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5 Engaging Pickleball Drills for Kids to Master the Basics of the Game

Fun and effective drills that will get kids excited about learning and improving their skills in the fast-growing sport of pickleball. These engaging exercises will teach young players the fundamentals and help them develop a solid foundation for future growth.

February 7, 2024

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Introduction to Pickleball Drills for Kids

Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has been gaining popularity among people of all ages, particularly with children. The game is not only fun but also easy to learn, making it an excellent activity for kids to develop their motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork. To help young players master the basics of the game, we've compiled a list of 5 engaging pickleball drills that kids can practice either at home or on the court.

1. Dink Shot Practice

The dink shot is a fundamental skill in pickleball, requiring precision and control. Kids can master this soft shot, played at the non-volley zone or the kitchen line, by practicing the following drill:

  • Start by having the kids stand just behind the kitchen line.
  • They should aim to softly hit the ball so that it barely clears the net and lands in the opponent's kitchen zone.
  • Practice this shot back and forth without letting the ball bounce more than once.
  • Focus on control rather than power to build muscle memory for touch shots.

    • 2. Serve and Return Drill

    A reliable serve and an effective return are essential skills in pickleball. This simple drill will help kids get comfortable with serving and returning the ball:

  • Set up two cones or markers, one at each baseline corner where the kids will aim their serve towards.
  • Children take turns serving to try and hit the marker or land the ball close to it to perfect their aim and depth.
  • After serving, the receiver focuses on returning the ball with precision, aiming for specific areas of the court.
  • As they improve, introduce variations such as serving from different positions and returning with different shots.

    • 3. Four-Square Pickleball

    Four-square pickleball is a modification of the popular playground game that introduces kids to the movement and strategy required in pickleball. Set up a four-square court within the pickleball court and have the kids play using pickleball rules, but within the smaller squares. This drill helps with:

  • Improving kids' quickness and agility as they move to hit the ball within the confines of smaller squares.
  • Enhancing accuracy since the players have limited space to work with, making ball control crucial.
  • Promoting competitive play in a fun environment, which encourages kids to improve their game.

    • 4. Rally Counting

    Building consistent rallies is a fun way for kids to practice their strokes while keeping the game engaging. Rally counting is a staple drill where kids aim to maintain a rally for as long as possible. The goal is simple:

  • Pair up the children and have them start a rally from the baseline.
  • They need to count aloud each time they successfully hit the ball over the net to keep the rally going.
  • Challenge them to beat their highest rally count with each practice session.
  • Introduce gentle competition by recognizing the pair with the longest rally.

    • 5. Wall Ball Drills

    When a pickleball court isn't available, practicing against a wall is an excellent way for kids to work on their skills. Wall ball drills are perfect for developing consistency, power, and reaction time:

  • Find a spacious wall with enough room for kids to move freely, such as a racquetball court or a school gym.
  • Have the kids stand a reasonable distance from the wall and continuously hit the ball against it without letting it bounce twice.
  • They can practice different kinds of shots, including forehands, backhands, and volleys.
  • Increasing the pace over time will improve their reaction time, preparing them for real-game speed when on the court.

    • Conclusion

    Pickleball drills for kids are not just about developing their skill level; they're also about making the learning process fun and engaging. By incorporating the drills mentioned above into their practice routine, kids can enjoy mastering the basics of this fabulous sport while building confidence and sportsmanship. Whether it’s improving their dink shot or rallying against a wall, every drill contributes to their growth as a player and their love for the game.

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