16 Best Pickleball Drills to Help You Level Up Your Game from Beginner to Advance 

Are you finding it tricky to discover the best pickleball drills to sharpen your skills quickly? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The right drills can transform areas where you struggle into your strongest assets on the court. What’s more, effective drills often improve your pickleball game much faster than simply playing matches.

16 Best Pickleball Drills to Help You Level Up Your Game from Beginner to Advance level 📸Benoit Vincent

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top drills for players of all levels. Whether you’re practicing solo at home or working on drills with friends, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll dive into advanced pickleball drills tailored to specific parts of your game.  

The best part? Drilling doesn’t have to feel monotonous or repetitive. We’re here to show you how to make it enjoyable while also leveling up your game.

Best Pickleball Drills for Beginners  

Let’s start with two simple drills perfect for beginners looking to develop fundamental skills and confidence in the game.  

 1. Paddle Up

The "Paddle Up" drill is one of the easiest ways for beginners to get comfortable with their paddle while improving hand-eye coordination.  

Here’s how it works:  

- Hold your paddle and hit the ball straight up into the air.  

- Keep bouncing the ball off your paddle repeatedly without letting it touch the ground.  

- Once you’ve got the hang of it, challenge yourself by varying the height of the bounce. You can also walk around as you continue the drill to improve your focus and control.  

Why it’s helpful: This drill builds your reflexes and teaches you how to control the paddle face, which is essential for precision during a game.

2. Selfie Ball Bounce

If you’re looking for a drill you can do almost anywhere, "Selfie Ball Bounce" is a great next step from the Paddle Up drill.  

Here’s what to do:  

1. Hold your paddle flat and horizontal to the ground.  

2. Bounce the ball off the paddle and let it hit the ground once.  

3. As the ball bounces back up, scoop it into the air with your paddle and repeat the motion.  

Tip: Focus on keeping your movements smooth and consistent. This drill improves your control and helps you understand the bounce dynamics of a pickleball.  

Best Pickleball Drills for Intermediate Players  

As your skills develop, you’ll notice that some techniques take longer to master than others. For intermediate players, two key areas to focus on are perfecting the third shot drop and improving dink direction. These drills will help elevate your game to the next level.  

1. Triangle Dinking

This drill is all about making your dinks less predictable and more strategic. One common mistake players make is dropping their dinks into the same spot repeatedly, making it easier for opponents to anticipate their next move.  

Here’s how to practice triangle dinking:  

- Set up three markers in a triangle shape around your opponent's side of the court. Your opponent should also place three markers in a triangle on your side.  

- Begin dinking the ball back and forth, but aim to hit each of the three markers in sequential order—left, middle, and right.  

- Repeat this sequence consistently.  

Why it’s effective: This drill improves both your backhand and forehand control, making you a more versatile and unpredictable player. Plus, it’s a fun way to challenge your accuracy and finesse!  

2. Third Shot Drop

The third shot drop is arguably the most important shot in pickleball. You’ve probably heard the saying, “Whoever controls the net, controls the game.” And it’s true! A well-executed third shot drop allows you to transition into the net, setting you up for a strong dinking rally and giving you the upper hand.  

But what exactly is a third shot drop? Essentially, it’s like a long dink shot. The key is to control the weight of your shot so it lands softly in your opponent’s kitchen, forcing them into a defensive position. Mastering this shot is all about building muscle memory—training your body to perform it instinctively over time.  

How to practice:

- One player stands at the non-volley zone line while the other starts near the baseline.  

- The baseline player practices hitting third shot drops into the kitchen, focusing on consistency and accuracy.  

- Meanwhile, the player at the non-volley line works on returning these shots.  

Why it works: This drill sharpens your ability to land precise shots while also helping your partner practice defensive returns. It’s a win-win!

Best Pickleball Drills for Advanced Players  

As you refine your skills and become more confident on the court, it’s time to focus on drills that challenge your stamina, precision, and tactical play. These advanced drills are designed to elevate your game even further.  

1. Hit and Run

Looking for a drill that improves your footwork, accuracy, and endurance? Hit and Run is the answer. This drill involves nonstop movement, keeping you on your toes while practicing long, powerful shots.  

How it works:

- Player A stands at the baseline and hits the ball down the sideline to Player B.  

- Player B returns the ball to the opposite corner.  

- Player A quickly crosses the court to hit another sideline shot, and the cycle continues.  

