To significantly improve serve accuracy and the ability to place the serve strategically by targeting the four distinct corners of the service box.
Equipment
- Pickleball paddles
- Pickleballs
- Pickleball court
- 4 markers (e.g., cones, sticky notes, water bottles)
How to run it
Position one marker in each of the four corners of the service box that is diagonally opposite to the serving position. The player then practices hitting serves towards each of these four markers sequentially, endeavoring to land the ball as close as possible to the target while ensuring it remains in bounds. It is important to alternate serving sides (left and right) to practice serves to all angles and locations.
Coach Dave’s cues
If practicing with a partner, have the partner stand in various positions along the baseline to observe and provide feedback on which corner serves elicit weaker returns. Beyond mere placement, focus on incorporating variations in spin (topspin, backspin, sidespin), depth, and height to make the serve more challenging.
Watch for
Over-reliance on power at the expense of placement. Neglecting to practice serves to all four corners, leading to predictable patterns. Execution of illegal serves, such as foot faults or incorrect underhand motion.