Build a relaxed continental grip, repeatable ready position, clean contact point, and cooperative rally habits.
Equipment
- Pickleball paddles
- Pickleballs
- Pickleball court
Setup
Partners begin 8–10 feet apart on opposite sides of the net. Use one ball and a large middle-court target. Leave enough space between pairs for controlled swings.
How to run it
1. Check the grip: hold the paddle like a handshake, with relaxed fingers and a stable face.
2. Set the ready position: feet about shoulder-width, knees soft, weight balanced, and paddle in front.
3. One partner tosses gentle forehand feeds. The hitter moves to the ball, contacts in front, sends it through the large target, and recovers to ready.
4. Repeat on the backhand side, then begin a cooperative rally after one bounce.
5. Count consecutive controlled contacts. After 10, each partner takes one step farther back. Reset the count after an error and restart calmly.
Coach Dave’s cues
Relaxed grip. Paddle in front. Move first, then swing. Contact in front. Finish balanced and recover after every shot. Favor a reachable ball and safe net clearance over pace.
Watch for
Squeezing the handle, changing grips during the swing, reaching instead of moving the feet, taking a large backswing, or watching the shot instead of recovering. Stop immediately if a loose ball enters the court.