5 Things 5.0+ Players NEVER Do!

Hey there, it’s your coach, Jordan Briones.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of coaching players at all different levels. From absolute beginners to advanced 5.0+ and even pro players. And one thing I’ve noticed is that what separates the top players isn’t always what they do. It’s often what they don’t do.

When you really observe elite players, you’ll find it’s not about some flashy technique or secret move. It’s about avoiding a few key habits that hold so many players back. These top-level athletes are laser-focused on consistency, control, and smart decision-making. They’ve eliminated the bad habits that slow down progress.

The first habit they’ve removed is relying on power. This is such a common trap. Many players think that if they just hit the ball harder, they’ll win more points. But the best players don’t rely on power alone. They use precision and placement to gain the upper hand. Whether it’s a controlled drop shot or a soft dink, they know exactly where they want the ball to land and how to set up the next shot. Power might help in the short term, but at the highest levels, it's precision that wins.

Next, top players are always in the right place at the right time. They never allow themselves to fall behind in court positioning. They make getting to the kitchen early a priority and stay balanced during every shot. Their footwork is calm, deliberate, and controlled. They’re not rushing or lunging. Their preparation gives them the ability to handle fast-paced exchanges with confidence.

Another thing they never do is blindly hit shots without intention. Their shot selection is thoughtful and strategic. Every dink, drive, and drop has a purpose. They’re constantly asking themselves what the best next shot is and how it fits into the flow of the rally. Lower-level players tend to hit and hope. Higher-level players hit with purpose and awareness.

They also don’t let momentum slip away. Mentally, they are locked in. When they make a mistake, they reset quickly. They don’t dwell on the last point or carry frustration into the next one. That ability to stay mentally fresh and focused is one of the biggest differences between a good player and a great one. You have to keep your head in the game at all times.

Lastly, high-level players never skip the fundamentals. They drill constantly. They practice the basics! They know that the basics are  the building blocks of high-level play. They don’t think they’re too advanced to work on the little things. In fact, they value the little things the most. Fundamentals aren’t just for beginners. They are the foundation of championship play.

So if you’re serious about improving your game, take a step back and ask yourself if any of these habits are still showing up in your play. Are you relying on power instead of placement? Are you sloppy with footwork? Are you playing without purpose? Are you losing focus after a mistake? Are you skipping your drills?

If so, that’s okay. The good news is that you can change these habits starting today. Focus on what the best players avoid and commit to cleaning up those patterns in your own game. When you do, you’ll start to feel the difference. You’ll move more efficiently, think more clearly, and play with more control.

Let’s keep growing, keep drilling, and keep learning. The journey to becoming your best pickleball self is one small adjustment at a time.

See you on the court,

Your Coach,
Jordan Briones