So, you’ve mastered the pickleball basics and can hold your own in a game—but now you’re looking to take your skills to the next level. If you want to win more matches, improve your consistency, and develop better strategy and control, it’s time to incorporate drills designed for intermediate players.
Drilling isn’t just for beginners or pros—it’s the key to refining your game and making sure your skills hold up under pressure.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Essential drills for improving shot consistency
✅ Dinking, third-shot drop, and volley drills
✅ Footwork and reaction speed drills
✅ How to practice alone vs. with a partner
✅ How to make drilling fun and effective
If you want to play smarter, more precise pickleball, these drills will sharpen your skills and give you a competitive edge!
1. Why Drilling Matters for Intermediate Players
By the time you reach the intermediate level, you can:
✔️ Keep the ball in play during rallies
✔️ Execute basic shots (serve, dink, volley, drop shot)
✔️ Understand positioning and movement
But what separates intermediate players from advanced ones? Consistency and precision. That’s where drilling comes in.
a. The Benefits of Drilling
- More accurate shots – Reduce unforced errors.
- Better reaction time – Prepare for fast-paced play.
- Improved court awareness – Anticipate opponent moves.
- Increased stamina – Longer rallies without fatigue.
🔥 Bonus Tip: Drilling can get intense—stay comfortable in a moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirt from BigGreenPickle.com to keep cool and dry.
2. Essential Drills for Shot Consistency
Consistency is the foundation of a strong pickleball game. These drills help build reliable shot accuracy and control.
a. Wall Rally Drill (Solo Drill)
🎯 Purpose: Improves hand-eye coordination and paddle control.
- Stand 6–8 feet from a wall and rally the ball continuously.
- Focus on hitting the ball at a consistent height and speed.
- Alternate between forehand and backhand shots.
🔥 Challenge: Set a goal of 50 continuous hits before stopping.
b. Crosscourt Dink Battle (Partner Drill)
🎯 Purpose: Sharpens soft game and control at the kitchen line.
- Both players stand at the kitchen line on opposite sides.
- Only hit crosscourt dinks to each other.
- The goal is to stay in control and not pop the ball up.
🔥 Challenge: See who can maintain a rally for 100 dinks in a row.
3. The Best Drills for Mastering the Third-Shot Drop
The third-shot drop is a must-have skill for intermediate players looking to dominate at the net.
a. Third-Shot Drop Accuracy Drill (Solo or Partner)
🎯 Purpose: Develops touch and precision on drop shots.
- Stand at the baseline and practice hitting soft drops into the kitchen.
- Focus on a high, controlled arc that lands softly.
- If practicing with a partner, have them stand at the kitchen to return shots.
🔥 Challenge: Hit 10 perfect drops in a row before moving forward.
4. Footwork & Agility Drills for Faster Reactions
Good footwork = better shot execution and faster recovery. These drills help improve mobility and balance.
a. Side-to-Side Shuffle Drill
🎯 Purpose: Enhances lateral movement for quick kitchen exchanges.
- Stand at the kitchen line.
- Have a partner hit volleys left and right, forcing you to shuffle quickly.
- Return each shot with a controlled volley.
🔥 Challenge: Maintain proper form for 1 minute without stopping.
b. Figure 8 Footwork Drill
🎯 Purpose: Improves quick direction changes and agility.
- Set up two cones or markers about 5 feet apart.
- Move in a figure 8 pattern around the cones, staying low and balanced.
- Repeat for 30 seconds at a time.
🔥 Challenge: Do this drill without looking at your feet—stay focused on the ball!
5. Volley & Fast-Hands Reaction Drills
Quick hands at the net win points. These drills improve reaction time and control.
a. Rapid Fire Volleys (Partner Drill)
🎯 Purpose: Increases reaction speed and hand-eye coordination.
- Both players stand at the kitchen line.
- One player feeds fast volleys, while the other blocks and redirects.
- Switch roles every 1 minute.
🔥 Challenge: See how many volleys you can return in 30 seconds!
b. Paddle Tap Reflex Drill (Solo or Partner)
🎯 Purpose: Trains soft touch and fast reflexes.
- Tap the ball gently up and down on your paddle.
- Increase speed while keeping control.
- Try it with both forehand and backhand.
🔥 Challenge: Hit 100 controlled taps in a row without dropping the ball.
6. Serve & Return Accuracy Drills
a. Deep Serve Target Drill
🎯 Purpose: Helps serve deeper and with better placement.
- Place cones or targets at the back of the service box.
- Practice serving consistently to those spots.
🔥 Challenge: Hit 8 out of 10 serves deep into the target area.
b. Return of Serve Placement Drill
🎯 Purpose: Improves control and keeps opponents back.
- Have a partner serve while you focus on returning deep.
- Work on keeping the return low and near the baseline.
🔥 Challenge: Return 10 consecutive deep shots before stopping.
7. Making Drilling Fun & Effective
Drilling can feel repetitive, but you can make it engaging and game-like with these tricks:
✅ Turn Drills Into Mini Games – Set a goal and compete against yourself or a partner.
✅ Use a Timer – Play speed drills to add excitement.
✅ Track Your Progress – Write down your best scores and try to beat them next time.
✅ Stay Hydrated – A pickleball tumbler from BigGreenPickle.com keeps your drinks cold so you stay energized.
Final Thoughts: Elevate Your Game with These Drills
If you want to go from intermediate to advanced, these drills will help you level up. The key is to practice with purpose and focus on consistency, movement, and control.
And don’t forget—the right gear matters:
✅ Moisture-wicking pickleball t-shirts keep you cool during long drilling sessions.
✅ Pickleball tumblers help you stay hydrated and ready to play.
The more you drill, the more your skills, confidence, and results will improve. So grab your paddle and start training today!
