17 Essential Pickleball Drills for Intermediate Players

As an intermediate player, advancing your pickleball prowess requires more than just regular play.

Mastering this competitive game entails focused practice, especially on drills meticulously created to refine your accuracy, speed, and control.

Essentially, drills are a critical component that can significantly improve your game skills.

They reinforce the basic principles that were learned at the beginner level while also introducing intermediate playing techniques.

Furthermore, drills help in strengthening your muscle memory, thereby promoting agile responses during gameplay.

In this article, we delve into essential drills that can offer a substantial boost to an intermediate player’s performance.

Essential Pickleball Drills For Intermediate Players

1. Cross-court dinking drill

The cross-court dinking drill is a crucial exercise in the world of pickleball, particularly for intermediate players.

This drill is designed to improve your precision, accuracy, control and patience, all essential skills to help you gain an edge over your opponents.

Executing it properly requires a deep understanding of the dynamics of the game and careful application of the principles learned in practice.

It involves you and your partner or training buddy standing diagonally from each other on opposite corners of the net.

What follows is a trading of dinks cross-court as you both aim to perfectly place the ball into the non-volley zone of the other person.

This drill fosters an environment that facilitates practicing the depth and precision of your shots.

To further increase the intensity and make the drill more challenging, try moving around while maintaining a steady stream of returned dinks.

The process allows you to refine your dinking strategy with repeated attempts, sharpens your reflexes, and significantly improves your control and placement accuracy over time.

This technique strengthens your in-play dinking performance as the consistent practice aims to make each shot second nature.

It also teaches you the importance of positioning and anticipation, as you must correctly guess where your opponent’s shot is going to land.

Furthermore, it fosters precision in your shots as you strive to keep them within the designated target area.

By observing this video, you’ll glean insights into how one can finesse their cross-court dinking skills.

It candidly demonstrates a practical showcase of the drill, spotlighting the necessary posture, shot technique, and approach to successfully execute the shot everytime.

Intermediate players often find the cross-court dinking drill somewhat difficult to master.

However, it’s a crucial exercise that, when perfected, could transform your overall pickleball performance, potentially propelling you to the advanced level of the game.

Mastering this drill will multiply your strategic possibilities on the court, including knowing how and when to execute perfect cross-court dinks.

In the long run, your consistency and precision get a significant boost, thereby enhancing your overall play.

2. Sideline-to-sideline forehand drill

The sideline-to-sideline forehand drill is a technique that cannot be overlooked when trying to improve your pickleball game.

It is one of the most effective drills for enhancing control, precision, and movement on the court.

Before you start, ensure you have a cooperative partner or a pickleball machine to help implement the drill.

By practicing this regularly, you will not only enhance your forehand skills but also improve your agility and court coverage.

This quote emphasizes the versatility of the sideline-to-sideline forehand drill. This drill works simultaneously on your forehand stroke and footwork, two critical aspects of your pickleball game. By improving these skills, you become a more rounded and unpredictable player, capable of dictating the tempo of the game.

Execution of the drill is straightforward yet effective.

Begin from one sideline and drive a forehand shot to your partner or against the pickleball machine, after which you’ll move over to the other sideline. Keep repeating this pattern of hitting and moving, concentrating on maintaining control and precision of your shots.

Remember, the primary aim of this drill is to enhance forehand accuracy and court coverage, not speed.

As you get more comfortable with the drill, challenge yourself by increasing the speed of your shots and the time it takes to reach the other sideline.

The sideline-to-sideline forehand drill is a drill that will test and improve your stamina and footwork, pushing these two aspects of your game to the limit.

Continued practice will aid in building muscle memory for the forehand stroke – a vital aspect of any pickleball match.

By enhancing your forehand shots, you naturally make it more difficult for your opponent to predict your plays, simultaneously improving your competitive edge.

Remember, the drill will be difficult initially, but with consistent practice, mastering it becomes fairly manageable.

Completion of this drill will mean you’ve taken significant strides in becoming a more proficient pickleball player.

Regularly practicing this drill is sure to take your pickleball skills to new heights.

3. Mid-Court Volley Practice

When it comes to improving your pickleball game, focusing on your mid-court volley can provide great benefits.

The mid-court volley, although sometimes overlooked, is a millstone skill for intermediate players and working on this drill can greatly enhance your control, speed and accuracy on the court.

