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5 Subtle Mistakes You’re Making in Pickleball That Are Costing You Games

As pickleball players, we all want to get better, win more matches, and have a great time on the court. But what if I told you that some of the reasons you might be losing games could come down to small, often unnoticed mistakes? Here are five mistakes that might be creeping into your game, without you even realizing it—and how to fix them.

1. Standing Too Close to the Baseline on the Serve
Many players make the error of standing too close to the baseline when serving. This limits your room for a powerful, consistent serve, and it can result in more faults, especially if you're stepping over the line. Try standing a step or two behind the baseline. This gives you more room to generate power and control, ensuring you stay behind the line.

**Pro Tip:** Practice serving from different depths behind the baseline to find the sweet spot that works best for your serve.

2. Neglecting the Non-Volley Zone (Kitchen)
The kitchen area, or the non-volley zone, can make or break a game. Many players are either too timid to approach it, staying back when they should be moving forward, or they linger too long after a dink, leaving themselves vulnerable to a fast return. Ignoring proper positioning near the kitchen can cost you points.

**Pro Tip:** Practice moving in and out of the kitchen area, learning to judge when to push forward for an aggressive play and when to retreat after a shot.

3. Overhitting the Dink
Dinking is one of the most strategic shots in pickleball, but many players unknowingly overhit their dinks, causing them to pop up and giving the opponent the perfect chance for a slam. If your dinks are too aggressive, you’re creating more problems than solutions.

**Pro Tip:** Focus on softening your dinks, aiming to keep them low and close to the net. This forces your opponents to hit upward, putting them at a disadvantage.

4. Inconsistent Footwork
Footwork is the foundation of pickleball success, but inconsistent footwork can lead to missed opportunities or poorly executed shots. Whether it’s planting your feet too early or not being quick enough to adjust, poor footwork can be the difference between winning and losing.

**Pro Tip:** Work on staying light on your feet and ready to pivot or move in any direction. Quick, small steps can help you adjust more effectively than big, cumbersome movements.

5. Failing to Communicate with Your Partner
Doubles is as much about chemistry as it is about skill. Poor communication with your partner—whether it’s not calling out shots, not covering each other’s weaknesses, or misjudging who should take the ball—can lead to easily preventable losses.

**Pro Tip:** Establish clear communication habits with your partner before the game. Whether it's calling out "mine" or "yours" or planning who covers certain areas, a little communication goes a long way.

By recognizing and correcting these subtle mistakes, you can dramatically improve your game and reduce unnecessary losses. Next time you’re on the court, be mindful of these five points, and watch your game take a big step forward!

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Understanding the 5 Pickleball Rating Systems: A Quick Guide

Pickleball continues to grow globally, and with that growth comes the need for accurate rating systems to track players’ progress and ensure fair competition. Whether you're a recreational player or a serious competitor, understanding the major rating systems can help you gauge your skills and find the right competition level.

 Here's a breakdown of five key rating systems used in pickleball today:

1. Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR)
   DUPR is a cutting-edge rating system that is gaining popularity due to its accuracy and inclusivity. It calculates a player's skill level based on actual match results from both tournament and recreational games. DUPR takes into account who you played, how you performed, and your opponent's rating. Players are rated on a scale from 2.0 to 8.0, making it dynamic and constantly updated as more games are played.

• Universal Tennis Rating (UTR) for Pickleball
  Originally designed for tennis, UTR has expanded into pickleball and is gaining traction as an accurate performance-based system. UTR uses match results to determine a player’s skill level, focusing on who you play, not just if you win or lose. Like DUPR, UTR for pickleball considers the strength of your opponents and your performance against them, giving a dynamic rating that adjusts as you compete.

• World Pickleball Rankings (WPR)
  World Pickleball Rankings are based on a player's performance in major tournaments around the world. Players earn points based on their results, and those points contribute to their global standing. WPR is widely used in professional circuits and international competitions, offering a comprehensive view of where players stand against the world’s best.

• Global Official Pickleball Rankings (GOPR)
  The Global Official Pickleball Rankings is another rating system that tracks tournament performance. Similar to the WPR, GOPR ranks players based on how well they perform in sanctioned events. This system is useful for players who regularly compete in regional and national tournaments, offering a clear path to track their rise through the ranks.

• International Pickleball Teaching Professional Association (IPTPA) Ratings
  The IPTPA provides a certification and rating system specifically designed for teaching professionals. It helps players and instructors gauge their technical skills and playing ability. The IPTPA rating scale ranges from Level 1 (beginner) to Level 5 (advanced), with specific criteria for each level based on technique, consistency, and overall performance. This rating system is used mostly by those teaching or coaching pickleball.

Each of these rating systems brings something unique to the table, whether it's tracking recreational games with DUPR or UTR, or ranking players in international competitions with WPR and GOPR. By understanding these systems, you can better navigate the pickleball world and find the right level of competition for your skill set.

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"Success in pickleball, like in life, isn’t about being perfect—it’s about learning from every shot, staying focused, and giving your best effort with every swing. REMEMBER PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION!"

SECRET HACK!

One secret hack to ensure you have enough energy to play multiple rounds of pickleball is to fuel your body with the right nutrients before and during your games.

Start your day with a balanced meal that includes carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle recovery, and healthy fats for sustained energy.

Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day and snack on light, energy-boosting foods like fruits, nuts, and granola bars.

During breaks between games, refuel with a sports drink or snack to replenish electrolytes and keep your energy levels up.

Prioritize rest and recovery to recharge for each round.

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