The local pickleball court can be a competitive place. Athleticism can help you play well, but if you really want to improve your game you have to work on your technical skills. If you’re looking to improve your game, pickleball drills are a great place to start.

Pickleball is gaining popularity around the world with all types of players. Combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, this fast-paced and easy to learn sport is a fun way for players of all ages and skill levels to stay active.

The emphasis on strategy and positioning is one of the reasons pickleball is so enjoyable. Besting your opponents hinges on your ability to outmaneuver them and place the ball where they are not. This requires quick thinking, good footwork, and precise shot-making.

BEST PICKLEBALL DRILLS

Pickleball strategy: mastering your skills 

One of the most important skills in pickleball is being able to control the pace and direction of your shots. This requires a combination of grip strength, wrist action, and body positioning. 

Another important aspect of pickleball is footwork and movement. In order to play the game effectively, you need to be able to move quickly and efficiently around the court.

Finally, the ability to place your shots effectively is key to improving your game. This means hitting the ball to areas of the court where your opponent is not, forcing them to move and setting up opportunities for you to win the point.

Pickleball drills for beginners 

To master these skills and perfect your pickleball game, it is important to practice regularly and to focus on specific drills that will help you develop your technique and strategy. Here are a few pickleball drills that can help you take your game to the next level. 

The three-shot drill

This drill is great for improving your shot accuracy and placement. To do the three-shot drill, start by standing at the non-volley line and hit three shots in a row to a specific target on the other side of the court. The first shot should be a groundstroke, the second a volley, and the third a dink (a soft, low shot). This drill will help you develop a well-rounded offensive game and improve your shot placement.

The two-person drill

This drill is a great way to improve your reaction time and shot selection. To do the two-person drill, have one player stand at the non-volley line and hit a shot to their partner, who is standing at the opposite end of the court. The partner should then hit a shot back to the first player, who should react and hit a return shot. This drill can be done with groundstrokes, volleys, or dinks, and will help you develop quick reaction times and make better shot selection decisions.

The wall drill

This drill is great for improving your ball control and shot placement. To do the wall drill, find a wall and stand a few feet away from it. Hit shots against the wall, trying to hit specific targets or areas of the wall. This drill will help you develop better ball control and improve your shot placement.

The placement drill 

Stand at the baseline on your side of the court. Hold the pickleball paddle in your dominant hand, with a comfortable grip that allows you to move your wrist freely. Start by hitting soft, low shots that gently bounce over the net. Focus on using your wrist to control the direction and spin of the ball. Gradually increase the pace and height of your shots, making sure to maintain control and accuracy.

Once you are comfortable with this drill, try hitting angled shots that bounce off the side or back walls of the court. This will help you develop your touch and placement.

The footwork drill 

Stand at the baseline on your side of the court. Start by shuffling quickly from side to side, staying low and balanced. Once you are comfortable with this movement, try moving forward and backward along the baseline, staying light on your feet and ready to react to your opponent’s shots. As you become more proficient at this drill, try incorporating lateral movements and changes of direction. This will help you develop your agility and court coverage.

The volley drill 

Stand at the baseline on your side of the court. Have a partner stand at the other end of the court, ready to hit shots back to you. Start by hitting soft shots to different areas of the court, trying to make your partner move and react to the ball. As you become more comfortable with this drill, try hitting shots with more pace and spin, making them more difficult for your partner to handle. 

Once you are comfortable with this drill, try incorporating movement and changes of direction into your shots. This will help you develop your ability to place the ball strategically and keep your opponent off balance.

Drills for pickleball

While drills are helpful to improving your skills, playing against challenging opponents will always be the best way to work and improve your game. So grab a paddle and get out there! We’ll see you on the court.