UNFORCED ERRORS A PICKLEBALL PLAYERS WORST NIGHTMARES

    UNFORCED ERRORS A PICKLEBALL PLAYERS WORST NIGHTMARES
(By Joe Palmere Jr. December 15, 2013)
 

ARE YOU ‘IN A PICKLE’ OVER YOUR PICKLEBALL GAME?  You cannot understand why after a couple years of serious court time, you have not advanced to a higher skill level.  Are you traumatized at game time with any of the following symptoms: feel intimidated by better players; embarrassed by mere thought of another poor performance; feelings of fatigue and a lack of energy; no self-confidence, high expectations to lose near every games; feel like walking of the court in mid-game; wake up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat or worst yet, quit the “fun friendly game” that you once loved.  If So, you are suffering from “unforced error syndrome.”

With the ever-increasing numbers of new players in our sport, “unforced  error syndrome”  is reaching near epidemic proportions. Mr. Whites’ finding holds true even today!

PLAYER AWARENESS 
At one time, I was one of those 85% unforced error sickies.  Now, as an IPTPA pickle ball teaching processional coach, part of my responsibilities are to “detect and correct” others who are suffering from the Unforced Error Syndrome.
 
One of the hardest coaching tasks is convincing players that unforced errors are the primary cause of their consistently poor game play.
 
I wanted to find a forum that would reach a multitude of the limited skill average players who recognize their consistent poor game play but can not determine the cause or the cure.

Help is on the way! I decided that the best way to reach the masses was to conduct a “Unforced Error Study,” that would update unforced error statistics to reflect the present day, faster paced pickle ball game.  This Study will also help players  how to identify those errors and provide them a blueprint for cure.

CREDITS 
*Paul Aaron's, "  “A Pickleball Life Blog Unforced Error Statistical Analysis 2016.”
*Noel Whites' Pickleball Statistical Analysis circa 2012.
URL:  applecountrypickleball.blogspot.com/2016/02/pickleball-statistical-analysis.html

SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION
“Noel White and Paul Aaron” concurred that, “many average players, with skill levels below 4.0, are prone to commit more unforced errors, with higher shot averages per game, than 4.0 level players.”  Paul Aaron lists, “inconsistency, impatience, over powering shots, not developing a soft game of touch and feel, and a lack of practice,” as the main culprits of unforced errors.  

• The correlation between Noel Whites’ 9% unforced error rate and the 46.6% rate, predicts a higher trending unforced error rate among average mediocre players. 
• Mr. Aaron’s Study predicted that, "the team with fewer unforced errors will win 7 out o 10 games on average. Aaron goes on to say, “that means players should give up the hero aspiration that creates attempts to hit risky winners. Instead, players should make greater efforts to keep the ball in play while waiting for opponents to err.” 

Aaron recommends using your high percentage success shots to keep the ball on the court and out of the net, and most importantly have patience. Let your opponent make the mistakes. Avoid those show boat shots that usually get you in trouble.

I would also add hitting the ball low with a light touch, to the he middle of your opponents, aiming at their feet. This can serve as your default shot that will minimizes your chance to error, and maximizes your opportunity to win the rally by confusing your opponents.

DEFINING THE ACTIONS
First, we must identify and define the three most influential game changing actions in pickle. These actions are,:
(1) committing “unforced errors;”
(2) executing unreturnable forced error shots; and
(3) making safe play shots that keep the ball in play and the point alive. 

Action #1:

Unforced errors are defined by “Paul Aaron, as "a player

missing a shot that should normally be made." “Noel White   summarizes an UFE as any ball that is hit right to the individual and the individual hits the ball into the net or hits it out." 

Mark Friedenberg defines unforced errors as “a player’s mistakes that is attributed to one's own failure rather than to the skill or ability of one's opponent.*Mark Friedenberg’s Official Pickleball Handbook 2006.  

Mary Littlewood’s” states,“that an unforced error is, “when one player, without the direct intervention an opponent, makes a bad shot, hence un forced.” *Mary Littlewood’s Book “Pickleball Fundamentals” 2015.

I would add to those definitions “any return, that provides an opponent at the net, an opportunity to smash an easy put-away shot.

Unforced errors can also be subdivided into single player or team related unforced errors. A single player “ufes” is when one member of a doubles team hit’s a ball into the net or out bounds, and foot faults. Foot fault examples are when one or both feet touch the baseline when serving or when one or both touch the NVZ line when hitting a volley (air bound ball) before it bounces while standing in the NVZ.

Team related errors are, “unreturned easy shots down the middle in between both players, and unreturned overhead lobs that land inbounds behind both players.  

The worst of the worst “single player” unforced errors are hitting the serve or return serve into the net or out of bounds. Committing an unforced error on the serve, or the return of serve are considered “the mortal sins” of pickle ball.

Action #2: Forced Errors (fres) are a separate category of action in a pickle ball game.  A forced error is a well executed and well placed shot, made by a player, that directly result in an opposing player to miss the ball completely, hit the ball when its going out  bounds, or hit the ball into the net.

