; small, steady improvements build the biggest long-term gains.
Pickleball is supposed to be fun, but playing smarter makes it even more enjoyable. By working on patience, positioning, footwork, and variety, you’ll find yourself winning points not just with power, but with strategy and control. Before long, you’ll notice your game feels steadier, more intentional, and a lot more satisfying.
