15 Harsh Truths About Pickleball You Can't Ignore

Pickleball combines the best parts of tennis, badminton and table tennis into one extremely fun sport. It's fast, it's fun, and it's catching on fast. But don't be fooled by its friendly vibe - Pickleball has some harsh truths that every player, beginner or veteran, needs to face.

Accepting these realities will make you sharper, realize the challenges of the sport, and ultimately become a better player.

1. Pickleball isn't as easy as it looks.

Many novices think Pickleball is just a simple, laid-back game. But once you actually step on the court, you'll quickly realize that it requires a great deal of skill, strategy, and fitness. One veteran player summed it up perfectly, "A college tennis player will master Pickleball better in three weeks than you will in three years, even if you've spent three years trying to master it."

This can be a humbling experience, but it does demonstrate the importance of continued learning and practicing.

2. Injuries are (very) common

Like any sport, Pickleball has its physical risks. We're talking sprains, strains, and the dreaded tennis elbow. To avoid these injuries, it's crucial to warm up properly, cool down, and stay in good physical shape.

One player wisely said, "Pickleball is great exercise, but like any sport, overdoing it can lead to injury. Make sure you take a rest day every so often."

3. The learning curve is steeper than expected

Mastering Pickleball is not easy - it takes time and serious dedication. Many players will encounter a steep learning curve in the beginning. Regular practice and persistence are key.

One player noted, "The hard truth is that you have to train to get better. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but most people prefer to just play the game."

4. equipment is more important than you think

Skill is very important in Pickleball, but having the right equipment can make a huge impact. It's worth investing in good racquets, balls and shoes. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking a new racquet will magically improve your game.

As one experienced player said, "An expensive new racquet won't improve your game as much as you think it will if your swing mechanics, form and court awareness aren't solid enough."

5. The Mental Game is Vital

Pickleball's mental game is absolutely vital. It's not just about hitting the ball - it's about staying sharp, focused and positive, especially in times of stress. Your mindset can determine your performance.

As Gene, a professional member of Pickleball Union, aptly puts it, "I've seen people struggle to get ahead in Pickleball because they don't have quick reflexes. Without that natural anticipation and quick reaction, you simply can't improve."

In other words, if your mind isn't in the game, your hands won't be either.

6. Competitive games reveal your actual skill level

Competitive Pickleball games can really give you a sense of its intensity. Tournaments and league games push players to their limits, sometimes bringing out their best and sometimes not.

This is the game that really tests your skills and mental toughness and usually reveals your actual skill level.

Pickleball Union pro Steve says it well, "Most players think they are better than they really are. The only way to really see your level is to play in a larger tournament that is comparable to your skill level and then play through the tournament to find out your true level."

7. not everyone plays by the rules

In recreational tournaments, not everyone follows the rules to the letter, which can lead to controversy. Knowing the official rules and handling disagreements gracefully is important to ensure fair play.

Remember, just because you think the ball is out of bounds doesn't mean it really is. "Your perception can easily be distorted by the speed of the ball, your position on the field, or even your beliefs about whether the ball is out of bounds."

8. play against different players to improve your game

One of the best ways to improve your skills is to play against different players. Sticking to the same group can limit your progress. As Paul Lemley of the Pickleball Union editorial team puts it, "Your local open play or group play may limit you. Playing against the same people means facing the same balls, the same strategy and the same speed, which leads to the same level of performance."

9. age and fitness do matter

The reality is that age and fitness do affect the way you play Pickleball. Staying healthy and fit is very important, especially as you age. Adjusting your style of play to match your physical abilities can keep you in the game longer.

Paul, a professional member of Pickleball Union, puts it well when he says, "Agility and footwork are key - you have to be able to catch the ball, and the sad truth is that this becomes harder and harder as you get older!"

10. You can't win with power alone

The Importance of Hanging the Ball in Pickleball It's tempting to rely on power hitting and power pumping to dominate the court, but the reality is that a well-rounded style of play is the key.

As one player pointed out, "The hard truth for players who only hit hard is that you need a hard and soft style of play to be really effective. If all you can do is hit the ball hard, it's easy to beat."

11. You can't improve without practicing (practice frequently)

Getting better in Pickleball is more than just playing more games.Pickleball Union Pro member Nea aptly says, "You have to practice to get better. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication, but most people prefer to just play the game."

If you want to really master the sport, a regular training routine at least 2-3 times a week is essential. It's all about putting in the hard work to hone those skills.

12. Height matters.

Height can be a significant advantage in Pickleball, similar to basketball. One player noted, "Height is almost as important in Pickleball as it is in basketball. The court is set up very much in favor of taller players, so if you're not tall, you need very good skills to compete at a higher level." Shorter players need to develop greater skills to compete at a higher level.

13. age does not always mean a disadvantage

Don't underestimate older players. A friend and player shared, "No matter how young and athletic you are, some older players will still beat you."

Experience and strategy often trump mere physical ability, so respect your opponents no matter how old they are.

14. equipment will help, but is no substitute for skill

Many players think that upgrading their equipment will immediately improve their game, but this is far from the truth. While it's true that good equipment can help, it won't make you play like Ben Johns; one player said it best: "Your new racquet won't magically help you beat the players you consistently lose to. Just one or two matches with it isn't enough to see a real difference."

The point is to improve your technique and strategy, not rely on equipment upgrades alone.

15.Unreliable scoring system

Pickleball's scoring system isn't always accurate, which can be frustrating for many players. One experienced player noted, "There is no good scoring system and there never will be. There will always be 'cheating' in tournaments."

Accepting the flaws in the scoring system can help you focus on personal improvement and enjoying the game instead of getting bogged down in the numbers.

FineAny Pickleball: Enjoy the Fun of Hitting! Play Your Best!

At FineAny Official, we are committed to providing top-quality pickleball equipment to ensure your performance on the court is impeccable. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, our product range can meet your needs:

Pickleball Paddles: From the affordable T300 series, the premium T700 series and the top Kevlar series, we offer a variety of materials and performance paddles to meet the needs of different players.
Pickleball Balls: High-quality balls add fun and challenge to every game.
Pickleball Bags: Stylish and practical bags designed for your equipment, keep your paddles and accessories safe and worry-free.