This exercise specifically targets your quick response time, hand-eye coordination, and precision, particularly when the ball is coming towards you at a fast pace.

Practising this drill often will help you master the technique of mid-court volleys, effectively enhancing your overall game strategy.

This practice is not merely about hitting the ball back, it’s about understanding the dynamics of the shot, positioning your body correctly and utilizing the appropriate swing mechanics.

Consistency and accuracy are key when performing mid-court volleys. Work to consistently hit the ball within your target area, aiming for precision over power.

As an intermediate player, practicing these shots will provide a foundation for advanced playing strategies, such as placing the ball away from your opponent, keeping them on the defensive, and setting yourself up for a winning shot.

Aside from improving quick reflexes and precise shot placement, the mid-court volley drill can help you further develop a sense of agility and balance.

Even the slightest misstep or miscalculation, be it in positioning, timing, or grip, can result in a miss-hit or losing point.

By watching the video, you will gain visual and practical knowledge on how to effectively perform the mid-court volley.

You’ll learn about specific strategies, hand positioning, ball control and the correct stance to optimise your mid-court volley shots.

In a game scenario, successfully executing a mid-court volley can allow you to seize control of the point.

Remember, the aim of this drill isn’t to slam the ball with power, but rather to place it strategically in a location that can put your opponent at a disadvantage.

The mid-court volley is an instrumental shot in pickleball, and practicing it routinely will undoubtedly give you an edge on the court.

So, take advantage of the volley practice and make it a regular part of your pickleball routine. You’ll start seeing improvements in your game in no time!

4. Backhand Slice Drills

Learning and perfecting the backhand slice in pickleball not only expands your arsenal of shots, but also helps in injecting a different kind of spin to the ball, which can effectively disrupt the rhythm of your opponent.

Arguably, practice makes perfect, and the best way to get comfortable with this shot and its nuances is through focused backhand slice drills.

The first step towards mastering the backhand slice is to understand the swing pattern and posture.

The swing pattern for a backhand slice in pickleball is generally from high to low.

This means that you start your swing above the expected point of contact with the ball, and end it below this point.

In terms of the posture, your body has to face the net and your feet have to be shoulder-width apart for better stability.

The grip should generally be a continental or eastern backhand grip, similar to what is used for a standard backhand.

When using the continental or eastern backhand grip, the base knuckle of the index finger should line up with the second bevel of the paddle handle. This grip allows for efficient slicing action.

The backhand slice drill suits intermediate players as it serves a dual purpose: improving the player’s defensive and offensive game.

The backhand slice can be employed to handle high bouncing balls and put your opponent on the defensive.

Conversely, you can also launch an offense using this shot by aiming for a deep and low bounce, which is difficult for the opponent to return.

Among the two types of backhand slice drills, ‘static’ and ‘dynamic’, it is advisable to begin with the static drill.

The static backhand slice drill involves standing in one spot and repeating the stroke using the correct form and swing.

Once you get comfortable with the static drill, you can gradually move to the dynamic drill where you have to maintain the same stroke mechanics while moving around the court.

You can further hone your backhand slice skills by practicing the shot against different kinds of returns like high bouncing balls, direct hits, and soft drops.

Note that each different return demands slight adjustments in your swing and timing.

Do not draw any conclusions, this is not the end of the article.

5. Third Shot Drop Drill

The third shot drop is a crucial technique for intermediate pickleball players to master.

This shot is often the bridge between the serve and return and the dinking duel that occurs at the net in a standard game.

Precisely, this drill focuses on improving your control and accuracy while delivering the third shot.

It’s not an easy shot to accomplish consistently, as it demands precise positioning, optimum speed, and calculated aim.

But when done correctly, a third shot drop can set your team up for a highly strategic point.

The primary goal of the third shot drop is to force your opponents to hit upward, making it harder for them to attack.

To perform this drill, you will need a partner at the net. You will practice landing the ball just over the net, aiming for it to bounce in the Non Volley Zone (NVZ), and limiting your opponent’s ability to attack.

The 3rd shot drop drill will help you learn to control the height, depth, and speed of your shots.

It will also fine-tune your ability to anticipate your opponent’s position and reaction.

An in-depth understanding of the third shot drop’s mechanics and purpose can significantly improve your overall game strategy.

