Volleys Drills

Before you drill
Before diving into the drills, it's important to understand the foundational moments of pickleball, such as serving and dinking, as well as more advanced techniques like ernies and third shot drops. These aspects of the game are crucial to master in order to excel on the court.
The aims of this article is to simplify the learning process by categorizing key moments in a rally and compiling them all in one convenient location. A variety of drills have been carefully selected for players to explore, each with a detailed summary, explanations on how they can enhance specific skills, and instructions for execution.
These drills are specifically designed for beginners, and covers a wide range of skills and techniques to help players improve their game. Whether you're looking to enhance your serving accuracy, work on your dinking technique, or perfect your third shot drop, you will find a comprehensive set of drills to satisfy your needs.

VOLLEYS EXPLAINED
Volleys are a crucial aspect of pickleball, requiring a specific skill set to master. From soft blocks to punch volleys, each type of volley serves a different purpose on the court. Practicing various drills can help improve your volleying skills and enhance your overall gameplay.
The key to a successful volley lies in hitting the ball before it bounces, showcasing your ability to control the pace and direction of the game. Whether playing singles or doubles, mastering the art of volleys can give you an edge over your opponents and help you dominate the rally.
In doubles matches, volleys play a significant role in dictating the flow of the game. By running the net and strategically placing your shots, you can put pressure on your opponents and create opportunities to score points. A strong volley game can make all the difference in a competitive match.
When it comes to gripping your pickleball paddle for volleys, the Eastern or continental grip is recommended for optimal control and power. Adjusting your grip pressure can also impact the strength of your shots, so finding the right balance is essential to executing successful volleys.
Proper footwork and body positioning are essential components of effective volleying. Maintaining stability with shoulder-width apart feet and slightly bent knees can help you stay balanced during intense exchanges at the net. Leaning onto the balls of your feet can further enhance your stability and improve your shot accuracy.

VOLLEYS DRILLS

Toss Up
Enhance your hand-eye coordination with the Toss Up drill, a fantastic solo activity designed to help you perfect your volleys.
Begin by standing near the net and practicing tossing a ball between your hands, alternating between catching and tossing with each hand.
This drill is an excellent method to boost your reaction time, coordination, and prepare you for swift volleys during a match.
Additionally, it aids in improving your ability to track and meet the ball, a crucial aspect of hitting volleys early and high.
To perform the Toss Up drill, stand close to the net with your paddle in your non-dominant hand, then toss the ball up with your dominant hand and catch it with your non-dominant hand.
Continue switching between hands, ensuring a smooth catch and release motion, and gradually increase the speed and height of your tosses as you become more proficient in the drill.

Volley Spot
Knowing exactly when and where a volley opportunity will arise would take away the surprise factor that makes volleys so effective. Therefore, it's important to practice hitting volleys from different positions on the court to be prepared for any situation that may come your way.
To execute the Volley Spot drill, you'll need a partner to feed you the ball either by hand or with a light dink. It's crucial that they can deliver the ball to you in a timely and somewhat close manner to simulate real-game scenarios.
The drill involves starting at the kitchen line, hitting a volley, then moving back to the baseline to hit another volley from there. The goal is not to hit the ball directly back at your partner but rather to place it strategically away from them. Make sure to have a bucket of balls handy for this exercise.
By practicing the Volley Spot drill, you'll enhance your volley technique and become proficient at hitting volleys from varying distances on the court. This will ultimately make you a more versatile and skilled player on the pickleball court.
To perform the Volley Spot drill effectively, start at the kitchen line with your paddle poised for action. Hit a volley, then retreat to the baseline to hit another volley. Return to the kitchen line and repeat the sequence, gradually increasing the difficulty by experimenting with different angles and speeds as you become more adept at the drill.

Back and Forth
Have you ever played the game where you and your partner start off standing close to each other and then gradually move further apart as you continue hitting the ball back and forth? It's a fun and challenging drill that not only improves your reflexes but also teaches you how to hit the ball softly while still keeping it in play. This drill is great for practicing both dinking and powerful volleys, and it will help you consistently hit the ball exactly where you want it as you take it out of the air.
To perform the Back and Forth drill, start by standing at the net with your partner on the other side of the court. The player at the net begins by hitting a volley to their partner, who then hits it back with a volley of their own. Keep the momentum going by continuously hitting volleys back and forth, focusing on maintaining control and keeping the ball in play. As you get more comfortable, try to challenge each other by varying the angle and placement of your volleys.
The Back and Forth drill is a fantastic way to improve your consistency and reaction time in pickleball. Start by positioning yourself at the net, while your partner stands on the opposite side of the court. Begin the drill by hitting a volley to your partner, who will then hit it back to you. Keep the ball in play by continuously exchanging volleys, paying close attention to the speed and placement of your shots. To make the drill more challenging, try to mix things up by changing the angle and direction of your volleys. This will help you develop better control and accuracy in your shots.