To develop proficiency in executing various serve types and formulating effective return strategies, while incorporating direct partner feedback to identify the most challenging serves and effective returns.
Equipment
- Pickleball paddles
- Pickleballs
- Pickleball court
How to run it
Players alternate serving and returning. The server should experiment with a diverse range of serves, such as deep serves, short serves, and serves with different types of spin (e.g., topspin, sidespin). The returner, in turn, practices adjusting their return strategy and technique based on the type of serve received. A crucial component of this drill is for the returner to provide constructive feedback to the server regarding which serves proved most difficult to handle effectively.
Coach Dave’s cues
Server: Concentrate on maintaining consistency even while introducing serve variations. Returner: Focus on accurately reading the serve's characteristics (spin, speed, depth) and positioning optimally for an effective return. Both players should strive for depth and strategic placement in their shots.
Watch for
Server: Inconsistent toss, leading to erratic serves; illegal application of spin (e.g., spinning the ball with the hand before the serve). Returner: Misjudging the serve's spin or depth, leading to errors; poor footwork resulting in weak or off-balance returns.