Master the Basics with 5 Simple Pickleball Drills

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Pickleball is an exciting sport that offers a mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Whether you're just starting out or looking to perfect your skills, these five easy drills will help you improve faster and have more fun on the court.

Basic Forehand Volley Drill

One of the most important skills to master in pickleball is the forehand volley. This drill helps you develop your footwork and accuracy while also improving your hand-eye coordination. To get started, stand on the non-volley side of the court near the kitchen line and practice volleying 25 shots in a row back to your partner. Focus on keeping your feet moving and using good form as you complete each shot.

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Field of Fire Rally Drill

The Field of Fire Rally Drill is a great way to improve accuracy and consistency on your forehand volleys. To play, arrange four to seven targets spread evenly across the court, then try to and send the ball back and forth between them. When you hit a target, it counts as one point in the rally. The aim is to get as many points in a row as you can without missing any shots or hitting outside of the boundaries of the court.

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Around the World Passing Drill

The Around the World Passing Drill is great for improving both accuracy and consistency on your passing shots. Start by arranging five targets — one directly in front at the same baseline you’re playing from and four in an arc around your mid-court area. Practice sending the ball between each target, starting with the one in front of you, then move around clockwise as you progress through the points. When you hit a target, it counts as one point in the round. Aim to get as many points without any missed shots or boundary line violations!

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Drop and Run Drill 

The Drop and Run Drill is an excellent way to practice your volleys. Begin by having a partner drop the ball inside your court or simulating this action with a foam roller or something soft. You then want to move quickly toward the ball, hit it before it bounces more than once, and aim carefully so that you hit the designated target. This drill is great for improving your accuracy, speed, and footwork!

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Return of Serve Volley Drill

The Return of Serve Volley Drill can help you greatly improve your serve return game. Start by having your partner hit a serve to the opposite side of the court. As soon as that happens, run towards the ball and attempt to hit it before it bounces more than twice. Aim carefully and focus on increasing accuracy and speed with each try! This drill is also great for building hand-eye coordination, quickness, and agility.

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