UNFORCED ERRORS ~ A COMMON PICKLEBALL DISORDER Revised Dec 26, 2018

    UNFORCED ERRORS ~ A COMMON PICKLEBALL DISORDER
by Joe Palmere Jr
REVISED DEC 26, 2018
©Copyright 2018 "ickleball Junkie"

(Word Count 1124)

ARE YOU ‘IN A PICKLE’ OVER PICKLEBALL ? 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; and you are even thinking about quitting  the fun friendly game” that you once loved.

If so, you have developed the Unforced Error Disorder (UFD)."  With the ever-increasing numbers of new players entering our sport, “UFD”  is reaching epidemic proportions.

At one time, my game performance was debilitated by this kinetic sickness.  Now, as an IPTPA pickle ball teaching processional coach, my responsibilities are to “detect and correct” others who are suffering from the unforced error syndrome.”

One of the hardest coaching tasks for me, is convincing players that mistakes and errors are the primary cause of their inconsistent play.

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Actions ~ Outcomes
 Defining the “actions” that influence a games outcome: 
The three most influential game changing actions in pickle are:
(1) committing “unforced errors;”
(2) executing unreturnable “forced error” shots;
(3) and “safe play shots” that keep the point alive.

Action #1:
For the purpose of this Study< I selected Mary Littlewoods definition of an unforced error (UFE), “when one player, without the direct intervention of an opponent, makes a bad shot, hence un forced.”

*I would include, “any shot that provides an opponent at the net, an opportunity to execute an easy put-away return. 
“Foot Faults” should also be considered as unforced errors.

The worst of the worst “one player” unforced errors are hitting the serve or return serve into the net or out of bounds. Committing either of these mistakes is paramount to   “mortal sins” in pickle ball.

Action #2: Forced Errors (FEs) are well executed and well placed shots, 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.

Action #3: Safe Play Shots (SPS) are defensive returns that keep the ball in play and the point alive. They do not directly result in a point or a service loss.
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The Statistical Findings 

©2018 Unforced Error Statistics
Joe Palmere Jr,. ©Copyright 2018 Pickleball Junkie

*These current unforced error statistics reflect today’s faster pace, unorthodox style of pickle ball game.

*Adult mixed doubles “open play” players *below the intermediate ~ advanced’ skill level. 

12 games of 11 points win by 2 points
162 shots per game (100.0%)
15 points per game
*10.8 shots per point
76 unforced errors per game (46.6%)
5.1 “ufe‘s” per point
19 “ufe’s” per player
21.6 forced errors per game (13.3%)
1.4 “fe’s” per point
64.8 safe play shots per game (40.1%)
4.3 “sps” per point

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Twenty-one “DO’S & DON’TS” To Reduce Unforced Errors

1. Use a “Ready Stance,” in-between returning the ball, ~ feet are shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, paddle chest high,  front of body pointing at the 10 o’clock position.

2. When your opponent prepared to hit the ball, “split step,” ~ plant your feet for a stable base, face the ball and wait in the ready position.

3. Players with cement feet, who do not move towards the ball, are easy “forced error targets” for skilled players.

4. A tight grip on a paddle will tilt the face to one side or the other, causing the ball to travel in the direction of the tilt.

5.Contact the ball out in front of your body, not behind you.

6. Loosen your grip, hold the handle in your hand like you would hold a raw egg, without cracking the shell.

7. Use a pendulum arm swing, without bending wrist or elbow.

8. A bent elbow or wrist can cause multiple directional errors. 

9. Minimize your backswing and maximize follow-thru.

 10. Use consistently successful shots, no trick shots please. 

11.  All shots require a “purpose and a target” ~ the “purpose” is to move your opponent out of position ~ the “target” is to  put the ball out of opponents’ reach.

12.  Avoid the back court game, get to net, and dink.

 13. At the NVZ: move together with your partner, to cover the two-thirds of the court opposite the ball.

 14. Shift your positions to always cover tye ball, and minimize middle space between you and your partner.

15. Communicate with your partner, calling shots, “you ~ me,  and “no“ for out balls. 

 16. No ball is worth a fall . . . . FALLS HURT !

 17. Do not attempt to return a ground stroke or a volley while you are moving forward or backwards.

 18. Learning shot selection and practicing shot placement reduces errors and improves ball control. 

19. Change pace ~ learn to hit soft, when opponent hits hard.

20. Avoid hitting high balls to opponent at net for easy smash.

21. Practice two hours for every one hour of play.
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Your Five Step Game Plan 

Here is a simple “Five Step Game Plan,“ to use when you play. 

1. Your best chance to minimize unforced errors is to get to the net as soon as possible, and play their until the rally ends. Don’t retreat, and don’t let opponents push you back.
2. Keep a light touch on the ball, aim for the center of the opponents‘ “No Volley Zone.”
3. The purpose of each shot is to force your opponents to hit up on the ball, so they can’t smash it back at you.
4. Have patience, let your opponents make the mistakes.
5. Wait for the right shot to misdirect your opponent and capture the point or win the serve.

*This strategy offers a large margin for shot error, slows pace, confuses opponents, minimizes smashing opportunities, and keeps the point alive. 

Does this strategy sound familiar ? It should, it’s called,” DINKING 101,” something you should have learned, when you first started playing pickle ball.
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Conclusion

If you were among the multitude of limited skill players, who’s game play was riddled by shots into the net, or out of bounds, but now you’ve decided to do something about it, than this “Study” will help guide you along a pathway to success. But “YOU must be willing to take the first “step.“
 Begin tracking your unforced errors for five games.
 Record the shots that are most troublesome and you now have a blueprint to practice “correcting” those shots.
Refer to the “Twenty-one Do’s & Don’ts List” to help you identify the causes for your errors.
Follow the “Five Point Game Plan Strategy” to reduce unforced errors. 

Remember "The Unforced Error Disorder" is something you can cure  ! 

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