This video provides a comprehensive lesson on executing the third shot drop effectively.

You will understand how to gauge your distance from the net, position your body, control your paddle’s swing and angle, and understand the flight of the ball for more successful execution.

As you continue to practice, not only will your third shot drops become more accurate, but you will also gain better decision-making skills for when it’s best to use them.

Remember, the vital aspect of this shot is not only making it but also getting yourself to the net afterwards.

So, always try to balance your speed, positioning, and accuracy when practicing the third shot drop.

By mastering the third shot drop, you can increase your opportunities of gaining an offensive advantage in a match.

Always remember, practice makes perfect, so keep practicing!

6. Return of Serve Accuracy

The return of serve is an essential part of any pickleball game and should not be taken lightly.

As an intermediate player, honing your skills in accurately returning serves can tremendously improve your game strategy and effectiveness on the court.

Drills aimed at improving your return of serve accuracy focus on repeated practice of timing, footwork, and shot placement.

Timing is essential in achieving a good serve return as it allows you to hit the ball at the precise moment to generate enough power and send it at the desired direction.

Familiarizing yourself with different types of serves from various angles during practice can greatly enhance your ability to time your returns accurately.

Footwork is equally important in returning serves. Proper footwork can better position you on the court to make a good return.

Precise footwork not only positions you well for the return, but also enhances your balance, enabling you to take a controlled and effective shot.

Therefore, your drills should incorporate exercises designed to improve lateral quickness and front-and-back footwork.

Your shot placement on returning serves should aim to pressurize your opponent and create strategic advantages for your team.

The return of serve accuracy drill should develop your ability to place return shots at challenging locations on the court, for instance, to the opponent’s backhand, feet, or deep into the court.

When you can consistently return the ball accurately to these challenging spots, it pushes your opponent to the defensive, setting up your team for an offensive play.

Multiple repetitions of these drills are key as the more your practice, the better your muscle memory and therefore your consistency and accuracy on the court.

On top of these, it is also beneficial to observe experienced players and their serve return techniques. This observational learning can offer valuable insights that you can apply in your own game.

Ultimately, an accurate return of serve can dictate the pace of the game, showing how vital this skill is for any pickleball player.

By persistently practicing your return of serve accuracy, you can certainly elevate your performance as an intermediate pickleball player.

7. Overhead Smash Repetition

An overhead smash is a powerful and aggressive shot typically used in pickleball when the ball is high in the air and your aim is to hit with force and speed.

In this pickleball drill, regular repetition and practice of the overhead smash is foundational in building fearlessness and competence.

Uncertainty or tentativeness when executing this type of shot can often lead to errors and so the more you practice, the better you master the technique.

Practicing the overhead smash repetitively can help you develop slimmer aim and improve your precision.

A well-aimed overhead smash can often win you points outright if performed correctly.

The key to mastering an overhead smash in pickleball, much like in tennis, lies in proper timing, stance, and racket positioning.

It is important to note personal comfort and flexibility while executing an overhead smash.

Understanding the body language of your own self while performing this aggressive shot is key to its successful execution.

Everyone has a unique style, thereby it is essential to discover what works best for you.

This starts with the right positioning of the body, quick adjustment to the coming ball, and follows through with an effortless yet powerful swing.

Watching this video will provide you practical ways to drill into perfecting your overhead smash.

Not only that but it can show the different techniques used when executing an overhead smash and the common mistakes intermediate players make.

Having a partner or a coach can be extremely beneficial in receiving immediate feedback and making real-time corrections to your overhead smash.

The overhead smash repetition therefore forms a vital part of the essential pickleball drills and anyone looking to enhance their game needs to dedicate time to practice and perfect this technique.

Remember, the key to nailing any pickleball technique is by consistent practice and incremental improvement.

8. Forehand and Backhand Lobbing

Lobbing is an effective technique in the game of pickleball.

The forehand and backhand lob, if executed correctly, can be a game-changer.

It’s a way to put your opponent on the defensive and to gain control of the net.

However, mastering the forehand and backhand lob can be challenging for many intermediate pickleball players.

Here is where strategic and consistent practice comes in.

To begin with, you should focus on the placement of the lob.

The key is to send the lob deep into your opponent’s court, over their heads but before the back boundary line.

This would effectively push them back, providing you with the opportunity to take control of the net.

