3 Basic Drills To Improve Your Pickleball Game

Want to improve your pickleball game and don’t know where to start? The right drills can put you on the right track.

Dinking – Play Around With Direction, Height And Spin

Dinking may not be flashy, but it’s one of the most critical parts of pickleball – especially in doubles. The goal? To control the pace and force your opponent into making a mistake.

Cross-Court Dink Rally:

1. Stand at the kitchen line across from a partner diagonally.

2. Focus on soft, controlled dinks that land in your opponent’s kitchen.

3. Vary the direction, height, and spin to challenge yourself.

4. Aim for at least 20 consecutive shots per rally.

   
   

Most players perform this drill as a warm-up, considering that dinking improves touch, control, and patience while changing direction and spin builds versatility, helping you stay unpredictable during real play!

Drops & Volleys – Control the Transition Zone

Learning to hit a soft third shot drop and defend volleys during fast exchanges are two of the biggest separators between casual and skilled players.

Third Shot Drop & Block Volley:

1. Start at the baseline and hit third shot drops into the kitchen while your partner stands at the net.

2. Consider switching roles: have your partner hit hard volleys, and work on blocking them back softly into the kitchen.

3. Focus on staying low, with soft hands and a loose grip for control.

   
   

Mastering the drop shot helps you move from the baseline to the net safely while blocking volleys teaches you how to stay calm and in control during fast-paced net battles!

Serve & Return – Set the Tone Early

Many rallies are won or lost based on how well the serve and return are executed. A solid serve puts your opponent on the defensive. A strong return gives you time to get to the kitchen.

Deep Serve & Return Practice:

1. Serve cross-court, focusing on depth and consistency.

2. Your partner returns the ball deep to the baseline.

3. Switch roles after 10–15 reps.

4. Track how many serves/returns land within 3 feet of the baseline.

   
   

Hitting deeper serves and returns gives you the upper hand early in the rally. Consistency here sets you up for better control of the point.

You don’t have to spend hours drilling—but even 15–20 minutes per session focused on these basics can transform your game. Try working through all three drills in one practice session, or rotate them based on what needs the most attention.

With a little discipline and the right drills, you’ll not only play better: you’ll enjoy the game more.

✅ Wanna level up your game? Book a private lesson with our internationally-acclaimed coaches today for expert guidance and advice!