Pickleball drills
Pickleball decision-making drills
7 free Pickleball drills for decision-making, each with the setup, how it runs, what to coach, and how to make it harder or easier.
7 drills
DinkingDecision-makingDink and speed-up readCrosscourt dinking where players learn to tell an attackable ball from one to keep dinking, then speed up low and defend the counter.15 min · 2–8 players · U13+
Third shotDecision-makingDrop or drive under pressureThe serving team reads each return and chooses a third-shot drop or a drive, with points that reward the right choice under a tight score.20 min · 4 players · U16+
GameDecision-makingEnd-of-game pressure pointsShort doubles games that start at a tight score, so players practise calling the score, choosing safe shots and closing out under pressure.25 min · 4–8 players · U16+
Volley & net playDecision-makingKitchen rules walk-throughWalk through when players may and may not volley near the non-volley zone, then test the rules with live feeds.12 min · 2–8 players · U8+
Doubles playDecision-makingMiddle ball communicationPartners at the kitchen line learn who takes the ball down the middle, calling early and clearly so nothing slips between them.12 min · 2–8 players · U12+
Resets & blocksDecision-makingResetting out of a firefightWhen a fast exchange turns against you, take the pace off with a soft block into the kitchen and get the point back to dinking.15 min · 2–8 players · U14+
Tactics & patternsDecision-makingTargeting a weaker side and the middleScout the opponents early, name a target (a backhand, a slower mover or the middle), and build the point towards it.20 min · 4 players · U16+