If you could go back and fix the biggest mistakes in your pickleball game, where would you start? Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate player, these five essential tips from Barrett and Danea Bass can instantly elevate your performance, help you win more points, and give you better control on the court.

1. Use the split step to stay balanced and offensive

One of the most overlooked fundamentals in pickleball is the split step. Many players run through their shots, especially when moving from the baseline to the kitchen line, which throws off balance and limits control.

Instead, time your split step right as your opponent makes contact with the ball. This puts you in an athletic stance, ready to react and attack.

Why it matters:

- Improves balance and reaction time
- Helps you adjust to angles
- Keeps you in control instead of scrambling

Bonus tip: Even when rushing to the kitchen after a return, split step before your opponent hits, especially against hard drives.

2. Create space at the kitchen line with a pivot step

Great dinking isn’t just about soft hands—it’s about creating time and space. Instead of hugging the kitchen line and taking every ball early, use a slight pivot step backward to let the ball drop.

This allows you to:

- Contact the ball at a better height
- Add deception to your shots
- Open up more offensive options

Avoid taking too many short hops. Letting the ball fall into your paddle gives you more control and versatility.

3. Beat power players with compact swings and quiet movement

When facing hard hitters (aka “bangers”), less is more.

At the kitchen line, players often make the mistake of:

- Taking big swings
- Moving too much
- Losing control of contact

Instead, focus on:

- Compact swings
- Still head and quiet feet
- Slight forward hinge at the hips

This keeps your paddle stable and prevents pop-ups, giving you a much stronger counterattack.

4. Improve your return of serve for easy points

Your return of serve might be costing you more points than you realize.

A strong return sets up your third shot advantage by:

- Pushing your opponent deep
- Giving you time to get to the kitchen
- Making it harder for them to attack

Key adjustments:

- Use forward momentum through contact
- Keep your swing more flat than topspin-heavy
- Avoid overusing wrist lag

Think of your return as a setup shot, not just a way to start the rally.

5. Target the middle to eliminate angles

Here’s a secret many advanced players use: the middle of the court is your safest and smartest target.

Why?

- It reduces your opponent’s angles
- Forces confusion between partners
- Gives you more margin (lowest part of the net is in the middle)

Apply this to:

- Dinks
- Drops
- Speed-ups

Remember: Angles create angles, but the middle takes them away.

Take your pickleball game to the next level

These five tips may seem simple, but they address some of the most common mistakes players make at every level. By improving your footwork, positioning, and shot selection, you’ll play more confidently and win more points.

If you’ve been stuck in a plateau, start here. Small adjustments can lead to big results on the court.