The Best Intermediate Pickleball Drills

Stuck in that awkward middle zone where your shots look fine but points still slip away? You are not alone. Many players cruise through beginner gains, then hit a wall. The fix is clear: targeted pickleball intermediate drills that sharpen control, footwork, and decisions under pressure.

This guide covers the core skills that move the needle. You will practice precision at the net, improve your third-shot drop, and build the movement patterns that win long rallies. Expect game-like setups, simple steps, and quick tips you can use right away. By the end, you will know which drills to run for accuracy, positioning, and smarter plays. Let’s get after it.

For extra reference later, keep a few trusted resources handy, like these drill games for dinking and footwork.

Master Control with Key Pickleball Intermediate Drills

Control turns chaos into points. These pickleball intermediate drills build touch, timing, and patience, so you play the ball on your terms. Work each drill for 10 to 15 minutes, two or three times per week.

Dinking Drills to Dominate the Net

Setup: Both players stand at the kitchen line, cross-court or straight on. Use a neutral pace to start.

Steps:

• Rally soft dinks with low arcs that clear the net by a foot or less.
• Aim to land the ball inside the kitchen, short and unattackable.
• Reset your paddle to ready position after each shot.

Variations:

• Speed dinking: keep the pace brisk while staying low and controlled.
• Target zones: place cones or towels in the corners of the kitchen and score points for hitting them.

Benefits: Dinking builds touch and patience. It also trains your eyes to see height and spin, which prevents pop-ups that opponents smash.

Common mistakes and fixes:

• Overhitting: shorten your backswing and soften your grip pressure.
• Standing tall: stay in a light squat with your chest over your toes.
• Reaching late: take a small split-step as the opponent contacts the ball.

Want more ideas? Browse curated options in this library of favorite pickleball drills.

Volley Practice for Faster Reactions

Setup option 1: Wall drill. Stand 10 to 12 feet from a wall. Volley the ball continuously, shoulder-height or lower.

Setup option 2: Partner feed. One player stands at the kitchen line and feeds quick chest-high balls. The other focuses on short punch volleys.

Technique:

• Grip: use a continental grip for fast transitions.
• Stance: feet shoulder-width, knees flexed, paddle up and in front.
• Contact: short punch, no big swing. Think “block and guide.”

Benefits: Builds reflexes to block drives and counter at the net. You will absorb pace and send it back with control.

Common mistakes and fixes:

• Swinging big: keep elbows in and use a compact motion.
• Dropping the paddle: hold your paddle up at eye level between shots.
• Flat feet: stay bouncy with small, quick steps.

For a clear two-person routine, watch this short session on 2-person drilling for intermediate players.

Third-Shot Drop Techniques

Setup: You serve, your partner stays near the baseline. Opponents take standard return positions.

Steps:

• On your third shot, lift a soft arc that lands in the opponent’s kitchen.
• Aim for high net clearance with a gentle, smooth swing.
• After contact, move forward with controlled steps and a split step before the next ball.

Benefits: A strong third-shot drop gets you and your partner to the net safely, where you can volley and finish points.

Common mistakes and fixes:

• Driving flat: if your third shot keeps getting attacked, add loft and spin.
• Standing still: advance as you hit, then split step before their reply.
• Aiming too close to the net: target the middle kitchen for margin and fewer errors.

Serve and Return Consistency

Setup: Alternate serves. The server aims deep to corners, the returner targets deep cross-court.

Steps:

• Hit 10 serves to each corner with steady tempo.
• Return deep cross-court, then move forward to the transition zone.
• Add a third ball to simulate the third-shot pattern.

Benefits: Starts points on your terms. Deep serves and returns create short balls and force errors.

Common mistakes and fixes:

• Overpowering the serve: focus on depth and placement, not speed.
• Shallow returns: aim two to three feet inside the baseline for repeatable depth.

For more drill structures, see these focused ideas on drills for intermediate players.

Boost Footwork and Strategy in Pickleball Intermediate Drills

Movement wins late in rallies. These drills sharpen your splits, recoveries, and decisions. They also make the court feel smaller because you get to the right spot sooner. Aim for sets of 20 balls or 2-minute rounds, then rest 30 seconds and repeat.

Cross-Court Rally for Better Consistency

Setup: Stand at opposite baselines, cross-court to each other. Start at medium pace.

Steps:

• Rally forehands cross-court for 20 shots, then backhands for 20.
• Add a split step as your partner contacts the ball.
• Gradually increase speed while keeping balls deep and high-percentage.

Benefits: Builds accuracy, footwork rhythm, and rally endurance. It also trains you to defend angles and recover from wide balls.

Common mistakes and fixes:

• Hitting too close to the sideline: give yourself three feet of margin.
• No split step: time a small hop as your partner hits to reset balance.
• Camping at center: recover to a smart position based on your shot’s direction.

Forehand Groundstroke Power Builders

Setup: Partner stands across the net feeding balls to your forehand corner.

Steps:

• Load on the back leg, rotate hips and shoulders, then shift forward.
• Brush up the back of the ball for topspin and net clearance.
• Aim for deep targets, two feet inside the baseline, alternating cross-court and down the line.

Benefits: Adds spin and pace without losing control in long points. Your depth improves, which pushes opponents back and sets up shorter replies.

Targets and reps:

• 20 cross-court balls to deep left corner.
• 20 down-the-line balls with medium pace and high net clearance.
• 10 attack balls aimed at the opponent’s backhand wing.

Common mistakes and fixes:

• Arming the swing: start the move from the legs and core.
• Flat contact: use low-to-high motion to shape the ball.
• Overhitting: focus on height and depth first, then add pace.

If you want a broader menu of options, skim these beginner drill fundamentals to reinforce technique while you build power.

Transition Zone Challenges

Setup: Start at the baseline with a partner at the opposite baseline. You will practice moving through the transition zone, not camping back.

Steps:

• Feed a return of serve, then hit a third-shot drop.
• Move forward with two to three calm steps and a split step.
• Handle the next ball with a block volley, drop volley, or controlled drive.
• Reset and repeat in 2-minute rounds.

Game-like add-on:

• Have your partner mix in lobs and body-speedups so you learn to read cues, backpedal safely, and reset.

Benefits: Teaches balanced movement from back to front. You learn to handle counters and keep the ball neutral or better while you gain the kitchen.

Common mistakes and fixes:

• Rushing in: advance only after a quality drop or neutral ball.
• Off-balance volleys: keep a wide base and short punches.
• Watching the ball after contact: recover paddle up and eyes forward.

For “pickleball, intermediate drills” that tie movement to shot choice, this transition work pays off fastest in real matches.

Conclusion

These pickleball intermediate drills turn steady play into confident, competitive play. Mix control work at the net with groundstroke reps and smart movement through the transition zone. Track progress with simple notes, like fewer pop-ups, deeper returns, and longer rallies.

Set a plan for your next session, pick one drill from each section, and run short, focused rounds. Share what changed in your game after a week. If you stick with it, consistent practice turns intermediates into advanced players, one smart rep at a time.

‍