One of the biggest mistakes that pickleball players of all levels make is standing in "no man's land." This is the area in the middle of the court between the serving line and the kitchen line. When you are positioned in this area your opponents are able to hit the ball at your feet for an easy winner. The only time you should be in this area is when you are transitioning from the back line to the kitchen line or to coming up to hit a return ball that lands in this area. Only transition to the kitchen line when you have enough time to get the whole way to the kitchen line. When you move up to hit a return of a short shot make sure you move forward to the kitchen line after your return. Here is a link on this topic.
pickleballstrategy.com/no-mans-land/
Duane