It’s crucial to remember that experienced players can return deep lobs with ease.

So, while placement is vital, it’s only half of the equation.

The other half lies in adding spin to your lob.

A forehand or backhand lob with the right amount of spin can be hard to return.

It adds an element of unpredictability to your shots and can catch your opponents off guard

Additionally, practising both forehand and backhand lobs ensures that you can deliver effective lobs, regardless of the direction of the incoming ball.

It’s equally important to be able to deliver lobs with both power and control.

Power pushes your opponent back, while control ensures the ball stays within the court boundaries.

Make sure to invest sufficient time in practising both these aspects during your drill sessions.

To summarise, mastering the forehand and backhand lob is a valuable addition to your pickleball skillset.

Not only does it allow you to gain control of the net, but it also adds diversity to your shots, making you a more unpredictable, and thereby challenging, player to face.

9. Across Diagonal Court Drill

One of the significant ways to improve your pickleball skills is by practicing the across diagonal court drill.

This drill primarily focuses on perfecting the long-range shots, which often give players a tactical advantage in pickleball.

Being comfortable and accurate while sending the shots diagonally across the court gives you the edge over those restricted to straight-line shots.

The diagonal court drill is designed to improve players’ precision in long-range shots, making them more unpredictable and versatile.

The importance of this drill is to help players hit shots that are not only accurately placed but also hard for the opponent to predict or respond to.

It essentially helps improve your anticipation, positioning, and maneuverability in the game.

The drill requires two players, each standing on diagonally opposite corners of the court.

One aims and hits the ball into the other’s diagonal court, and the receiver returns the ball in the same manner.

The drill continues with both players aiming at each other’s diagonal court.

Apart from helping to improve shot accuracy, the drill also serves to build stamina and endurance as the players are consistently moving across the court.

This drill can be modified to suit your particular weakness or strength, and can also be made more challenging by introducing speed and spin variations.

You can also include game-like situations to create pressure and make the drill more realistic.

This video provides a visual demonstration of the drill, which will definitely aid in understanding the discussed drill more effectively.

Watching the video will not only help users understand the structure of the drill but also its implementation, strategies, and how to navigate through various challenges during the drill.

With regular and consistent practice of the diagonal court drill, you will notice a considerable improvement in your stroke precision and court movement.

Remember, pickleball is about accuracy and consistency, and mastering the across diagonal court drill is a significant step towards becoming a crafter, skilled and unpredictable player.

This drill will undoubtably provide you with an advanced arsenal of shots, giving you a tactical advantage in competitive games.

10. Soft Shot Drills at the Net

As an intermediate pickleball player, one of the most effective ways to distribute your opponent’s rhythm and take control of the game is by masterfully executing soft shots at the net.

These are shots that are gently hit, usually with a touch of backspin, causing the ball to just barely clear the net and drop softly into the opponent’s non-volley zone.

The crafty use of soft shots can keep opponents off balance and constantly guessing your next move.

Soft shot drills at the net primarily aim to enhance precision, control, and patience, all of which are crucial in the heat of a match.

They are executed within close proximity of the net to increase finesse and accuracy.

Execution of these shots requires a fine blend of touch, anticipation, and great hand-eye coordination.

To bolster the above statement, the success of soft shots significantly hinges on the player’s ability to accurately predict and read opponents’ movements as well as smoothly coordinating their own movements to effectively receive and respond to the ball.

This drill helps train your brain and body to quickly assess the situation and execute the soft shot with minimal uncertainty.

It not only improves your soft shots but also boosts your overall net game by enhancing your volley skills.

For this drill, you and your partner should stand opposite each other at the net.

The objective is to continuously hit the ball softly over the net into each other’s non-volley zones, maintaining a rally without the ball bouncing.

If the ball bounces, the drill should be started over.

Take turns in initiating the soft shot drill, as this would allow both you and your partner to gain proficiency in both initiating and responding to soft shots.

This drill should be done for several minutes until both players have noticeably improved their ability to execute soft shots.

The soft shot drills at the net not only improve your accuracy and control over the ball but will also enhance your ability to handle pressure in tense situations during a game.

Remember to practice the drill frequently and consistently for effective results.

Soft shot drills should be part of your regular training menu as they are essential for mastering pickleball’s soft game and becoming a well-rounded player.

