Unforced Errors

I have always used unforced error counts as a pretty good indicator of how a game went, or at least how each player contributed to the outcome. The gold standard for the best players is 1 to 3 per game, and that is usually low enough to lead a team to victory.

I was watching some PPA action last weekend and I was quite surprised at the large number of unforced errors I saw from highly ranked so-called "pro's".

Remember that unforced errors are simply shots where there was every expectation that the ball would go over the net or at least stay on the court - the routine shots that every top player should get EVERY time.

So I watched a bit closer and was quite surprised at how many serves and returns were hit short, at how few third shot drops were effective, at how many drives went into the net, at how many drives went off the court, at how many dinks went into the net, and at how many popups were gifted to the opposition. Am I wrong to expect that good execution of all these things should be second nature to someone identifying as a pro?

So I watched again, even closer and this time and I noticed lots of basic mechanics issues - players rarely being in a good ready position, players with horribly ineffective grips and strokes, and tons of questionable footwork. And all of these things contribute greatly to unforced errors.

So what gives? Is our game so easy to play that good athletes can progress quickly without ever learning the basics?

See you on the courts.

Michael Gauthier
Rally Academy
Pickleball Strokes
​NDY (Not Done Yet)