To improve your overhead, try these basic drills.

1. Basic Overheads – Start at the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line. Have your drill partner (who should be directly across the net from you) toss pickleballs in the air above your body. Give yourself time in between each toss to reset and get back to the Non-Volley Zone or Kitchen Line. Work on the proper mechanics (including footwork) on each overhead.

2. Moving Overheads – Have your drill partner toss or hit you pickleballs in the following pattern, with time in between each overhead to reset: (a) to the right of your body; (b) to the left of your body; and (c) a few steps behind your body. Move your feet on each overhead to position your body sideways under the pickleball, so that you can strike the overhead out in front of your body in a 1 o’clock and fully extended position. Once you have mastered this, have your partner toss or hit you pickleballs in a random pattern.

If you have mastered these basic drills, have your partner toss or hit pickleballs a bit further from your body so that you have to work a bit harder to be in the proper position and strike a solid overhead. As always, remember to focus on quality.

Key Takeaway:

1. Drill, drill, drill and hit hundreds of overheads (and high backhands) to master this important shot.