Indoor Drills to Elevate Your Game

The dink shot is an essential skill in pickleball, and this drill is designed to help you improve your consistency and accuracy. To set up, stick a 24-inch strip of duct tape to a wall so that the top of the tape is 36 inches high (the height of the pickleball net). Next, make a line with tape on the ground 7 feet away from the wall to signify the kitchen line. Practice your dinking/drop shots in various locations near the kitchen line. This will help you develop your touch and feel for the ball, as well as your ability to place shots accurately.

Volleying is another important aspect of pickleball, and this drill is all about improving your hand speed and reflexes at the net. Using the same tape setup from the previous drill, stand behind your kitchen line and begin volleying at the wall at a speed you’re comfortable with. As you progress, you can experiment with your feet at different distances from the kitchen line, including standing inside the kitchen line to make the drill more challenging. Focus on keeping your volleys low and close to the net, and try to keep your feet within 1.5 feet (minimum) of the kitchen line. This will help you develop quick reflexes and the ability to make split-second decisions at the net.

When practicing these drills, keep your eye on the ball and watch it into your paddle on every stroke. Your goal is to focus on the ball to the point where you can see each individual hole. Additionally, be sure to stay relaxed, focused, and consistent in your stroke mechanics. By incorporating these drills into your practice routine, you can take your game to the next level and have even more fun on the court!