You’ll hear many odd terms and phrases shouted during a pickleball game. You’ll learn about dinks, slams, and cross-court lobs. You’ll come to understand the basics of pop-offs and dead balls. You’ll even learn the anatomy of the pickleball court, which uses strange names like the “kitchen line” and “non-volley zone.”

Among these terms, you’ll also hear many phrases borrowed from other racket sports — particularly tennis. One of these terms is the “unforced error,” a technical phrase that leaves many new players scratching their heads.

What Is an Unforced Error in Pickleball?

An unforced error occurs when a player misses a shot they should have otherwise returned. In more technical terms, it’s when a fault occurs despite the recipient maintaining otherwise impeccable control of the ball.

Most unforced errors happen when the recipient makes a mistake. They either flub the return hit or miscalculate their positioning. For example, a player might commit an unforced error by accidentally hitting a high out-of-bounds pop-off instead of a dink. Trips, stumbles, and falls are also common mistakes.

Simply put, unforced errors are shots that should have been returned.

They’re nothing to be ashamed of, though! Everyone has occasional unforced errors, even the professionals. You can spend every waking moment on pickleball drills, but you’ll still have the occasional slip-up.

Common Unforced Errors on the Pickleball Court

Unforced errors are more common among newcomers and novices. Thus, many of the most common unforced errors can be remedied through steady, consistent training. These relatively trivial errors are usually caused by the three cardinal sins of any pickleball game: hesitation, miscalculation, and misstepping.

However, to be more specific, some of the most common pickleball flubs include:

• Incorrect trajectories (generally the fault of unexpected spin)
• Miscalculated shot placement (usually the result of misunderstanding the opponents’ shot selection)
• Misunderstandings (particularly between doubles teammates)
• Misplays (such as hitting a volley in the NVZ)
• Pop-offs and unexpected return hits (often caused by improper gripping techniques)
• Sudden pace changes (frequently caused by an honest mistake during a rally)

Note that these mistakes can be fixed. You can train yourself to consistently avoid missteps and consistently land tricky shots. As you climb the skill rankings, you’ll see fewer unforced errors. The highest-rated players will rarely let their opponents earn points with unforced errors, priding themselves in their ability to maintain pace and rely on strategic victories.

What Is a Forced Error in Pickleball?

Conversely, a forced error is the result of masterful play. Regardless of the receiving team’s skill level, these shots were unlikely to be returned.

True forced errors are the culmination of countless hours of practice and study. They combine precision targeting, masterful control, and impeccable timing to form the ultimate pickleball play. More often than not, a forced error catches opponents off-guard and redirects the game’s focus.

In shorter words: Forced errors are points won through strategy rather than luck.

Why Forced Errors Are Preferable

Regardless of the game’s format, forced errors are always preferable to unforced errors. And that can be said for both teams!

After all, most unforced errors are the result of poor execution. Their unpredictability opens both sides to injuries as teammates scramble to recover an otherwise simple return hit.

Competitively, the serving team doesn’t want to lose control of the ball, and the receiving team doesn’t want to hand over free points!

Consider, too, the emotional payoff of each play. You’ll get a massive rush from a well-planned attack or defense. You get to see the payoff of your teamwork and planning. However, unforced errors are little more than flukes. Consider, too, the probability of each play. You’re less likely to win with unforced errors alone in highly competitive matches.

4 Tips to Reduce Your Unforced Errors

Practice makes perfect. Dedicated drilling and study will transform your pickleball shots into winning strategies. Singles players can focus more on solo strategy, but doubles teams will need plenty of bonding time.

However, there are many ways to start training yourself on-court, too!

1. Don’t Give Them an Easy Opportunity

While most pickleball games are an even mix of offense and defense, your mind should begin with a defensive focus. Learn your opponents’ favorite tactics and primary skills either before or during a match. Pay close attention to how they hit the ball and choose return shots.

Seek out ways to play against those strengths.

For example, some defensive spin can throw off a hard-hitting, straight-lobbing offensive team. Similarly, if your opponents frequently regroup at the baseline, hit shots to No-Man’s Land or score a solid dink to throw them off their game!

At the same time, you must protect your team’s weaknesses.

2. Don’t Exchange Easy Returns

Consider, too, your shot placement.

Shots aimed at your opponents’ feet are tricky to return and more likely to earn forced errors. Aside from their tricky positioning, foot-bound shots are quick, downward slams. However, their speed and practicality are multifunctional. Aiming for the feet can be part of a hard or soft game. It can happen with a lob or a dink.

You can also aim for similar weak spots, such as your opponents’ backhand and unprotected sides.

3. Switch Up Your Strategies

Finally, you want to practice and master many different techniques.

Yes, games are often won with dinking and lobbing. Games are also lost with the same tactics. However, success isn’t dependent on your ability to play to the letter. In most cases, the difference between the losing and winning teams is a full set of pickleball tactics.

Even the best dink grows stale. You can’t keep hitting the same play again and again and expect your opponent to remain oblivious! Eventually, they’ll catch onto your act. You’ll lose your advantage, and your lead will dwindle.

Vary your playing to keep opponents guessing, but be strategic with your choices. A hard-hitting lobbing match probably isn’t the best time to deploy a deep-court strategy. You also wouldn’t fare well dinking against opponents camped near the kitchen line.

4. Practice and Learn

Winning a rally takes practice, skill, and strategy.

Don’t be discouraged by losses, and don’t feel like a failure for a few unforced errors! Mistakes are natural; they’re part of the journey. Your skill baseline will change, and you’ll improve with practice and patience.

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