Pickleball drills

I like where this is going. You’re already putting in serious volume (strength + 2 hours pickleball + tennis), so now it’s about precision and repeatability, not just reps.

To reach advanced/top-tier pickleball, especially in dinking and lobs, the shift is:

From “can I make this shot?”

to

“can I place this shot intentionally under pressure 9/10 times?”

Below is a progressive development plan structured in levels.

Phase 1 – Elite Dink Foundation (Weeks 1–3)

🎯 Goal: 50+ controlled dinks in a row cross-court

1️⃣ Cross-Court Dink Pattern Drill

• Both players at NVZ (kitchen line)

• Cross-court only

• Aim 1–2 feet inside sideline, within 2 feet of kitchen line

• Soft arc, no pace

Focus:

• Paddle out front

• Contact below net height

• Minimal backswing

• 70% weight forward

Progression:

• Count consecutive shots

• Then aim specifically to opponent’s backhand foot

2️⃣ Dink + Speed-Up Recognition Drill

• 4 dinks neutral

• On 5th ball, one player speed-ups

• Other must reset softly into kitchen

Focus:

• Recognize high ball vs neutral ball

• Practice soft hands reset

Advanced players win by resetting chaos.

Phase 2 – Offensive Dinking & Patterns (Weeks 3–6)

🎯 Goal: Move opponent off line before attacking

3️⃣ Inside-Outside Dink Drill

Alternate:

• Wide dink

• Middle dink

• Wide again

You’re training:

• Lateral displacement

• Creating pop-up opportunities

Advanced pickleball is about manipulation, not power.

4️⃣ Dead Dink Drill

Try to make the ball:

• Bounce low

• No forward momentum

• Land shallow in kitchen

Goal: Opponent must lift upward.

This creates attackable balls.

Phase 3 – Lobs (Advanced Control)

Most players misuse lobs. Advanced lobs are:

• Intentional

• Disguised

• Used sparingly

🎯 Goal: 8/10 lobs land within 2 feet of baseline

5️⃣ Target Lob Drill

• Place cones 2 feet inside baseline

• Lob cross-court and straight

• Practice both from:

  
  

  • Kitchen

  • Transition zone

• 
  

Focus:

• High arc

• Spin control

• Same paddle prep as dink (disguise)

6️⃣ Defensive Lob Under Pressure

Partner speed-ups → you reset → then throw surprise lob.

Trains:

• Calm under attack

• Quick decision making

Phase 4 – Transition & Reset Mastery (Critical for Advanced Level)

Most club players are weak here.

🎯 Drill: 3rd Shot Drop + Advance

• Serve

• Return

• 3rd shot drop

• Move 2 steps forward

• Continue soft resets until at NVZ

Focus:

• Stay low

• Compact stroke

• Split step before opponent contact

What You Should Focus On Personally

Given your athletic background and tennis volume:

You likely already have:

• Good drive

• Good athleticism

• Competitive stamina

You should focus on:

• Soft game patience

• Dink tolerance (long rallies)

• Reset under pace

• Shot selection discipline

Advanced pickleball is won with:

Resets + patience + precision

Not winners.

Weekly Structure Suggestion (Given Your Training Load)

Since you already play a lot:

Instead of more games, add:

2 sessions per week:

• 20 min structured dinking

• 10 min lob targets

• 15 min transition resets

Then play normally.

Technical Cues for Top Tier

• Paddle tip slightly up in kitchen

• Elbows relaxed, hands soft

• Knees bent constantly

• Contact in front of body

• Eyes at opponent’s chest (read speed-up cues)

If you’d like, tell me:

• Are you mostly doubles?

• Do you struggle more with speed-ups, resets, or patience?

• Do you have a consistent drilling partner?

I can build you a 4-week advanced refinement plan tailored to your current level.