11. Defensive blocking drills

Your rankings in pickleball, like any other sport, would significantly increase if you can master the defensive aspect of the game.

The defensive blocking drill is an excellent drill to boost your defense.

It is designed to improve your ability to seamlessly block powerful shots from opponents.

Pickleball is a game of patience, and defenders often get targeted with power shots, the ability to counter these power shots by blocking effectively can come in handy.

This drill is not strictly for defensive players alone; it teaches important skills that attackers can find useful as well.

The idea is to get comfortable with countering power shots, ensuring that they do not always have to be winners from your opponent.

Despite being doubles games mostly, the defensive blocking drill is often best practiced with a partner.

You’ll both stand on the opposing side of the court, one playing the role of the attacker, the other the defender.

For the drill purposes, the attacker will aim at hitting powerful shots at the defender, while the defender tries to block and neutralize them.

This way, you get accustomed to the power and speed of these shots and improve your ability to react quickly and decisively in an actual game situation.

Remember that your aim is not to return a winner but to place the ball in a spot that makes it hard for your opponent to hit the next shot with the same power.

To effectively carry out this drill, positioning and anticipation are key elements that you need to cultivate.

Keeping your paddle up and in the ready position, having a relaxed grip, and watching your opponent’s paddle are some tips you can follow.

For a more comprehensive understanding of how this works, you might find the following video quite instructional and practical.

In the video, you’d learn how to position your body and paddle effectively, and you would also see live examples of how these strategies improve the blocking of hard shots in the game of pickleball.

Practice patience and consistency because it takes time to master the rules of the drill and apply them in real game situations.

Regardless of how often you get beaten or fail to block the shots at your initial attempts, don’t give up.

With more training and practice, your hands will start reacting instinctively to these shots, and you’ll find yourself blocking shot after shot that previously would have been sure winners for your opponent.

12. Quick footwork exercise

Pickleball demands rapid, agile movements from its players to keep the ball in play.

This is where the significance of quick footwork exercises becomes apparent.

One basic yet effective footwork drill involves simply jogging in place, elevating your knees up high.

The goal is to warm up your lower body muscles and increase their responsiveness.

As you become more comfortable with this, gradually increase the speed to improve your quickness.

Lateral movement is also vital in pickleball and can be honed with side-to-side shuffling exercises.

Begin on one side of the court and shuffle to the other side without crossing your feet, maintaining a low, balanced posture.

The direction can be changed at any time to mimic the unpredictable nature of a pickleball match.

Another great footwork drill for pickleball is the ‘front-back’ drill where you quickly step forward and then back while maintaining your balance.

This exercise is excellent for improving your footwork speed and refining your balance and control skills.

Remember to perform these drills on both your left and right sides to improve your footwork equally on both sides.

Plyometrics, or jump training, is a fantastic way to boost your footwork speed.

Short intervals of jumping exercises, like jump rope or box jumps, can significantly enhance your agility and reaction time.

Incorporate these drills in your practice routine will help you reach the ball quicker and hit it more accurately.

Lastly, don’t forget to maintain proper posture throughout each movement; this will ensure maximum efficiency and prevent potential injuries.

Footwork is not just about speed; it’s also about the technique, so focus on executing each step correctly for optimal performance.

Quick footwork is a valuable skill in pickleball, but like any other skill, it requires consistent practice to master.

Include these drills in your practice routine, and watch your game improve significantly.

13. Advanced serving techniques

After mastering the basics, it’s vital that you learn some advanced serving techniques to bring your pickleball game to the next level.

This can not only enhance your success rate on the service line but also add a dynamic element to your game that keeps your opponent guessing.

One particularly effective advanced serving technique is the spin serve.

The spin serve requires precision, control, and timing, but can be a game changer when executed correctly.

It involves imparting a certain spin on the ball during the serve, causing it to bounce unpredictably when it lands on the opponent’s court.

This can greatly disrupt the returner’s timing and rhythm, offering you a competitive advantage.

Another powerful technique is the power serve.

Although power is not always the most important aspect in pickleball, a well-timed powerful serve can catch your opponent off guard.

However, it’s crucial to remember that pace should never compromise accuracy; the best serves are both fast and correctly placed.

This statement emphasizes the importance of maintaining accuracy when attempting a powerful serve in pickleball.

It stresses on the understanding that speed of the ball doesn’t matter if it goes out of bounds or straight to the opponent’s paddle.