Why it’s effective: This drill is a full-body workout that enhances your court coverage, footwork, and ability to execute precise shots under pressure. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to build stamina.  

2. Dink and Lob

A well-executed offensive lob can throw your opponents off their game, especially when they’re positioned close to the kitchen line. Practicing this shot ensures you’re ready to switch from dinking to lobbing with precision and purpose.  

How to practice:

- Place markers about three feet in front of your opponent’s baseline.  

- Have your opponent stand near the kitchen line, and begin a dinking rally.  

- After a few dinks, surprise them by lobbing the ball over their head, aiming to land it near the markers.  

Why it’s helpful: This drill teaches you how to spot opportunities for a lob and execute it with accuracy. It also forces your opponent to practice chasing down lobs, improving their defense.  

Pickleball Drills for Two Players  

If you have a partner to practice with, these two-player drills are perfect for improving your skills together. After all, teamwork in practice can lead to massive gains on the court!  

1. Pickleball Volley

This drill, also called a "volley battle," is simple yet highly effective for improving your reflexes and volley control.  

How to play:

- Stand on opposite sides of the net and hit the ball back and forth without letting it touch the ground.  

- For an added challenge, alternate between hitting to your partner’s right and left to improve accuracy.  

Why it works: This drill sharpens your volleying technique and reaction time, two crucial skills for fast-paced exchanges during a match.  

2. Bert and Erne

The "Bert" and "Erne" are advanced shots that can completely disrupt your opponent’s rhythm. These shots require precision, speed, and a lot of practice to master.  

- The Erne: This shot involves stepping outside the court (to the left or right of the sideline) and hitting the ball close to the net. By doing this, you take advantage of a unique loophole in the rules to surprise your opponents.  

- The Bert: Think of this as the advanced version of the Erne. The key difference? You cross into your teammate’s side of the court to execute the shot, adding an extra layer of unpredictability.  

Why it’s worth practicing: Mastering the Bert and Erne not only boosts your confidence but also leaves your opponents stunned. Perfecting these shots requires precision, footwork, and a deep understanding of positioning—but the payoff is well worth it.  

Pickleball Solo Drills  

Being a committed pickleball player doesn’t always mean you’ll have someone around to practice with. That’s why it’s essential to have solo drills in your arsenal. These drills can keep you sharp and help you improve key aspects of your game—no partner required!  

1. Shadow Swing

The shadow swing drill may seem unusual, but it’s surprisingly effective for building muscle memory and perfecting your paddle control.  

How to do it:

- Stand in an open space and practice your forehand and backhand swings without actually hitting a ball.  

- Focus on your form, wrist movement, and follow-through as if you’re returning an actual shot.  

- For an added challenge, perform this drill in front of a mirror. This lets you see your technique in real time and make any necessary adjustments.  

Why it works: By repeating the motion, you train your body to execute swings instinctively, which is crucial during fast-paced matches. It’s also a great warm-up drill before hitting the court.  

2. Serving Accuracy

Serving is one of the most critical aspects of pickleball—it’s how every rally begins! Practicing your serve consistently will boost your confidence during matches.  

How to do it:

- Set up targets on the opposite side of the net using cones, markers, or even water bottles.  

- Aim for each target repeatedly, focusing on precision and consistency.  

- Try different serving styles, such as high and deep serves or low and short ones, to mimic real-game scenarios.  

Why it’s helpful: The repetition builds consistency and accuracy in your serves, giving you an edge in both casual games and competitions.

Pickleball Wall Drills  

If you can’t make it to the court, no problem! These wall drills are perfect for indoor or outdoor practice and require nothing more than a flat surface.  

1. Hit the Target

This drill is fantastic for improving shot precision and control.  

How to do it:

- Use masking tape to mark a target on the wall.  

- Stand at various distances and angles, hitting the ball so it bounces off the wall and lands on or near the target.  

- Once you consistently hit the mark, reposition the target to challenge yourself further.  

Why it works: This drill improves your accuracy and helps you develop control over the weight and placement of your shots.  

2. Drive and Move

Looking to improve your footwork and fitness while practicing your shots? Drive and Move is the perfect drill for you.  

How to do it:

- Stand about 10 yards away from the wall.  

- Hit the ball against the wall with power, then move quickly to anticipate its rebound.  

- Return the ball and repeat, focusing on maintaining your speed and accuracy.  

Why it’s effective: This drill enhances your agility, footwork, and ability to predict ball trajectories—all of which are critical during high-pressure rallies.

