5 common mistakes intermediate players make

5 common mistakes intermediate players make (and how to fix them to truly improve)

You know the basics. You serve, you rally, you win points. And yet… something feels off. Like you’ve hit a plateau? That’s normal. Progress in tennis (or pickleball) is never linear. At some point, you need to shift from execution to understanding.

Here are 5 common mistakes intermediate players make — and more importantly, how to correct them to move forward.

1. Playing without intention

Many players hit the ball just to keep it in play — not to build the point.

🧠 The mistake: Hitting just to hit, with no clear purpose.
🎯 The fix: Before each shot, ask yourself: What’s my goal here? Do I want to apply pressure? Change the pace? Buy myself time?vPlaying with intention changes everything — even with the same shots.

2. Sticking to your comfort zone

Always hitting the same type of shots, to the same areas, with the same rhythm?
Chances are, you’re unconsciously avoiding situations that challenge you.

🚫 The mistake: Never mixing it up (spin, slice, short, deep).
💡 The fix: Introduce one new element per session — slice more, approach the net once per game, or serve and volley occasionally. It adds surprise — and makes you less predictable.

3. Waiting for your opponent to mess up

Sure, you’re winning points — but mostly because your opponent makes mistakes.

😴 The mistake: Playing too passively, too far behind the baseline.
🔥 The fix: Put yourself in a position to control the rally.
Learn to recognize attackable balls and take initiative. That’s when the game gets exciting — and when you grow.

4. Lacking mental consistency

You play great… until you're up 4-2. Then everything unravels. Why? Because you shift from being the player to being the spectator of your own match.

💣 The mistake: Getting caught up in the score or emotions.
🧘 The fix: Stay in the moment. Point by point.
Create mini routines (wipe your racket, breathe, talk to yourself positively). Mental consistency is a skill you can train.

5. Practicing like you play… or playing like you practice?

You hit well during warm-up, but collapse in matches? Or you never practice seriously… and expect to perform in tournaments?

⏱️ The mistake: Not bridging the gap between practice and match play.
🚀 The fix: Simulate match conditions in training — scoring, pressure, fatigue.
And in real matches, apply what you’ve worked on. That’s the only way to build long-term progress.

🧭 Want to improve? Start by observing, adjusting, repeating.

These mistakes are normal. They’re part of the journey. But what separates players who plateau from those who improve isn’t talent. It’s awareness — and the courage to change, one step at a time.