Controlled aggression, therein, is key to a successful power serve.

Yet another useful serve to add to your repertoire is the slicing serve.

This technique adds a sideways spin to the ball, causing it to slide off to the side when it lands on the opponent’s court, potentially throwing them off balance.

Like a spin serve, it requires excellent control and precision, and the ability to disguise your intent until the last possible moment.

By watching this video, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of some advanced serving techniques in pickleball.

It offers practical demonstrations and clear instructions that will prove quite helpful in your journey to up your serve game.

14. Quick Transition Drills

Quick transitions drills are essential in fast-paced games such as pickleball, where players have to quickly switch from offence to defence and vice versa.

These drills help improve your ability to respond appropriately and swiftly to various game situations.

One popular drill involves having your partner feed you both slow and fast balls alternately to the forehand and backhand side.

They should not follow a predictable pattern while playing the balls in order to mimic real match scenarios.

During the drills, your aim should be to maintain balance and positioning while seamlessly switching between different types of shots.

Exercises that simulate game-like situations help a player get comfortable with rapid transitions and enable them to execute varied shots effectively in real games.

This quote underscores the significance of quick transition drills in pickleball. By replicating game-like scenarios, the players can improve their ability to make rapid transitions in the heat of a match.

Moreover, the unpredictable nature of these drills heightens a player’s readiness and adaptability, invaluable skills in pickleball.

Along with facilitating shot-making, these drills also enhance court awareness and spatial understanding.

The ability to be always ready for the unexpected increases the chances of winning a point and eventually the match.

The importance of these drills isn’t confined to improving one’s game only.

They also contribute significantly to physical fitness, promoting aerobic and anaerobic conditioning, enhancing flexibility, and improving agility.

Furthermore, they also help hone a player’s decision-making skills, improving their judgment of which shots to execute in a fast-paced game.

While performing these drills, a player can identify areas they need to work on, in terms of shot selection, speed, and transitioning. It not only helps improve their game in the long run but also facilitates the development of effective game strategies.

Drills also help in building muscle memory, which is crucial for a game like pickleball where quick transitions and fast-paced action are integral.

In conclusion, the role of quick transition drills in an intermediate player’s routine cannot be understated. They are a must for any player who wants to progress and enhance their pickleball skills.

15. Backhand to Backhand Dinking

Backhand to backhand dinking is an indispensable drill in pickleball that intermediate players should master.

While seemingly simple, this drill brings together many elements such as precision, control, and consistency.

It provides an opportunity to improve your overall defensive capabilities, especially in long, drawn-out games.

Focusing on the backhand dinking shot could make the difference between keeping the ball in play versus losing a point due to an overpowered shot.

By sparing some time to watch the embedded video will offer practical insights on how to perfect the backhand dinking strategy.

If you’re struggling with consistency or tend to lose control over your shots, this video offers a step-by-step guide on how to improve your backhand dink.

An important aspect of the backhand to backhand dinking drill in pickleball is maintaining correct body posture.

You should stand square to the net and keep your feet shoulder-width apart.

Your knees should be slightly bent, enabling quick movements and facilitating balance during the shot.

Mastery of this essential pickleball drill not only raises your game’s defensive stature but also boosts your overall control and precision.

To support the above, regular practice of this drill will in turn better your consistency and the ability to handle the ball under diverse game situations.

All these will serve to enhance your composure during competitive games, leading to improved results.

Although this drill might seem monotonous, its repetition bears fruit to an unstoppable defense and an unyielding control of the game.

It is also important to consciously aim for quality over quantity during your practice sessions.

This will ensure each shot counts and significantly boosts your defensive prowess on the pickleball court.

One common tip among professionals is to aim at exercising controlled dinking with an attempt to place it near the net as possible, ideally within your opponent’s non-volley zone.

Hence, practice is paramount in developing the precision and control required for backhand to backhand dinking.

As an intermediate player, integrating backhand to backhand dinking into your pickleball training regime will remarkably step up your game.

It will make you well-rounded and equip you to challenge even the most experienced players.

16. Consistency drills with partner

In pickleball, consistency is key. It is the ability to keep one’s shots within the court lines, aim for specific spots and ensure that you repeat successful shots. The importance of consistency in your shots cannot be understated.

