The 5 Best Pickleball Drills to Elevate Your Game

Whether you're a beginner looking to improve or an experienced player aiming to refine your skills, drilling is the key to unlocking your full potential in pickleball. With so many drills to choose from, it's essential to focus on the most impactful ones.

Here are the five most important drills, ranked in order of effectiveness, to help you get better faster.

1. Dinking Drills

Why it’s the Best: Dinking is the cornerstone of a solid pickleball game. Mastering the dink allows you to control the pace, engage in longer rallies, and set up offensive shots. By practicing consistent, accurate dinks, you'll learn how to maneuver your opponents out of position and create openings for put-away shots.

Drill to Try: Practice cross-court dinks with a partner, aiming to keep the ball low and close to the net. Incorporate movement into the drill to simulate game situations, ensuring you can dink under pressure.

2. Third Shot Drop Drills

Why it’s Crucial: The third shot drop is one of the most strategic shots in pickleball, allowing you to neutralize your opponent's serve and move to the net, where most points are won. A well-executed third shot drop forces your opponents to hit up, giving you the advantage.

Drill to Try: Practice hitting soft, controlled drops from the baseline into the kitchen, aiming for a low trajectory. Vary your positioning to ensure you can consistently execute this shot from different angles on the court.

3. Volley Drills

Why it’s Vital: Volley exchanges at the net are fast-paced and require quick reflexes. By improving your volley skills, you’ll be able to dominate at the net, where the majority of points are decided.

Drill to Try: Engage in volley-to-volley drills with a partner, focusing on control, accuracy, and maintaining balance while moving laterally. This will enhance your ability to react quickly and keep the ball in play during high-pressure situations.

4. Serve and Return Drills

Why it’s Essential: A strong serve and an effective return can set the tone for the entire point. A deep, well-placed serve puts your opponent on the defensive, while a solid return can keep them pinned to the baseline, giving you control of the point.

Drill to Try: Work on serving to different areas of the court, mixing up depth, spin, and placement. For returns, practice hitting deep shots that force your opponent to stay back, allowing you to approach the net confidently.

5. Transition Drills

Why it’s Important: Transitioning from the baseline to the net is a challenging yet essential skill in pickleball. Successfully navigating the transition zone will improve your overall court coverage and increase your chances of winning points.

Drill to Try: Start at the baseline, execute a third shot drop or drive, and move forward to the net. Repeat this movement, focusing on smooth, efficient footwork and maintaining balance as you approach the net.

Incorporating these five drills into your regular practice routine will help you develop the key skills needed to elevate your pickleball game. Remember, consistency and dedication in drilling are what will set you apart on the court. Happy drilling!