Mastering the Basics: Effective Pickleball Drills for Beginners
Pickleball’s popularity is exploding! With its easy-to-learn rules and friendly competition, it’s a fantastic sport for people of all ages and skill levels. But if you’re just starting, that excitement can be mixed with a little trepidation. Don’t worry, though! Consistent practice with the right drills will have you returning like a pro in no time.
This guide dives into five effective pickleball drills specifically designed for beginners. These drills will help you build a strong foundation in:
- Groundstroke control: Mastering consistent groundstrokes is essential for rallies.
- Dinking: Dinking, or soft shots played near the net, is a key part of the pickleball strategy.
- Footwork: Nimble footwork allows you to react quickly, reach shots, and maintain proper positioning.
- Serving: A good serve can put you on the offensive right from the start.
So, grab your paddle, find a partner (or a wall!), and get ready to elevate your pickleball game!
Drill #1: Forehand and Backhand Groundstroke Consistency Drill
This drill focuses on developing consistent groundstrokes – the bread and butter of pickleball.
- Setup: Stand with your partner on opposite sides of the court, roughly halfway between the baseline and the non-volley zone line.
- Execution: Take turns feeding groundstrokes (forehand and backhand) to each other. Aim for depth and control, keeping the ball within the court boundaries. Focus on a smooth swing with a good grip on your paddle.
- Progression: Once you’re comfortable with consistent strokes, try adding variations:
- Increase the pace of the drill.
- Hit the ball to specific zones on the court (corners, down the line).
- Introduce a target zone (e.g., a hula hoop) on your partner’s side.
Drill #2: Sideline Dink Drill
Dinking is all about soft touch and keeping the ball low over the net. This drill hones your dinking skills.
- Setup: Stand next to each other on one side of the court, close to the sideline.
- Execution: Feed dinks to each other, staying within the non-volley zone. Focus on a soft paddle swing and keeping the ball low to the net.
- Progression: Once you’re comfortable, try variations:
- Introduce a target zone on the opposite sideline (e.g., a cone).
- Move further back from the net, gradually increasing the distance between you and your partner.
- Try hitting dinks with both forehand and backhand grip.
Drill #3: Footwork Shuffle Drill
Footwork is crucial in pickleball. This drill helps you develop agility and quick movement.
- Setup: Stand on one side of the court, facing the net.
- Execution: Shuffle side-to-side along the baseline, mimicking the movement you would use to reach shots along the sideline. Focus on staying light on your feet and keeping your paddle up in ready position.
- Progression: Increase the speed of your shuffles as you get comfortable.
- Try incorporating lunges into your shuffles, simulating reaching for low shots.
- Add a partner and take turns feeding groundstrokes that require you to shuffle to reach them.
Drill #4: Underhand Serve Drill
A good underhand serve is a valuable asset. This drill helps you develop consistency and control.
- Setup: Stand behind the baseline within the designated serve zone.
- Execution: Practice underhand serves, focusing on tossing the ball consistently and making contact with the paddle underneath the ball. Aim for a deep serve that lands just inside the opponent’s service court.
- Progression: Once consistent, try variations:
- Add a target zone on the opposite service court (e.g., a designated area within the lines).
- Introduce a partner and practice serving back and forth.
Drill #5: Forehand Volley Drill
Volleys are hit in the air before the ball bounces. This drill helps you develop basic volleying skills.
- Setup: Face each other at the net.
- Execution: Take turns feeding soft volleys to each other, focusing on a quick swing and keeping the ball in play.
- Progression: Once comfortable, try variations:
- Increase the pace of the drill.
- Introduce a target zone (e.g., a hula hoop) on your partner’s side.
- Add movement – take a small step forward or backward after each volley.
Bonus Tip: Invest in the Right Gear
Having a comfortable paddle that suits your grip and practice.
Jim