Why do we make so many unforced errors?

Unforced errors are generally defined as shots that you should have made without too much trouble. Like the routine shots I am always going on about. There is no real excuse for making these errors, so let's take a closer look at what's going on.

My first observation is that most people don't truly get into a good ready position. Pickleball is relatively fast most of the time and gets faster as you approach the NVZ. If you are ready, then you have a good chance of making a successful shot. If you are not ready, then your percentages go way down.

You should be in a ready position constantly during every rally. Feet wide apart, knees bent, and paddle out in front. You can move quickly in any direction from this position. When you hit a ball, your follow-through should take you right back to ready.

You should NOT stand up straight at this point. Stay ready. If you try to play standing up straight and bending over when necessary, you will make unforced errors.

From the ready position as I described above, you are going to find it very awkward to hit bowling alley strokes with the paddle head pointing down and dragging along behind your wrist. That stroke is a magnet for unforced errors and you need to get rid of it.

The new ready position will encourage (ok, force) you to be more patient and to wait longer for the ball. You will have better control, improved accuracy, and - voilà - fewer unforced errors.

So NOW you can do more drills, which seems to be the most recommended cure for unforced errors. But if you are not READY all the time, and/or if your mechanics suck, then you can drill all you want and you will get very little improvement.

Now, go do it.

See you at practice!

Michael Gauthier
Rally Academy
Pickleball Strokes