Key takeaways:

• Practicing regularly with focused drills is a great way to improve specific parts of your game like serving, dinking, and footwork.

• Wearing high-quality gear from PB5star can help you feel more comfortable and play more confidently during every session.

• Sticking to a consistent practice routine not only sharpens your skills but also helps you feel more connected to the pickleball community.

If you're looking to improve your pickleball game, consistent, focused practice is the way to go. Targeted drills are one of the best ways to sharpen your technique, build confidence, and feel more in control on the court.

No matter your skill level, practicing specific parts of your game can make a real difference. Whether you're working on your serve, fine-tuning your dinks, or improving your footwork, the right drills can help you build muscle memory and play more efficiently. With regular practice, you can keep climbing the ranks and even work toward a 5.0 rating or go pro.

At PB5star, we know how much the right gear can impact how you play and how you feel. That’s why our apparel and accessories are designed for comfort, performance, and style—so you can focus on your game and enjoy every minute on the court.

Let’s jump into the drills that can take your skills to the next level. And when you're ready to practice, check out PB5star's latest gear to help you train with confidence and show up ready to play.

Why are pickleball drills important?

Drills are the backbone of progress in pickleball. Whether you're just getting started or have years of experience, focused practice helps you build better habits and grow your game. Drills are a great way to fine-tune your skills, improve your timing, and get more confident with every shot. And the best part? You're not doing it alone. Drilling brings players together, giving you a chance to connect with others who love the game as much as you do.

At PB5star, we're here to support every step of your pickleball journey. Our gear is built to help you move comfortably and play with confidence, whether you're working on serves, dinks, or volleys. When you wear PB5star, you're not just showing up to practice—you’re showing your dedication to getting better. And as an added bonus, a solid hour of drills can burn up to 600 calories, making it a fun, active way to stay in shape. With the right drills and gear, you're not just improving your skills—you’re becoming part of a growing community that cheers each other on, one rally at a time.

Without further ado, here are some pickleball drills to help enhance your skills:

#1. The serve

The serve starts every point in pickleball, so getting it right can give you a real advantage. A well-placed serve sets the tone for the rally and builds your confidence from the first shot. A great way to sharpen your serve is the “Target Practice” drill. Just set up some targets on the opposite side of the court and try to hit them with each serve. It helps with accuracy and builds confidence for real match play. The more you practice, the more consistent and effective your serves will become, making your matches smoother and more competitive.

#2. Dinking dynamics

Dinking might look simple, but it’s one of the most important skills in pickleball. A well-placed dink can break your opponent’s rhythm and create openings at the net. To get better at dinking, work on forehand and backhand rallies at the kitchen line. Focus on soft hands and consistent placement. You can also mix in cross-court dinks to add variety and challenge yourself a bit more. Dinking takes patience, so stay calm and let the paddle do the work.

Footwork and balance make all the difference when you're close to the net. Keep your stance wide and your movements light. Adding drop shots to your routine is a great way to improve your touch.

#3. Precision volleys

To control the pace at the net, you need strong volleys. Here are a few drills to help sharpen that part of your game:

• Quick punches – Stand near the kitchen line and volley quickly with a partner. Focus on fast, controlled shots.

• Touch volleys – Practice soft volleys aimed at your partner’s chest. This builds precision and helps you control the ball better.

• Wall volleys – Hit against a wall if you’re training solo. Keep the ball low and vary the angles.

• Defensive volleys – Practice blocking harder shots and redirecting them with control. It’s a great way to turn defense into offense.

Volleys are all about timing and positioning. Stay ready with your paddle up and your weight balanced. The PB5 Court2 shoes are built to help you stay mobile and stable, so you can stay sharp and make fast decisions during those intense net exchanges.

#4. Footwork fundamentals

Good footwork makes everything easier on the court. It helps you get into position faster, react to shots more effectively, and conserve energy. A great way to boost your agility is with the lateral shuffle drill. Set up a couple of markers and shuffle between them, staying low and keeping your movements tight.