 Forced errors can be a well-executed unreturnable serve, a return of serve that lands on the baseline and bounces out of bounds, or a third shot drop that allows the serving team to reach the NVZ line. 
Action #3: Safe Play Shots (sps) are not related to an error.  

Safe play shots are defensive returns that keep the ball in play and the point alive.
“SPS” are often the results returning a well place shot, with one objective, to hit the ball back across the net and inbounds.

BY THE NUMBERS
2018 Findings from limited skill to average players below 4.0.
12 games of 11 points win by 2 points monitored
162 shots per game     (100.0%)      
15 points per game             
*10.8 shots per point         
76 unforced errors per game (46.6%)
5.1 “ufes” per point
19 “ufes” per player
21.6 forced errors per game  (13.3%)
1.4 “frce” per point
64.8 safe play shots per game (40.1%)
4.3 “sps” per point 

*A [side by side] comparison of 2012 findings Vs. 2018 findings is contained in “Annex B.“

DECIPHERING HIEROGLYPHICS
"The 2018 Study” determined that 46.6% of pickle ball game shots resulted in unforced errors. This is considerably higher than the “2012 Study’s 9% unforced error rate per game. 
I attribute the higher percentage of unforced errors,  to the human condition.

See how many can you personally relate to ?

“2018 Study” focused on limited skill to average players under 4.0 and the “2012 Study,” targeted 4.0 and above players.

• Today’s game is faster & more physically demanding, favoring players with advanced skill. . .
• The tidal wave of new players today as opposed to seven years ago, has created more unskilled players because of fewer game learning opportunities.
• Many “open play” venues require players with a minimum 2.5 skill set, so they do not have to expend valuable court time teaching newer players the game.
• Unskilled players in “open play” venues often experience longs waits to play, especially when players pay to play.
• New player learning opportunities are dwindling as the numbers of players continue to grow.
• Many new players enter pickle ball with the mindset that “it’s a fun way to exercise. As soon as they can hit the ball they enter  recreational “open open” play. And this is where they stay, playing game after game, heeding the advice of “court side coaches,” never improving beyond average, and bewildered why they keep losing games to players with less court time.’

 

CAUSE AND EFFECT

The Cosmic Law of Cause and Effect, is "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction."

The same applies in pickleball. For every action you make during a pickleball game, there is an equal and opposite reaction.  

Causes and effects that result in unforced errors during game.

• No ready stance, delays reaction time, allows balls to get past player before reacting.
• Ready Stance, core is upright, facing the ball, paddle chest high pointing at 10 o’clock.
• Using the split step when opponent hits the ball, improves the return and placement of ball
• Cement feet players who do not move to ball make easy forced error targets for opponents.
• Have a purpose and target for each shot improves ball control and placement.
• Use the pendulum arm swing, keep paddle arm relaxed & extended, contact to follow-thru.
• Chicken wing swing, bending at elbow or wrist cause right or left errors.
• Minimize backswing and maximize follow-thru, avoid the net and stay inbounds.  
• Choking death grip on paddle handle will  tilt the paddle face in one direction or the other, causing the ball to travel in the same direction that the paddle is tilted.
• If you want the ball to go straight down the opponents center line, and your death grip tilts the paddle to one side or the other, the ball will travel where the paddle is tilted.
• Loosen and relax your grip, hold the handle like your were holding a tiny bird, just tight enough to keep it from flying away but not injure the delicate little creature in hand.
• More tips and tricks for reducing unforced errors during game:
  Keep eyes on the ball, especially at point of contact.
  Keep the ball in play ~ let the opposing team make mistakes.
  Out of bounds shots ~ reduce power on your return by half.
  Net shots, make sure your paddle face is not tipped down. 
  Change pace ~ learn to hit soft, when opponent hits hard.
  Avoid back court banging game, go to net, and dink.
  Avoid hitting high balls to opponent at net for easy smash.
  Move towards ball, do not develop cement feet on court.

After the game:

• Seek help from certified instructors, not courtside coaches.   
• For every hour of play, practice 2 hours on game shots.
• Read and re-read the these books and magazine: 
•   *Mark Friedenberg’s Official Pickleball Handbook 2006
•   *Mary Littlewood’s Book “Pickleball Fundamentals” 2015.
•   *Subscribe to Pickleball Magazine,
• Join the USAPA and find places to play in your area. 

SUMMARY
One of the important statistics to remember from this research is from Noel Whites’ 2012 Unforced Error Study, is. “85% of average players under the 4.0 level are unaware of the negative impact of unforced errors on their game.”  Unfortunately, the same percentage holds true today.

Another distressing statistic is 46.6% unforced errors rate, by today’s average players below 4.0. This shows a lack of motivation for these players to improve their game play. Many reach a certain comfort level. They are content to continue playing at that level.

Possibly we, the representatives and leaders, in the picklball community are at the root of the problem.  Have we forgotten about the limited skill players, in our frenzies to promote events to capture the gold, silver or bronze, and aggrandize our best players.

