Why Pickleball Players Blame Their Paddle: The Psychology Behind On-Court Mistakes

Why Do Some Players Always Blame the Paddle? Exploring Attribution Bias on the Court
On pickleball courts across the country, a familiar scene unfolds. A player misses an easy volley, sighs loudly, and mutters, “This paddle is awful.” It happens in recreational matches and competitive tournaments alike. The paddle becomes the scapegoat for errors, misjudgments, and missed opportunities.

But what drives this instinct to blame the equipment? Is it a sign of poor sportsmanship, or is there something deeper at play? To understand this behavior, one must turn to psychology — specifically, to a well-documented phenomenon known as attribution bias.

What Is Attribution Bias?
Attribution bias refers to the cognitive process by which individuals explain the causes of events and behaviors. Psychologists distinguish between two main categories:

Internal attributions: When outcomes are attributed to personal factors such as skill, effort, or decision-making.

External attributions: When outcomes are blamed on outside forces such as weather, equipment, or other people.

When a player credits a winning shot to their training and blames a missed dink on a faulty paddle, they may be unconsciously engaging in a form of self-serving bias — a subset of attribution bias designed to protect self-esteem and preserve confidence.

Pickleball and Personal Identity
Pickleball is unique in its accessibility. Beginners can rally within minutes, yet elite players engage in nuanced, high-level strategy. This wide skill range often creates environments where players of different levels intermingle, especially in recreational doubles.

In such contexts, mistakes become public. A missed shot does not occur in isolation but in front of partners, opponents, and spectators. For some players, especially those who are competitive or self-conscious, errors can feel like a personal failure. Blaming the paddle serves as a convenient psychological shield, deflecting attention from one's abilities and redirecting it to something controllable and non-human.

The Rise of Paddle Obsession
Modern pickleball has entered a phase of equipment proliferation. Paddles now vary in material, core structure, face texture, and even edge guard design. Brands claim their paddles offer more spin, better touch, or faster deflection. Players are often bombarded with paddle reviews, influencer endorsements, and technical breakdowns.

This commercial environment fosters an equipment-centric mindset. If a player watches a YouTube pro swear by a carbon-fiber model, it is easy to assume that the paddle — not positioning, technique, or timing — is the key to performance.

Blaming the paddle, in this context, becomes not only excusable but culturally reinforced. It aligns with the belief that “with the right gear, I’d be better,” and that belief is often more comforting than confronting flaws in mechanics or focus.

Social Pressure and Doubles Dynamics
In doubles, the psychological pressure of letting down a partner can be intense. A missed third shot drop or a poorly executed drive may provoke a reflexive apology or an explanation. Saying “I just can’t get used to this paddle” feels safer than admitting “I made a bad decision.”

This form of external attribution protects social harmony, even if momentarily. It avoids blame-shifting toward teammates or opponents and instead focuses criticism on an inanimate object. It is a socially neutral target — one that cannot argue back.

Does the Paddle Ever Deserve the Blame?
To be fair, not all paddle-blaming is irrational. Paddles differ in weight, balance, grip size, and sweet spot location. Switching to an unfamiliar paddle can absolutely affect shot consistency. A paddle with excessive pop may cause missed volleys, while a soft-core paddle may mute drives.

In such cases, players may be accurately attributing performance changes to new or unsuitable equipment. The key distinction is whether the paddle is being blamed responsibly and with context, or used habitually to deflect accountability.

Consequences of Blame Culture
Habitual paddle-blaming may seem harmless, but over time, it can inhibit skill development. By consistently externalizing errors, players miss opportunities for honest self-reflection and technical growth.

Moreover, blaming gear can create an emotional dependency on “perfect equipment.” Some players begin switching paddles frequently, searching for the ideal combination that masks weaknesses rather than improving fundamentals.

In competitive settings, chronic blaming may also affect reputation. Opponents and referees may view such behavior as excuse-making, undermining a player’s credibility or sportsmanship.

Psychological Strategies to Overcome Attribution Bias
Players looking to break the habit can adopt several evidence-based strategies:

1. Embrace Process-Oriented Thinking
Instead of focusing solely on outcome (e.g., whether a shot landed in), focus on decision-making and technique. Ask: Was my shot selection smart? Was my footwork correct?

2. Limit Equipment Changes
Choose a paddle and commit to it for a defined period. This reduces the temptation to blame the paddle after every mistake and forces a deeper focus on consistency and adaptability.

3. Practice Reflective Journaling
After each match or practice, write down three things that went well and three areas to improve. Make note of moments where blame arose and ask whether that blame was constructive or deflective.

4. Partner Accountability
Ask a trusted playing partner or coach to call out instances of paddle-blaming. A gentle reminder or raised eyebrow can be a powerful cue to reconsider your reaction.

5. Reframe Mistakes as Data
Each miscue is information. Instead of asking “What’s wrong with this paddle?” ask “What did I learn from that shot?” This shift transforms errors into fuel for improvement.

Coaching Perspectives
Top coaches recognize the signs of attribution bias early. Many emphasize mental training alongside drills, teaching players to own their errors as part of the growth process.

Sarah Ansboury, a leading pickleball coach and former national champion, has often said that “the paddle helps, but your feet and brain are more important.” This mindset encourages athletes to develop resilience, rather than rely on equipment as a crutch.

A Cultural Shift
As pickleball matures, a cultural shift may be necessary. From recreational clubs to pro circuits, there is room to promote an ethos of constructive self-assessment, even humor. Some leagues have already embraced paddle etiquette — discouraging angry throws or verbal abuse of gear.

By promoting mental toughness, emotional regulation, and performance ownership, the sport can cultivate a generation of players who view mistakes not as faults to be excused but as steps toward mastery.

Conclusion: Look Beyond the Paddle
Blaming the paddle is easy. It is also human. But like many cognitive shortcuts, attribution bias can quietly limit potential and cloud judgment. The best players — at any level — are those who learn to look inward with honesty and outward with clarity.

Pickleball may begin with a paddle, but performance ultimately resides in the choices we make, the habits we build, and the mindset we bring to the court. The paddle is a tool. Responsibility lies with the hand that holds it.