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Pickleball Drills to Help Level Up Your Game in 2024

Richard Hackman

June 26, 2024

Do you know Pickleball is more than just a game? This game is a combination of skill, strategy, and precision. Whether you are an advanced player trying for perfection or a newcomer learning the basics. The right pickleball drills can change your game. These drills can help you strengthen the weaker parts of your game, taking your game to the next level.

In this article, we will explore the best pickleball drills to improve your skills. The best part of this guide? This is for everyone. As you are a beginner, an intermediate player, or an expert. And if you think learning drills sounds dull, think again. So, let’s start with “How Drill level up your Pickleball game in 2024?”.

What is a Pickleball Drill? 

A pickleball drill is an exercise designed to enhance specific skills in the game. Whether you have one skill or a set of skills, drills are very beneficial for improving your play. They are not just about hitting the ball around. They are strategic practices aimed at different aspects of your game.

You just think that drills are your personalized playbook. They help you handle your weak points and turn them into strengths. Whether you are just starting out or you have been playing for years, these drills are essential. They make your path to pickleball mastery both enjoyable and rewarding.

Best Pickleball Drills for Beginners

Paddle up

Paddle-up is one of the easiest beginner pickleball drills. 

• Transform your game by practicing the fundamental skills with the Paddle Up drill. 
• Bounce the ball off your paddle without letting it touch the ground, varying the bounce heights and movement to add a twist.

Selfie ball bounce

• Take the Paddle Up drill a step further with the Selfie Ball Bounce. 
• Master your control by bouncing the ball off the paddle, letting it hit the ground, and then scooping it up into the air. 
• Supplement your training with pickleball lessons for accelerated improvement.

Best Pickleball Drills for Intermediate Players

As you progress in your game, you will slowly and steadily start noticing that mastering specific pickleball skills and drills may require more time than others. The pickleball drills mentioned below center around mastering two vital elements of your gameplay: the third shot drop and refining your dink direction.

Triangle dinking

• Ditch predictability with the Triangle Dinking drill. 
• Set up markers in a triangle around you and your opponent, then aim for each marker in sequence—left, middle, right. 
• Enhance your backhand and forehand shots while enjoying the game.

Third shot drop

• As the saying goes, “Whoever controls the net controls the game.” 
• Perfect your third shot drop with this drill, seamlessly transitioning to a favorable position for a dinking rally. 
• Focus on muscle memory and weight control for a game-changing skill.

Best Advanced Pickleball Drills

Hit and run

• Get your blood flowing with the Hit and Run drill. 
• Hit the ball down the sideline, then race across the court to return shots to practice accurate drives and footwork. 
• Ideal for players with high skill levels and stamina.

Dink and lob

• Master the offensive pickleball lob with the Dink and Lob drill. 
• Place markers near your opponent’s baseline, engage in a dinking rally and surprise them with well-placed lobs. 
• Elevate your strategic gameplay with this advanced technique.

Partner Play: Pickleball Drills for Two Players

Train together, gain together,” as a wise pickleball enthusiast once said, and we totally agree. These drills are meant to be done with a partner so you both get the most out of the workout.

Pickleball volley

• Enter the ‘Volley Battle’ with your partner, hitting the ball back and forth across the net without letting it touch the ground. 
• Challenge your volleying skills and add variety by alternating volleys left and right.

Bert and Erne

• Take your game to the next level with advanced shots. 
• Execute the ‘Erne’ by positioning yourself outside the court and taking advantage of a rules loophole. 
• The ‘Bert’ adds a twist by hitting the ball on your teammate’s side. Surprise your opponents with these game-changing shots.

Pickleball Solo Drills

As a pickleball enthusiast, it’s not always a breeze to find a practice partner. That’s why it is handy to have some drills you can do solo. These two will keep you busy with productive practice for hours.

Shadow swing

• Perfect your form and control with the Shadow Swing drill. 
• Swing the paddle in the air, imitating forehand and backhand shots. 
• Boost your muscle memory and enhance your swinging form, especially when practiced in front of a mirror.

Serving accuracy

• Hone your serving skills with Serving Accuracy drills. 
• Set up targets on the opposite side of the net and repeatedly aim at each one. 
• Consistency is the key to improving accuracy and giving your serves a reliable edge.

Wall Workouts: Pickleball Wall Drills

These next two drills are awesome for when you can’t hit the court, for whatever reason. Just grab a flat wall, and you are good to go. You can even do these inside your house, as long as the neighbors aren’t around!

Hit the target

• Utilize a flat wall for the Hit the Target drill. 
• Mark a spot with masking tape and practice hitting it from different angles and distances. 
• Improve accuracy, shot weight, and ball control with this straightforward yet effective drill.

Drive and move

• Enhance your fitness, footwork, and shot accuracy with the Drive and Move wall drill. 
• Stand back, drive the ball against the wall, and move quickly to predict the rebound. 
• Repeat for a challenging workout, even if you can’t make it to the court.

Embracing Technology: Pickleball Machine Drills

We’re all aware that AI is moving at lightning speed, so it is smart to be pals with the machines, isn’t it? Why not invite them to join your pickleball game? These trusty companions won’t ever get tired or bored, giving you hours of valuable practice.

Third shot drive

• Let AI be your practice partner with the Third Shot Drive machine drill. 
• Simulate the return of the serve and practice a fast, powerful drive. 
• Focus on keeping the drives low to the net and perfecting your topspin.

Dink into the kitchen

• Program your pickleball machine to hit dinks to your position on the non-volley zone line. 
• Master consistency by getting the ball to land consistently in the kitchen, just on the other side of the net. 
• Ideal for refining shot weight.

Planning an Effective Drilling Session 

Planning a top-notch drilling session? Keep things on point by asking yourself these questions:

• What parts of your game need a little extra love?
• Are you flying solo or practicing with a buddy?
• Can you snag a court or a pickleball machine for your session?
• How much time can you squeeze in for each session?
• How often can you slot in a drilling session?

And most importantly, spice up your drills to keep the fun alive!

Final Word

If you do regularly practice pickleball drills. It is an essential move for you to overcome weaknesses and elevate your game. If you are just starting out, or you are already an advanced player, these drills will be helpful for you to win more games and improve your skills. So, grab your paddle, head to the courts, and let these drills be your helper on the path to becoming a pickleball pro.

With consistent practice, you will not only tackle your weaknesses but also experience the excitement of steady progress. Trust us, by sticking to these drills, you will quickly get closer to this dynamic sport. Enjoy the journey of continuous improvement, and watch as your game reaches new heights.

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