Pickleball Drills at Home  

When you can’t make it to the court, home drills are a fantastic alternative. They focus on foundational skills like footwork and overall fitness.  

1. Footwork Exercises

Quick and precise footwork is vital in pickleball. You need to stay balanced, move efficiently, and remain agile to maintain a good position on the court.  

How to do it:

- Mark two lines on the ground about 4–6 feet apart.  

- Practice shuffling side to side between the lines, keeping your knees bent and staying low to the ground.  

- Use your thighs to propel you and avoid crossing your feet.  

Why it’s beneficial: This drill strengthens your leg muscles, improves balance, and helps you develop the agility needed for sharp directional changes during a game.  

2. Sprints

Though simple, sprints are one of the most effective ways to improve your stamina, speed, and overall athleticism.  

How to do it:

- Set up two markers a few yards apart.  

- Sprint from one marker to the other, then walk back. Repeat this pattern for a few minutes.  

- For variation, try sprinting sideways or practicing quick stops and starts.  

Why it’s useful: This drill enhances your cardio, strengthens your legs, and prepares you for the quick bursts of speed required in pickleball.

Fun Pickleball Drills  

Pickleball doesn’t always have to be serious and exhausting. Here are a couple of fun drills that not only lighten the mood but also sharpen your reflexes and ball control.  

1. Reflex Training

This two-player drill is all about keeping you on your toes and teaching you to handle pressure like a pro.  

How to do it:

- Start a dinking rally with your partner, exchanging soft and steady shots.  

- After a while, surprise your partner with a sudden hard drive aimed right at them.  

- Their goal is to stay calm, control the shot, and return it without popping the ball up.  

Why it’s effective: This drill prepares you for real-game situations where quick reactions and composure can make all the difference.  

2. Catch and Return

Mastering paddle control is key to dominating in pickleball, and this drill helps you do just that.  

How to do it:

- Have your partner hit the ball toward you with varying speed and spin.  

- Your goal is to "catch" the ball on your paddle by absorbing its energy and allowing it to bounce minimally.  

- Once you’ve controlled the shot, hit it back to your partner, and let them do the same.  

Why it’s fun: This drill sharpens your ball control, improves your reaction time, and adds an element of friendly competition to your practice sessions.

What Are the Basic Skills Needed for Pickleball?

Now that we’ve explored a variety of drills and how to incorporate them into your practice routine, let’s dive into the foundational skills these drills aim to enhance. These are the four essential pillars of a strong pickleball skill set:

1. Balance

Staying balanced and steady on your feet is fundamental to playing pickleball effectively. Whether you’re taking a powerful shot, executing a dink, or making quick directional changes, your balance ensures that you’re in full control. A stable and grounded stance allows you to maintain accuracy and prevents unnecessary errors during high-stakes moments.  

2. Footwork and Stance

Quick and efficient footwork is crucial in pickleball. Your ability to react and move off the mark with speed can often determine the outcome of a rally. While foot speed requires consistent exercise and conditioning, mastering the correct stance takes deliberate practice. A good stance involves bending your knees, staying low, and keeping your weight evenly distributed—ready to spring into action at any moment.  

3. Reactions and Reflexes

Pickleball is a fast-paced game, and having sharp reflexes can give you a significant advantage. Strong hand-eye coordination helps you react to unexpected shots, adapt to your opponent’s strategy, and stay one step ahead. Whether you’re returning a smash or defending against a tricky lob, quick reflexes allow you to handle the speed and unpredictability of the game.  

4. Control

Ball control is arguably one of the most critical skills in pickleball. It’s what separates good players from great ones. Whether it’s a delicate dink, a precise lob, or a powerful drive, controlling the ball’s speed, spin, and direction is key to dominating your opponent. The good news? Ball control is a skill that can be improved rapidly with focused practice.  

Conclusion

Drills are your secret weapon for fine-tuning your pickleball game. They help you identify and address weaknesses while sharpening your overall performance on the court. By consistently practicing drills, you’ll not only gain confidence in your abilities but also increase your chances of winning matches and boosting your skill rating.  

Do you have a favorite drill that’s worked wonders for your game? We’d love to hear from you! Share your tips, tricks, or personal drills with us on social media—we’re always excited to learn from the pickleball community.  

Once you’ve mastered these drills, why not put your skills to the test? Book a session at your nearest pickleball court and show off everything you’ve learned. The court is waiting, so grab your paddle and get playing!