Try these basic drills to master your drives:

1. Partner Toss – Stand near the baseline. Have your partner stand across from you at the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line on the opposite side of the pickleball court. Then, have your partner toss you pickleballs at the baseline or in the Transition Area, so that you can work on your technique on your various drives. Focus on one particular drive to begin with. For instance, focus on your basic forehand drive. As you get better, have your partner move you around on your side of the pickleball court, so that you are forced to move your feet to prepare to strike the pickleball. Remember to work on all of your various drives, including both forehand and backhand drives.

2. Alternating Drives – Stand on the middle line at the baseline with your partner directly across the net from you. Have your partner hit or toss a pickleball a few feet to your forehand side. Strike the pickleball with a basic forehand drive. Then, reset to the middle line. As you approach the middle line, have your partner hit or toss another pickleball a few feet to your backhand side. Strike the pickleball with a basic backhand drive, and then reset to the middle line. Continue this pattern alternating both forehand and backhand drives. Try picking up the tempo if you want to increase your cardio! Once you feel that you have the hang of this, have your partner keep you guessing and hit forehand and backhand drives in a random sequence. However, make sure that your partner gives you enough time to get reset at the middle line in between each shot.

3. Partner Drives – Stand across from your partner with you both positioned at the baselines on opposite sides of the pickleball court, Hit drives back and forth on each other working on your mechanics. Remember to work on all of your various drives, including both forehand and backhand drives, and see how long you can keep your rally going!

Key Takeaway:

1. Drill, drill, drill and drive, drive, drive to master each of your drives.