Consistency drills with a partner are designed to help you achieve a high level of precision in your shots and prepare you for the match. These drills should be an integral part of your training, as precision and consistency are essential skills at intermediate and advanced levels of play.

Engaging in consistent drills with your partner sets the stage for you both to master the fundamentals of the game. As you repeat these drills, you develop a better understanding of the game, improve accuracy, and learn to control the pace of the game.

One of the simplest yet effective drills you can do with your partner to improve consistency is the cross court dink drill. Here, you and your partner rally dinks to each other diagonally across the court, trying to ensure that every shot goes over the net and lands within the court.

Another popular drill to improve consistency is the forehand and backhand exchange drill. You and your partner hit alternating forehand and backhand shots till 20 successful exchanges are achieved. This sharpens your control and consistency on both your forehand and backhand shots.

The key to success in these drills is repetition. The more you repeat a particular drill, the better your muscle memory becomes, and the more consistent your shots will be. Implementing these drills into your practice routine will help minimize your errors and enhance your playing technique.

One invaluable element of performing consistency drills with a partner involves feedback. You should always assess each other’s performance after completing a drill, identifying any inconsistencies or mistakes, thus helping to improve each other’s performance.

Remember, the goal of these drills is not to win points, but to maintain consistency in your shots. The coveted prize, in this case, is not a match won, but the performance improved.

The key to success in these drills is repetition. The more you repeat a particular drill, the better your muscle memory becomes, and the more consistent your shots will be.

Indeed, this natural reinforcement of muscle memory plays an essential role in enhancing your gameplay. The constant repetition involved in performing consistency drills leads to smoother, more natural movements, as the body learns what to do without needing much conscious effort from you.

The more you drill, the less attention you need to pay to the mechanics of each shot. This allows you to focus on other strategic aspects of the game, like placement and power.

It is important to take a balanced approach to these drills. Don’t obsess over winning, but instead focus on improving. This shift in perspective enables you to concentrate on playing each shot well, ensuring your growth and improvement as a player.

In conclusion, consistency drills with a partner form an essential part of any intermediate player’s training routine. They enhance your precision and consistency, vital skills in progressing to higher levels of play in pickleball.

17. Spin Serve and Return Practice

If you’re training to boost your intermediate pickleball skills, there’s no denying the significance of mastering both spin serve and return.

A careful practice of both can add dynamism to your game, deceptive spins can help you win important points and surprise your opponent.

Spin serves and returns are slightly different from the standard serves and returns. Unlike the latter, they involve spinning the ball in order to influence its trajectory and bounce.

Such variations often make the return more challenging for the opponent, thus giving you a leg-up in the contest.

It’s not just about learning the technique of creating spin, understanding the dynamics of effective control over the serve’s direction and speed also plays an equally crucial role.

In essence, a well-executed spin serve requires an excellent co-ordination of timing, body movement, paddle angle, and the point of contact on the ball.

The same concept stands true for spin returns as well, which demand a precise anticipation and interpretation of the incoming serve, besides the appropriate response.

This insightful video breaks down the nuances of the spin serve strategy and demonstrates how you can practice to perfect it.

You will get to see the step-by-step execution of a spin serve, with emphasis on the right techniques, body and paddle positioning.

Practicing a spin serve is no different than attempting to perfect any other pickleball skill.

What it requires is a good understanding, patience, persistent efforts, and, more importantly, constant feedback on your performance as you practice.

Your focus should be on improving your spin’s consistency which will be accountable for providing the desired results.

After mastering the spin serve and return, start arranging them with other winning pickleball techniques.

This is an intriguing way to bolster your game and keep your opponent guessing about your subsequent move.

Remember, while spin serves could be strategically advantageous, they are not a surefire way to win the game given that pickleball rules put the serving team at a slight disadvantage.

The key is judiciously blending them along with your regular serves and making smart decisions based on the course of the game.

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, these drills offer a comprehensive routine to cover all aspects of pickleball play.

From mastering finesse shots like the cross-court dinking and third shot drop, to power moves like the overhead smash and return of serve accuracy, these practices cover it all.

They also focus on improving footwork, transitions, and defensive capabilities like blocking and lobbing.

Moreover, advanced techniques such as spin serves and returns are also included to allow players to level up their game.

Whether you’re practicing alone or with a partner, these drills guarantee a more consistent and improved performance in your future matches.