3 Drills to Master Pickleball Angles and Sideline Shots

If you want to hit sharper angles with more confidence, it’s not just about where you aim; it’s about how you move, control your paddle, and apply spin. These pickleball drills are designed for players looking to improve their angle game with purpose and consistency.

1. Sideline Target Zones

Accuracy near the sideline can turn a neutral rally into a winning shot. This sideline accuracy drill helps you consistently place shots into high-value areas without drifting out of bounds. Mark target zones near the sideline and in deep corners, keeping them about a paddle’s width inside the boundary. Cones, towels, or chalk lines work well.

From the Kitchen, midcourt, and baseline, practice hitting shots into these targets. Change up your shot type—soft dinks, firm drives, and different spins—to build versatility and adaptability in real match situations.

Focus On:

• Soft dinks that hug the sideline
• Controlled drives to deep corners
• Varying spin: topspin, slice, and flat shots

Advanced Challenge: Tighten your targets or move them closer to the line. From the transition zone, land five consecutive shots into a target, alternating spins.

2. Crosscourt Angle Variations

Crosscourt rallies are a foundation for pickleball angle drills, allowing you to pull your opponent wide and open up the court. With a partner, start at the Kitchen and exchange soft crosscourt dinks with low net clearance. Once you’re consistent, add topspin dinks to push your opponent off balance, then transition to controlled drives while keeping your angles sharp.

Rotate between forehand and backhand sides so you can attack from anywhere. The goal is to make wide angles second nature, whether you’re defending or on offense.

Focus On:

• Gradual progression from soft to offensive shots
• Consistent net clearance with sharp angles
• Smooth lateral footwork to stay balanced

3. Play Skinny Singles

Skinny singles is one of the best pickleball practice games for shot placement and strategy. The smaller court width forces you to focus on precision while replicating doubles-style movement and decision-making.

Both players start at the baseline on the right-hand side of the pickleball court, positioned crosscourt. Play the rally as normal, allowing any shot type. If the server wins the rally, they earn a point and switch to the opposite side of the pickleball court, playing straight-on for the next point. Continue alternating sides after every point won to ensure you practice your shots in all directions—both crosscourt and straight-on angles.

To level up your practice, slow down a few rallies to focus purely on technique, positioning, and constructing points that pull your opponent out wide.

Focus On:

• Precision over power
• Practicing both crosscourt and straight-on rallies
• Patience in setting up winning angles

Angles win points, but only when you can hit them with control and consistency. Practice these pickleball drills for angles and sideline shots with intention, and you’ll turn risky attempts into reliable winners. For more strategies, see our guide to hitting sidelines and angles with confidence.