Mastering Pickleball: Drills to Boost Your Skills and Raise Your Game

Pickleball’s popularity has exploded for a reason: it’s fun, fast-paced, and can improve your fitness and coordination in a short time. Whether you’re just starting or you’re a regular player looking to sharpen your skills, dedicated drills are a must. Practicing drills enhances accuracy, reaction time, and game strategy, and will ultimately give you the confidence to play a stronger, smarter game. Below are some essential pickleball drills to add to your routine.

  1. Dinking Drill

A good dink game keeps your opponents guessing, so dinking is something every player should work on. The goal of a dink is to hit the ball lightly over the net into the opponent’s non-volley zone, forcing them to play low and setting you up to take control of the point.  

For this drill, partner up and position yourselves on opposite sides of the net at the non-volley zone line. Start by lightly hitting the ball over the net, focusing on keeping it low and controlled. Aim to keep the rally going for as long as possible. As you improve, try varying the angle and depth of your dinks to mimic game scenarios. Practicing this consistently will make you more comfortable with the soft shots that are vital for an effective offense.

2. Third Shot Drop Drill

The third shot drop is a crucial move that can shift the momentum in a game, giving you the chance to move up to the net while making it difficult for your opponents to attack. To practice this, start at the baseline with a partner at the net. Hit a drop shot just over the net and aim to land it in the non-volley zone on your opponent’s side. 

 Focus on controlling the height and spin of the ball to keep it low, making it hard for your partner to respond with an aggressive volley. This shot can be tricky, so practice different levels of force until you find the sweet spot. Consistency with the third shot drop will give you a huge advantage, allowing you to move into a stronger position at the net and setting up the point on your terms.

3. Volley Drill

The volley is all about speed and control, so it’s one skill worth polishing regularly. Stand a few feet from the net with a partner on the other side, and practice quick volleys back and forth. The goal is to keep the ball in play while focusing on precision. As you get more comfortable, increase the pace.  

This drill will sharpen your reaction time and improve your hand-eye coordination, which is essential for handling fast exchanges during a match. Try varying the angle and location of your volleys, forcing your partner to adjust their stance and positioning. Volley drills will give you the confidence to handle high-speed exchanges and improve your ability to anticipate where the ball will go next.

4. Serve and Return Drill

A consistent, accurate serve sets the tone for each point, while a solid return puts pressure on your opponent right from the start. Practicing your serve and return is simple and effective. Begin by serving to specific spots on the court, such as the backhand side or deep to the baseline, aiming for consistency with each serve.

Next, have your partner focus on returning serves to a specific area, like your backhand or forehand. The more you practice, the better you’ll be at both starting and countering points. For added challenge, try varying your serve speed and spin to mimic game conditions. A reliable serve and return drill can help you start each rally with confidence and better control.

5. Cross-Court Dinking Drill

Cross-court dinks are slightly trickier than straight dinks, requiring more finesse to angle the ball correctly. Stand on one side of the net with a partner directly across in the diagonal position. Start dinking cross-court to one another, working on maintaining control and accuracy.  

This drill will challenge your touch, as the cross-court dink demands a bit more spin and control. The angles you create with cross-court dinks can make it hard for opponents to reach the ball, giving you an edge during long rallies. When you’re comfortable with the basics, increase the speed to simulate the pace of a competitive game.

6. Footwork and Positioning Drill

Footwork and positioning can make or break your game. For this drill, start at the baseline and move up to the non-volley zone line as quickly as possible. Once there, practice side-stepping along the line while staying low and balanced. This will help you stay agile and in control as you move, allowing you to get to the ball quickly.  

To add intensity, have a partner hit the ball to different spots on the court, forcing you to adjust your position and stance. Practicing this regularly will improve your readiness and ability to cover more ground during a match. With better footwork, you’ll find yourself in the right spot more often, giving you a clear advantage in rallies.

7. Wall Drill

If you’re practicing solo, the wall drill is an excellent option for honing your reflexes and control. Stand a few feet away from a wall and hit the ball against it, aiming to maintain control with each hit. Vary between volleys, dinks, and groundstrokes, adjusting your distance as needed.  

This drill improves timing and consistency, as the wall provides constant, unpredictable returns. Practicing volleys and dinks against a wall will prepare you for the fast pace of a real game, helping you respond more naturally to quick exchanges on the court.  

Time to Put It All Together

Once you’ve spent time on these drills, the real challenge is incorporating them naturally into your matches. The more you practice, the more automatic each skill becomes, allowing you to focus on strategy and outplaying your opponent. Whether it’s a precise dink, a powerful serve, or quick reflexes at the net, each drill adds another tool to your skill set.  

Pickleball drills don’t have to be repetitive or boring; they’re an opportunity to enjoy the game and see real improvements. So, grab your paddle, bring a partner if you can, and start drilling your way to a stronger game! With consistent practice, you’ll gain better control over your pickleball racket and refine your skills on the court.