Call it a skill issue if you will, but...
It's frustrating trying to smack enemies with picked up props while aiming (in their direction) + moving with the left analog stick. It's hard to judge what some props do (hit around you / thrust) and maybe you get a feel for them as the game goes on, but early on, whiffing cos you guessed wrong is really punishing and enemies waste no time finishing you off.
I feel I'd really enjoy the game if I found controls that suit me.