Improving your pickleball skills doesn’t always require a court, a partner, or even much space. Thanks to insights from pro pickleball player and coach Will East, we’ve compiled some effective drills that you can perform at home with nothing more than a wall and your pickleball paddle.
These drills are designed to enhance your hand speed, as well as your touch and feel for the game, crucial aspects that players of all levels seek to improve.
Drill #1: Wall Rally for Hand Speed
Objective: Improve hand-eye coordination and speed.
Equipment: Paddle, pickleball, and a solid wall.
How-To:
- Stand approximately 5 to 7 feet away from the wall.
- Hit the ball towards the wall with enough force that it returns to you without bouncing more than once.
- Focus on quick, controlled returns, aiming to keep the rally going as long as possible.
- Gradually increase the pace as you become more comfortable, challenging your reaction time and hand speed.
This drill mimics the fast volley exchanges you’ll experience in actual gameplay, enhancing your ability to react and return shots quickly.
Drill #2: Soft Touch Dinks
Objective: Develop touch and control over soft shots.
Equipment: Paddle, pickleball, and a wall with a marked area representing the net height.
How-To:
- Mark a spot on the wall approximately 34 inches from the ground, equivalent to the height of a pickleball net.
- Stand close to the wall, within 6 to 8 feet.
- Gently hit the ball towards the marked area on the wall, aiming to make it bounce softly and close to your feet.
- The goal is to simulate the dink shot used in pickleball, working on your ability to control the ball’s pace and direction.
By practicing dinks against a wall, you’ll improve your finesse and ability to execute soft shots, a vital skill for the kitchen or non-volley zone play.
Drill #3: Forehand and Backhand Drills
Objective: Enhance forehand and backhand stroke technique.
Equipment: Paddle, pickleball, and a wall.
How-To:
- Alternate between forehand and backhand shots against the wall, aiming for consistency and accuracy.
- Focus on proper paddle grip, stance, and follow-through with each shot.
- Start with slow, controlled hits, gradually increasing speed as your confidence and skill level improve.
This drill helps solidify the fundamentals of both forehand and backhand shots, ensuring you’re prepared for any shot that comes your way during a game.
Watch Pro Player Will East in Action
Will East demonstrates some of the ways you can implement solo pickleball drills at home to improve on hand speed, precision and overall gameplay.
Check out more videos and pro tips from Will:
- The 3 Most Common Errors When Dinking
- Strategic Pickleball Serve Insights
- A Pro’s Tips for a Powerful One-Handed Backhand Drive
- Mastering Defense Against Overheads
Why Practice Solo?
Practicing solo offers a unique set of benefits, not least of which is the convenience of training on your own schedule.
Without the need for a partner, you can focus on specific skills at your own pace, repeating drills as often as necessary to correct mistakes and refine your technique.
Wrap-Up
Will East’s recommendations for at-home drills are a game-changer for pickleball players looking to elevate their skills. Not only do these drills enhance hand speed and touch, but they also offer a convenient way to practice and perfect your game solo.
Remember, consistent practice is key to improvement. So, grab your paddle, find a wall, and start drilling. Your future self—and your future opponents—will thank you for the effort.