When “pros” host clinics, workshops or camps, they often exclude the players under 3.0 level. Where are the clinics, camps and workshops for the under 3.0 level players ?  
When was the last time any local tournament were held strictly for lower skill players under the 3.0 skill level ?

If we began to sponsor such events we just might motivate more limited skill players to seek instruction and work on improving their game by reducing unforced errors.  Thus improve the quality of pickleball play for all.

Sure many tournaments have lower level skill brackets but few if any are held locally.
Even in the Tournament highlight videos, how many times do your see any games below 3.0 ?

Local Ladder Leagues could be organized for players under the 3.0 skill level to encourage participation by limited skill players. They would compete against similar skill players, without having to be subjected to a beat down by advanced players. Most Ladder Leagues require limited skill participants to play against advanced players until they are seeded in a bracket.

For limited skill players to be be motivated to improve their game play and reduce unforced errors, there needs to be more positive incentives, encouragement and a friendly face of support.

We should not shun away from playing with limited skill players at open play venues.  It’s fun to take two advance players and mix up a foursome, at the same time the better players are encouraging their partners with constructive feedback and not destructive commentary.

  What MORE can we do to motivate these 85% of limited skill players to want to improve their game and stop ignoring their  unforced errors ?
Short Answer . . . . LOTS !

--END--

P.s.  I want to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to Mr. Noel White and Mr. Paul Aaron for their historic research on Pickleball Statistics, namely "Unforced Errors." 
URL:  applecountrypickleball.blogspot.com/2016/02/pickleball-statistical-analysis.html

ATTACHMENTS

Annex A: *2018 Research Protocols
Annex B: *2018 Vs. 2012 Side by Side Statistical Comparison
Annex C: *2018 Blueprint For Cure

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   UNFORCED ERRORS A PICKLEBALL PLAYERS WORST NIGHTMARES
“Annex “A”      
2018 Research Study Protocols and Logistical Parameters

• To accomplish this research I followed the following protocols:      
• During 2018, I monitored 12 open play indoor recreational mixed doubles games of 11 points win by 2 points.
• Players of limited to average skill below 4.0 were sampled.
• Player skill sets varied from 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 skill, 
• No skill assessments were assigned to individual players.
• Player age (35 to 55 years) was determined subjectively.
• Players were unaware that they were being monitored.
• Court surfaces were synthetic composition, dark green, outdoor tennis courts.
• Onyx Fuse Outdoor Balls were used in all games.
• Players were unaware of my monitoring of their play.
• Tallied the twelve game totals of shots, unforced errors,  forced errors, and safe play shots.
• Points were not counted in the total game shots tally.
• Points scored by winners and losers were added together.  
• Points resulted from unforced errors or forced errors.
• Safe play shots do not directly result in points.
• Percentages with decimal fractions were not rounded off.
• Unforced Errors may be expressed as “ufes” for brevity.
• Forced Errors may be expressed as “frce” for brevity.
• Safe Play Shots may be expressed as “sps” for brevity.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    UNFORCED ERRORS A PICKLEBALL PLAYERS WORST NIGHTMARES

“Annex B”

UNFORCED ERRORS STATISTICAL ANALYSIS COMPARISON

2018 Study Statistics         Vs.    2012 Study Statistics
===================================================
Mediocre Average Players     Vs.   Advanced 4.0 Players
162 shots per game            Vs.   180 shots per game      
15 points per game             Vs.   18 points per game
*10.8 shots per point          Vs.   10.0 shots per point
76 unforced errors per game  Vs.  6 unforced errors per game
5.1 “ufes” per point            Vs.  1.3 “ufes” per point
19 “ufes” per player            Vs.  4.0 “ufes” per player
21.6 “frce” per game           Vs.  n/a
1.4 “frce” per point             Vs.  n/a 
64.8 safe play shots per game  Vs. n/a
4.3 “sps” per point               Vs. n/a

*To some comparing these studies may appear like comparing  apples and oranges,  It’s more like comparing apples to pomegranates. But the numbers all have relevance. 


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    UNFORCED ERRORS A PICKLEBALL PLAYERS WORST NIGHTMARES
“Annex C”

2018 Research Study Blueprint For Cure From Unforced Errors

Immediately after each game record all your errors in a small notebook, unforced errors, foot faults and mental mistakes.

After you play five games, summarize errors by frequency of occurrence (highest to lowest).
This list now becomes your blueprint to practice correcting your errors on specific shots. 
Strive for an 8 out of 10 success rate for each shot.

After every five games repeat the process, and restructure your practice accordingly.
Soon you will see the results of your labors, unforced errors decline and you will start winning more games.

Format Your Recorded Mistakes As Follows: 
     Date      /  Problem Shot    /  Frequency  / Error Made      
  12-10-18      --serve--           --4--     --out bounds--                   
                 -return of serve--   --2--     --into net--
                --return of serve--   --2--     --out bounds--                 
                --return of volley--   --1--     --into net--
                --foot faults--        --2--       --NVZ--