3 Things I Wish I Knew Sooner About Pickleball
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world—and for good reason. It’s fun, fast-paced, social, and accessible to all ages and fitness levels. But as with any sport, there’s a learning curve. And as someone who helps new and beginner players build confidence and avoid injury, I’ve seen the same mistakes pop up again and again—not just in my clients, but in my own journey too.
So today, I’m sharing 3 things I wish I knew sooner that would have saved me a lot of frustration (and helped me get better, faster). If you’re new to pickleball or thinking about getting started, this one’s for you.
1️. More playtime won’t fix bad technique
When I first started playing, I believed the only way to improve was to play more. So I showed up for every open play session I could find, thinking sheer repetition would sharpen my skills.
But all that did was reinforce bad habits. I was hustling hard but not getting any better. Worse, I started to feel frustrated and discouraged.
What I didn’t realize then was that practice without purpose can actually stall your progress. It wasn’t until I slowed down, worked on drills, footwork, and shot mechanics, and began training with intention that I truly began to see improvement.
Pro Tip: Carve out time for skill work outside of matches. Repeating good technique in controlled practice settings will translate to better play when the pressure is on. Hiring a coach is well worth the investment to help in this area.
2. ️ Not all paddles are created equal (especially for beginners!)
At first, I picked up a paddle based on looks and price. I figured, “A paddle’s a paddle, right?”
Wrong.
I quickly found myself struggling with control, mis-hits, and arm fatigue. What I didn’t understand at the time is that your paddle should match your strength, playing style, and skill level.
Whether you need more control, power, or forgiveness on off-center hits, the right paddle can completely transform how you play—and how confident you feel on the court.
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure what paddle is right for you, talk to a coach or visit a local shop where you can demo different options. And always look for gear designed to reduce vibration and protect your joints—especially if you're prone to elbow or wrist pain. (Check out body helix’s performance paddles—they’re engineered for control and comfort!)
3. ️ Trying to play ‘perfect’ was holding me back
Early on, I thought I had to play perfectly to be a “real” player. I’d freeze up over missed shots, get stuck in my head, and put way too much pressure on myself to “get it right.”
That all shifted recently when I had the chance to play in a fun “Play with the Pros” event. I was paired with a senior pro, and in the middle of a rally, he looked at me and said: “Stop trying so hard!”
It was the perfect reminder. The best players aren’t stiff or robotic—they’re loose, adaptable, and having fun.
Now when I feel myself getting too intense or overthinking on the court, I pause and remind myself why I started playing in the first place: to have fun!
Pro Tip: Don’t let the pressure to be perfect steal your joy. Relax, stay present, and enjoy the process. Progress will come naturally when you’re playing with joy and freedom.
Whether you’re brand new to the game or looking to finally get past that beginner plateau, remember this: confidence doesn’t come from playing more—it comes from playing smarter.
If you’re tired of feeling stuck, frustrated, or unsure where to start, my Fit Pickleballer Injury Prevention Program is built just for you. It’s designed to help you build strength, improve your game, and avoid common injuries—so you can feel strong, confident, and energized every time you step on the court.
And if you’re still looking for your perfect paddle, be sure to check out the lineup from body helix—they’ve got the performance and comfort every player deserves.
Colleen Riddle
ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Creator of the Fit Pickleballer Injury Prevention Program
Owner of Elite Physique Personal Training
📩 Colleen@ColleenRiddle.com
📱 Follow me on Instagram: @thefitpickleballer
🎁 Grab my FREE 6-Day Mobility Guide https://colleenriddle.com/landing/pickleball-mobility-guide
