5 Pickleball Drills to Seriously Improve Your Game

Why Drills Matter in Pickleball

Casual play is fun, but if you want to genuinely improve, structured practice is the fastest route. The good news: most pickleball drills require minimal space and just a partner (or a wall). Here are five drills that will make a real difference to your game.

Drill 1: The Dink Rally

What it trains: Soft game, patience, kitchen control

Stand at the kitchen line with your partner and dink back and forth cross-court, keeping the ball low and in the non-volley zone. Aim for 50 consecutive dinks without letting the ball rise above net height. This is the single most important skill in pickleball — master it and you'll win more points.

Progression: Move to straight-ahead dinks, then alternate between cross-court and straight.

Drill 2: Third-Shot Drop Practice

What it trains: Transition game, resetting rallies

The third shot drop is the most important shot in pickleball strategy. From the baseline, practice hitting a soft, arcing shot that lands in your opponent's kitchen. Have a partner feed you balls from the net. Focus on a smooth, pendulum swing and a relaxed grip.

Target: 7 out of 10 drops landing in the kitchen.

Drill 3: Volley-Volley at the Kitchen

What it trains: Reflexes, hand speed, volley control

Both players stand at the kitchen line and volley back and forth as fast as possible without letting the ball bounce. Keep your paddle up and in front of you. This drill builds the fast-twitch reactions you need for competitive play.

Tip: Use a softer ball initially to slow things down while you build the habit.

Drill 4: Erne Practice

What it trains: Aggressive net play, footwork

The Erne is an advanced shot where you jump around the kitchen post to volley from outside the court. Practice the footwork: step wide, plant, and punch the volley. It's a crowd-pleaser and a genuine point-winner at club level.

Drill 5: Serve & Return Consistency

What it trains: Serve accuracy, return depth

Serve 20 balls in a row, aiming for a specific target zone (deep backhand corner is ideal). Then switch and practice returning serves deep to the baseline. Consistent serving and returning wins more games than flashy shots.

Goal: 15/20 serves hitting your target zone.

Train with the Right Equipment

Good drills are more effective with the right gear. Make sure you have:

• A quality paddle with good grip — browse our paddle range
• Plenty of balls so you don't stop to chase them — stock up on balls
• A comfortable grip to prevent blisters during long sessions — shop pickleball grips
• A bag to carry it all — view pickleball bags

Consistent practice beats talent every time. Get drilling, and see you on the court!