Pickleball Drills for Better Placement & Shot Control

When I first picked up a pickleball paddle, I thought the key to winning was all about how hard I could hit the ball. I imagined myself as a pickleball superhero, smashing the ball past my opponents with sheer power. But as I dove deeper into the game, I quickly realized that accuracy is the real game-changer. It’s not just about hitting hard; it’s about hitting smart. In this article, I’ll share some fun and effective drills to help you improve your shot placement and control, so you can become a more strategic player on the court.

Why Accuracy Matters in Pickleball

Let’s face it: hitting the ball hard is impressive, but if it goes out of bounds or into the net, it doesn’t do you any good. Accuracy is what allows you to place the ball where you want it, making it difficult for your opponent to return. Imagine you’re in a match, and your opponent is standing at the baseline. If you can place the ball just over the net and into the corner of the court, you’ll force them to scramble, giving you a better chance to win the point.

Moreover, accuracy can help you control the pace of the game. By placing your shots strategically, you can dictate the flow of the match and keep your opponent on their toes. So, let’s dive into some drills that will help you develop this essential skill!

Essential Drills for Improving Shot Placement

1. Wall Bounce Drill

The wall bounce drill is a classic exercise that helps you develop consistency and accuracy in your shot placement. Here’s how to do it:

1. Find a Wall: Stand about 10 to 15 feet away from a sturdy wall.
2. Choose Your Shot: Start with a forehand shot. Aim for a specific target area on the wall.
3. Hit and React: Hit the ball against the wall, and as it bounces back, react quickly to hit it again, aiming for the same target area.
4. Switch It Up: Alternate between forehand and backhand shots to develop proficiency in both.

This drill not only helps with muscle memory but also improves your hand-eye coordination. As you practice, try to set different target areas on the wall to enhance your shot placement accuracy.

2. Target Practice Drill

Setting up targets on the court can be a game-changer for improving your shot placement. Here’s how to set up this drill:

1. Set Up Targets: Use cones, hula hoops, or any other objects to create target areas on the court, especially near the net.
2. Aim for the Targets: Stand at the baseline and practice hitting the ball into or near the targets. Focus on your shot placement rather than power.
3. Count Your Hits: Keep track of how many times you hit the targets. Challenge yourself to improve your score each time you practice.

This drill helps you visualize where you want the ball to go and reinforces the importance of aiming for specific areas.

3. Dinking Drill

Dinking is a crucial skill in pickleball, and practicing it can greatly enhance your shot placement. Here’s how to perform the wall dinking drill:

1. Stand Close to the Wall: Position yourself a few feet away from the wall, holding your paddle in a ready position.
2. Softly Hit the Ball: Hit the ball against the wall, aiming for a specific target area just above the net.
3. Receive and Repeat: As the ball bounces back, focus on receiving it with a soft dink shot, aiming for the same target area.
4. Alternate Shots: Switch between forehand and backhand dinks to practice from different angles.

This drill helps improve your control and touch, enabling you to place your dink shots precisely where you intend them to go.

4. Partner Drop Shot Drill

Practicing with a partner can make drills more engaging and competitive. Here’s how to do the partner drop shot drill:

1. Stand at the Net: Pair up with a partner and stand at the net.
2. Hit Drop Shots: One player hits a drop shot while the other tries to return it. Focus on soft touch and accuracy.
3. Switch Roles: After each shot, switch roles. This will help both players work on their drop shot skills.

This drill emphasizes the importance of placement over power, as you’ll need to hit the ball softly and accurately to make it effective.

5. Moving Target Drill

The moving target drill simulates real-game scenarios and helps improve shot placement while on the move. Here’s how to perform it:

1. Stand Away from the Wall: Position yourself a few feet away from the wall, ready to hit.
2. Hit and Move: Start by hitting the ball against the wall with a forehand shot, aiming for a specific target area.
3. Move Laterally: As the ball bounces back, move laterally or backward while trying to hit the ball again, aiming for the same target area.
4. Alternate Shots: Switch between forehand and backhand shots while continuously moving.

This drill challenges your shot placement skills while adding a dynamic element of movement, helping you develop the ability to hit accurate shots while on the move.

6. Drop Shot with Movement Drill

This drill combines movement with shot placement, making it a great way to practice your drop shots. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start at the Baseline: Begin at the baseline with a partner feeding you balls.
2. Move Forward: As your partner feeds you a ball, move forward to execute the drop shot.
3. Return to the Baseline: After hitting the drop shot, return to the baseline and repeat the process.
4. Focus on Smooth Transitions: Emphasize smooth transitions and balance as you move.

This drill helps you practice your drop shots while also working on your footwork and positioning.

7. Consistent Practice

One of the most important aspects of improving your shot placement is consistent practice. Aim to incorporate these drills into your routine 2-3 times a week. Regular practice will help you develop better control, timing, and accuracy.

Tips for Improving Shot Control

In addition to practicing drills, here are some tips to help you improve your shot control:

• Focus on Your Grip: A relaxed grip can help you maintain better control over your shots. Experiment with different grip pressures to find what works best for you.
• Watch Your Footwork: Good footwork is essential for positioning yourself to hit accurate shots. Practice moving quickly and efficiently around the court.
• Visualize Your Shots: Before hitting the ball, visualize where you want it to go. This mental practice can help improve your shot placement.
• Stay Patient: Mastering shot placement takes time and dedication. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small improvements along the way.

Final Thoughts

Improving your shot placement and control in pickleball is all about practice and focus. By incorporating these drills into your training routine, you’ll develop the skills needed to outsmart your opponents and win more points. Remember, it’s not just about hitting hard; it’s about hitting smart. So grab your paddle, find a wall, and start practicing your accuracy today!

For more rule updates, gameplay techniques, buying guides, and product reviews on everything related to pickleball, be sure to check out our site. 

Third Shot Drop Videos to help you get started: Focus on controlling soft shots near the net

• How to Hit a 3rd Shot Drop in Pickleball 
• How To Hit 3rd Shot Drops in Pickleball (RESULTS GUARANTEED) 
• A Third Shot Drop Strategy Masterclass 

With dedication and the right drills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more accurate and strategic pickleball player. Happy playing!