Pickleball Drill to Improve Your Forehand Drive: Spacing and Lower Body Engagement

If you’re looking to refine your forehand drive, today’s drill is all about creating a strong foundation with two key elements: spacing and lower body engagement. Mastering these will help you generate more power, spin, and control in your shots.

Why This Drill?

In this drill, we’re intentionally setting up on a side that would typically require a backhand. The goal? Force yourself to move around the ball and take a forehand instead. This not only improves footwork but also helps train your body to properly position for an effective strike.

How to Perform the Drill

1. Set Up a Cone or Marker – This will help guide your movement around the ball.
2. Footwork First – If you want to increase intensity, fully circle around the cone before executing your shot. If that’s too much, focus on stepping back and turning to prepare for contact.
3. Engage Your Body – The key to a strong forehand drive is not just arm motion but proper body rotation.
4. Make Contact on the Rise – Many players let the ball drop too much. Instead, focus on striking the ball at a high contact point, preferably as it’s rising.
5. Load & Transfer Weight – Start by loading on your back foot, then transfer your weight forward into the shot. If you find yourself falling back as you hit, this drill is exactly what you need!

Key Takeaways for a Strong Forehand Drive

✅ Spacing is everything – Give yourself enough room to fully extend through the shot.
✅ Body rotation matters – Use your non-dominant hand to help turn and guide your stroke.
✅ Engage your lower body – Power comes from the ground up, not just your arm.
✅ Finish forward – Weight should shift from your back foot to your front foot for max efficiency.

By focusing on these elements, you’ll increase your shot’s acceleration, spin, and directional control. Add this drill to your routine, and watch your forehand drive become more consistent and powerful! 🚀