Pickleball is no longer just a backyard hobby—it’s become a fast-paced, highly competitive sport enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re aiming to dominate your local courts or thinking about entering your first tournament, sharpening your skills with targeted drills is the key to improvement.
Here are 7 powerful pickleball drills that can elevate your strategy, boost your confidence, and give you that competitive edge.
1. The Dink Control Drill: Master the Soft Game
Why it works: The dink is essential in pickleball. This soft shot keeps the ball low and close to the net, forcing your opponent to make difficult plays without much swing room.
How to drill it:
- Partner up or use a practice wall.
- Stand at the kitchen line and aim to consistently land dinks in your opponent’s kitchen area.
- Focus on control, not speed—keep the ball low over the net.
- Challenge yourself by switching from forehand to backhand dinks without losing rhythm.
Pro Tip: Try 100 consecutive dinks without a mistake. It’s harder than it sounds—and extremely effective.
2. Third Shot Drop Drill: Set the Tone for the Rally
The third shot drop is what separates beginners from advanced players. It’s the shot you hit after the serve return—aimed to softly land in the opponent’s kitchen to allow your team to advance to the net.
How to drill it:
- Have a partner stand at the kitchen line while you’re at the baseline.
- Practice hitting soft arc shots that land just over the net into the kitchen.
- Focus on consistency and placement. Get a feel for how much paddle control is needed.
Why it matters: A well-executed third shot drop neutralizes your opponent’s position and lets you take control of the game.
3. Cross-Court Dinking Drill: Improve Angles and Patience
This is a favorite drill among intermediate and advanced players because it trains angle, footwork, and patience—three essential elements for dominating net play.
How to drill it:
- Position yourself diagonally from your partner at the kitchen line.
- Engage in a cross-court dink rally.
- Try hitting a variety of spins—topspin, underspin—to keep things unpredictable.
Goal: Get at least 50 cross-court dinks in a row without missing. When done right, this improves court awareness and precision.
4. Volley-to-Volley Drill: Train for Net Battles
Pickleball isn’t just about soft touches. When the game heats up, you need to be quick, reactive, and aggressive at the net. This drill focuses on just that.
How to drill it:
- Stand at the kitchen line facing your partner.
- Rapid-fire volley back and forth using controlled power.
- Use both forehand and backhand grips to stay dynamic.
What it does: Builds fast reflexes, wrist strength, and prepares you for firefights at the net.
5. Shadow Footwork Drill: Movement Without the Ball
Footwork can make or break your ability to execute shots. This solo drill might not use a ball, but it’s crucial for building agility and court coverage.
How to drill it:
- Mark out the court lines or visualize them.
- Practice moving side-to-side along the kitchen line, up to the baseline, and diagonally—while simulating shot motions.
- Maintain a low athletic stance throughout the movement.
Why it’s important: Great players anticipate and move before the ball arrives. This drill trains muscle memory and court instincts.
6. Serve Target Drill: Precision from the Start
A well-placed serve can put immediate pressure on your opponent. While many underestimate the importance of a good serve, it can truly set the tone.
How to drill it:
- Place cones or markers in various areas of the service box.
- Practice hitting specific targets—deep corner, middle line, shallow right.
- Vary your power and spin to simulate game scenarios.
Goal: Hit at least 7 out of 10 serves into the desired zone. The more unpredictable your serve, the harder you are to beat.
7. Game Simulation Drill: Tie It All Together
Once you’ve practiced all the components, it’s time to combine them in a controlled game scenario.
How to drill it:
- Play short games to 5 points with a partner or a coach.
- Incorporate each drill above: serve, return, third shot drop, dinks, volleys.
- Keep score, but focus on executing the techniques, not just winning.
Why it’s powerful: Simulating a game with an emphasis on technique helps transition practice into real-time performance. It’s the bridge between drilling and competing.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Drill Alone—Drill Smarter
Joining group pickleball lessons can be a game-changer. Not only do you learn from experienced instructors, but you also benefit from playing with others who challenge you in different ways. These lessons often incorporate advanced drills like the ones listed here, plus feedback on your technique and tactics.
If you’re planning to put your new skills to the test, keep an eye out for upcoming local events and pickleball tournament registration opportunities. The more you compete, the faster your game will grow—and the more fun you’ll have doing it.
Final Thoughts: Practice With Purpose
Drills might not seem as exciting as a full-on game, but they are the foundation of improvement. Each drill targets a specific skill, builds muscle memory, and prepares you for clutch moments in actual play.
Here’s a quick recap of the 7 drills:
| Drill | Focus |
|---|---|
| Dink Control | Soft touch, consistency |
| Third Shot Drop | Net transition |
| Cross-Court Dinking | Angles, patience |
| Volley-to-Volley | Reaction, aggression |
| Shadow Footwork | Movement, balance |
| Serve Target | Accuracy, unpredictability |
| Game Simulation | Real-time decision making |
Don’t just play—train smart. Master these drills, and you’ll find yourself moving more confidently, hitting more strategically, and winning more consistently.
Ready to Elevate Your Pickleball Game?
Whether you’re training for fun or prepping for your next tournament, our courts are open and equipped for all skill levels. Join our welcoming community of players, book a court, or take your training to the next level.
Visit us today and let’s get you rally-ready!