The Best Pickleball Drills: For All Skill Levels

If you’ve been bitten by the pickleball bug (and let’s face it, who hasn’t?), you’ve probably realized that practice makes perfect. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned pro, one thing holds true: pickleball drills are going to be your secret weapon. They’re the best way to sharpen your skills, boost consistency, and simply feel better while you’re playing. So, let’s dive into the best pickleball drills for all skill levels—whether you're playing solo, paired up with a buddy, or getting into some fun games. Trust me, these drills will give your game the edge it needs.

Why Drills Matter in Pickleball Training

Pickleball is more than just a paddle and a ball (though we’re partial to our Pickleball Paddles). It’s a fast-paced mix of strategy and skill. The best way to consistently get better is to run pickleball drills.

Drills build muscle memory, which is a fancy way of saying your body learns how to react faster without even thinking. Drills also help with precision, footwork, and all the other little things that wind up making a huge difference in your matches. Whether you're aiming to perfect your third-shot drop or just want to be quicker on your feet, there’s a drill for that.

Pickleball Drills for Beginners

The key to leveling up as a beginner is practicing drills focusing on control and consistency. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there—trying to master that first serve. Grab one of our Starter Sets, and let’s get to work.

The Dinking Drill

Let’s start with dinking—because this is the skill that will win games, especially when you’re just starting off. Dinking is all about soft control near the net.

• How to do it: Stand at the non-volley zone line (the kitchen) and gently hit the ball over the net. Try to keep the ball low and make it difficult for your opponent to return.
• Why it works: Dinking forces you to develop control, and it’s also a sneaky way to dominate rallies. Once you master this, you’ll find yourself dictating the pace of play more often.

Serve and Return Drill

The serve and return are the foundation of every pickleball rally, so you’ll want to nail these.

• How to do it: Practice serving to different spots on the court, and if you’ve got a partner, take turns returning those serves. Focus on consistency first, accuracy later.
• Why it works: Getting your serve in the right spot puts you in control from the very beginning of each point. And a good return can instantly put pressure on your opponent. Establishing control of the point early on can often be the deciding factor in winning a point.

Forehand and Backhand Drills

These are your go-to shots. You’ll be using your forehand and backhand all the time, so let’s get them dialed in.

• How to do it: Practice alternating forehand and backhand shots, aiming for specific areas of the court.
• Why it works: Alternating between the two builds muscle memory and helps improve your overall reaction time. Plus, when it comes to game day, you’ll be ready for anything your opponent throws at you.

Pickleball Wall Drills

No partner? No problem. Pickleball wall drills are a fantastic way to improve on your own. 

Basic Wall Drill

This drill is perfect for working on control.

• How to do it: Stand a few feet from the wall and hit the ball against it, focusing on keeping a steady rhythm. Try to hit the ball the same way each time. Consistency is key!
• Why it works: Wall drills build consistent ball control and reaction time—two things you can’t have enough of in pickleball.

Volley Drill

Volleying is all about who has the better reflexes, and this drill helps sharpen those all-important reflexes.

• How to do it: Stand close to the wall and hit volleys back and forth without letting the ball bounce.
• Why it works: This drill improves your ability to react to fast-paced shots, which comes in handy during intense rallies.

Target Practice Drill

Need to work on accuracy? This is the drill for you.

• How to do it: Mark a few targets on the wall (use tape or chalk) and practice hitting them with both your forehand and backhand.
• Why it works: Accuracy can make or break your game. Hitting those targets consistently means you’re mastering control—and that’s what will win you points.

Pickleball Drills for Two Players

If you’ve got a practice buddy, you’re in luck. Pickleball drills for two are not only fun, but they also help improve communication and teamwork.

Crosscourt Dinking Drill

Here’s a fun one that improves your dinking game while keeping things competitive.

• How to do it: Stand diagonally across from your partner at the kitchen line, and dink the ball back and forth crosscourt.
• Why it works: This drill forces you to move your opponent around and improves your ability to hit precise, low shots.

Third Shot Drop Drill

Every pickleball expert knows: the third-shot drop can be a game-changer.

• How to do it: Practice this with a partner—hit a soft shot from the baseline that just clears the net, while your partner tries to volley it back. Repeat.
• Why it works: Mastering the third shot drop puts you in control of the rally, especially when transitioning from defense to offense.

Quick Reaction Drill

Want to speed up your reflexes? This one’s for you.

• How to do it: Stand at the net with your partner, and hit volleys back and forth as fast as you can.
• Why it works: This drill hones your reaction time and keeps you on your toes. Plus, it’s pretty fun trying to outlast each other!

Fun Pickleball Games to Boost Skills

Who said drills have to be boring? Pickleball games are a great way to add some excitement to your training, while still working on key skills. Here are a few that we love.

Around the World

This one is an absolute blast with a group.

• How to do it: Players take turns hitting the ball and running to the other side of the court. Miss a shot, and you’re out! Last person standing wins.
• Why it works: It’s a cardio workout disguised as a game, and it helps improve both footwork and accuracy.

King of the Court

If you’re competitive, this one’s going to be your favorite.

• How to do it: Two players play a rally, and the winner stays on the court as the "king." New challengers rotate in.
• Why it works: This game boosts your competitive edge and improves your shot-making under pressure.

Advanced Pickleball Drills for Competitive Players

If you’re ready for more of a challenge, these advanced drills will fine-tune your game and keep you ahead of the competition.

Doubles Transition Drill

Communication and smooth transitions are key in doubles.

• How to do it: With your partner, practice moving from the baseline to the kitchen while keeping the ball in play.
• Why it works: Transition drills improve footwork and positioning—two things that can give you an edge in competitive play.

Third Shot Drop & Attack Drill

This is where strategy meets precision.

• How to do it: Practice a third-shot drop, then follow it up with an aggressive shot to surprise your opponent.
• Why it works: This drill trains you to switch from defense to offense in a single move, making you a more versatile player.

Final Tips for Pickleball Training Success

Remember, consistency is everything at Recess Pickleball. Whether you’re practicing wall drills or working with a partner, make sure to switch things up so you’re always challenging yourself. And don’t forget to grab the right gear, like our Advanced Midnight Pickleball Paddle, so you can play at your best, as your game continues to evolve and grow.

If you’re looking to try new courts, definitely check out Where to Play Pickleball in New York City for some great spots to test out your skills.