Pickleball drills
Pickleball tactics & patterns drills
7 free Pickleball drills for tactics & patterns, each with the setup, how it runs, what to coach, and how to make it harder or easier.
7 drills
DinkingTactics & patternsDink to targets in the kitchenA crosscourt dinking game with small targets in each kitchen, so players learn where a dink hurts the opponent most.15 min · 2–4 players · U11+
Volley & net playTactics & patternsErne and around-the-post awarenessSpot the sideline dink that opens an Erne and the wide ball that allows an around-the-post shot, and play both legally.15 min · 2–4 players · U16+
Doubles playTactics & patternsPoaching and switchingAt the kitchen line, one partner cuts across to take a floating crosscourt ball and the other switches sides to cover the gap.20 min · 4 players · U16+
Tactics & patternsDrivesSingles: serve, return and passing shotsSingles patterns: serve deep from the correct side, return deep and attack the net, and answer the net player with a passing shot.20 min · 2 players · U15+
Doubles playTactics & patternsStacking basicsPairs learn to stack so each player stays on their preferred side, while the correct player still serves and receives from the correct court.20 min · 4–8 players · U13+
Doubles playTactics & patternsStacking with switches on both sidesServing and receiving pairs line up on the same side, then switch after the serve or return so each player keeps their preferred side.20 min · 4 players · U16+
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+