Why is it that in pickleball you can have a long rally that’s highlight reel worthy but the point ends with someone hitting off the edge of the paddle and the ball falls into the net?
For such a simple game, having difficulty with the basic shots seems (and feels) so contradictory.
In this article, I explore the idea that in pickleball, players can find themselves grappling with a curious paradox: the easier the shot appears, the more prone they are to making mistakes.
Having played competitive basketball and soccer at a high level, I have experienced this intriguing occurrence that absolutely transcends the boundaries of pickleball.
Understanding why these seemingly simple shots can be so troublesome involves exploring a blend of psychological, physical, and technical factors, but once you start to put the pieces of the puzzle together, it just may help you improve your pickleball game.
The Psychological Trap of Overconfidence
One of the primary reasons easy shots in pickleball are prone to error is the psychological effect of overconfidence. When a player faces a shot they deem “easy,” their mind may trick them into underestimating its complexity.
This overconfidence can lead to a relaxation of focus, where players don’t give the shot the attention it deserves. This lapse in concentration can result in mishits or poor shot placement.
Moreover, the psychological burden of expectation can also play a role. Knowing that a shot should be simple can create pressure to execute it perfectly. When players are aware that they should be able to handle a shot effortlessly, they might feel anxious about not meeting these expectations, which can lead to errors.
Ex: you chase down a lob, manage to reset the ball into the NVZ, reapproach the net and dump a dink into the net.
The Impact of Muscle Memory and Habit
Muscle memory is a crucial aspect of sports performance and pickleball is no different (despite the naysayers!).
When players face a straightforward shot, they often rely on their muscle memory to execute it. However, if a player’s muscle memory isn’t well-developed for specific shots, they may struggle.
So, a player accustomed to hitting fast, aggressive shots might find it difficult to adjust their technique for a softer, more controlled shot. This discrepancy can lead to mistakes during what should be an easy shot.
Additionally, patterns and bad habits that appear in a player’s game can interfere with their ability to handle simpler shots.
If a player is used to hitting hard and fast, their reflexes and body mechanics may not adapt quickly to the subtlety required for an easy shot, resulting in errors.
Because players are trying to control the pace of a rally from slow to fast and fast to slow, pickleball engages micro-muscle movement, and I think this often goes overlooked by people who are just learning the game or have yet to try playing.
The Role of Technique and Timing
Pickleball, despite its “simplicity”, requires precise technique and timing. Even the most straightforward shots demand proper form and execution. For instance, a simple dink requires a delicate touch and accurate placement.
If a player fails to properly gauge the timing or angle of their paddle, they can easily misjudge the shot. This is especially true in pickleball, where the ball can be affected by subtle changes in paddle angle or grip.
Furthermore, the shorter and more predictable nature of easy shots can sometimes make them deceptive. In a high-speed rally, players may have less time to overthink their shots, leading to a more instinctive response.
In contrast, an easy shot gives players more time to overanalyze, which can disrupt their natural rhythm and result in errors.
Tip: People underestimate the grip pressure and are often holding the ball way too tightly. Aim for a 3/10.
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Image Credit: @saramcinness002
The Influence of External Factors
External factors such as court conditions and equipment can also contribute to the difficulty of easy shots. Variations in court surface, weather conditions, or even the type of paddle used can impact shot execution.
For example, a court with a slightly uneven surface can cause the ball to bounce unpredictably, making an easy shot more challenging.
Similarly, differences in paddle weight or grip can affect a player’s control over the ball, leading to mistakes in seemingly simple situations.
The Challenge of Consistency
As I’ve mentioned many times previously, achieving consistency in pickleball is one key to success, and this is particularly evident with easier shots.
The ability to consistently execute a straightforward shot requires a combination of practice, focus and technique.
For many players, maintaining this level of consistency can be challenging, especially under pressure or fatigue. Even a minor lapse in focus or technique can lead to mistakes on what should be a routine shot.
The Psychological Game of the Opponent
Pickleball is not just a physical game but also a mental one. The dynamics of playing against an opponent can influence how a player approaches easy shots.
If a player perceives that their opponent is likely to capitalize on any mistake, they might overthink the shot, leading to errors.
Conversely, if the opponent’s position seems to suggest an easy winner, the player might become too aggressive or careless, resulting in a missed shot.
Ex: Back in 2018, I was playing in a friendly, local tournament playing two friends in a semi-final match. They knew that I disliked repetitive lobs and in the final few rallies of that game, they proceeded to lob every single shot. It’s really too bad that I hadn’t learned to disguise my drops and change up my approach. My friends won the game.
The Learning Curve and Adaptation
Depending on one's sport background, for beginners and even intermediate players, the learning curve in pickleball can be steep.
What might appear as an easy shot for more experienced players can be a complex maneuver for those still developing their skills.
The process of learning to control and place the ball effectively is gradual, and players might struggle with easier shots until their skills become more refined.
If you’re one of those players, it’s important to keep working on the fundamental shots and over time they will feel effortless and second nature.
The Importance of Focus and Mindfulness
Finally, the act of maintaining focus and mindfulness is crucial in pickleball. Easier shots often require a different type of concentration compared to more challenging ones.
Players need to be mindful of their body positioning, paddle angle, and shot execution. Distractions, whether internal or external, can lead to mistakes in what seems like a simple play.
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