To improve your ability to transition between the baseline and the kitchen, try the forward-backward sprint drill. Sprint to the kitchen line, then backpedal to the baseline. It mimics game-like movement and improves your balance and control. The PB5 Court2 shoes are designed to support those fast transitions with traction and stability. With regular footwork practice, you’ll feel quicker and more in sync with the pace of the game.

#5. Backhand basics

Your backhand can be a real game-changer once it’s solid. A good way to start is with wall drills. Stand 10 to 15 feet from a wall and hit steady backhand shots. Focus on form, keeping your wrist firm and following through. As you improve, step farther back to make the drill more challenging.

You can also work on your backhand with a partner. Practice crosscourt backhand dinks, aiming for control and placement. Start slow and build up your pace. Beginners should focus on keeping a relaxed grip and using their legs for power. With time, your backhand will become one of your most reliable shots, giving you more options and making your game feel smoother overall.

#6. Strategic shots

Placing your shots with purpose can shift the momentum of a match and keep your opponent guessing. If you want to build accuracy and improve court awareness, try the 7-11 drill. It turns practice into a fun challenge, helping you learn how to hit your targets more consistently. For more variety, work on hitting specific zones during rally drills. The more you focus on placement, the more your game starts to feel controlled and intentional.

Your stance plays a big role here. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees slightly, and stay balanced. Try keeping your paddle out in front too—it helps with control and quicker reactions. These small changes can make a big difference in how you move and hit. With a little time and the right drills, you'll start to feel more confident shaping the pace and direction of each point.

#7. Warm-up routines

A good warm-up does more than get your body ready—it helps you play smarter and safer. Before jumping into a match, start with a few dynamic moves to loosen up your muscles. Try forward lunges with a twist to activate your legs and core, followed by lateral lunges to prepare for those quick side steps. Add leg swings and arm circles to warm up your whole body.

These movements help you stay flexible and move better during games. You can also add a little cardio, like jogging in place or doing high knees, to get your heart rate going. And don’t skip ankle mobility—simple ankle rolls and toe points go a long way. Warming up only takes a few minutes, but it can help prevent injuries and improve how you feel on the court.

#8. Partner practice drills

Training with a partner makes practice more fun and productive. Drills with someone else push your limits and help you learn to adjust to different playing styles. Try these go-to partner drills to sharpen your skills and keep your sessions engaging:

• Rapid fire – One player feeds balls quickly while the other volleys them back. Focus on reaction speed and clean contact. Swap roles after a couple of minutes.

• Target practice – Place targets on the court and take turns aiming at them. Score points to keep things competitive.

• 7-11 drill – One player plays at the kitchen line trying to score 11 points, while the other plays from the baseline aiming for 7. It’s great for working on shot placement and smart decision-making.

• Pressure points – Recreate match scenarios, like being down by one point, to simulate game pressure and practice staying composed.

These drills help you get better together and make every session more meaningful. They’re also a great way to bond with your pickleball community.

#10. Advanced drills for experts

If you’ve been playing for a while and want to level up, these advanced drills can help fine-tune your strategy and execution. Start with the 3-2-1 drill. Hit three shots from the baseline, two from midcourt, and one at the kitchen line. It trains you to move smoothly between zones and adapt your shot choices along the way.

To improve your defense, try the Rapid Fire Defense drill. Have your partner send a fast stream of balls while you focus on blocking and redirecting with control. It’s a great way to build quick reactions and learn how to turn tough situations into offensive opportunities. 

Elevate your game

If you’re looking to level up your skills, adding these drills to your regular practice is a great place to start. With a little consistency, you’ll start to see real improvements in how you move, react, and place your shots.

As you continue building your skills, don’t underestimate the impact of good gear. Our PB5 Court2 shoes are designed to give you the support and traction you need for quick changes in direction and confident movement on the court.

Want to keep learning and stay inspired? Head over to The Drop for more tips, drills, and strategies to help you play your best. We're all in this together, and the progress you make—big or small—is something to be proud of.