This dynamic pickleball drill helps players refine their dinking technique, improve reaction time, and practice transitioning between cooperative and competitive play.

Setup:
Four players start at the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) line, two on each side of the net.
Two additional players wait “on deck” near the net posts, ready to rotate in.

How to Play:

Ball 1: Cooperative Dinking

• Players engage in cross-court only dinking rallies.
• The NVZ lines serve as the boundaries.
• The focus is on control, consistency, and soft touches.

Ball 2: Competitive Play

• When one of the cross-court rallies ends, the remaining rally is played as a doubles point.
• Use the entire court as the boundary for this point.

Scoring:
Points are awarded for:

• Winning the cooperative cross-court dinking rally (Ball 1).
• Winning the competitive full-court point (Ball 2).

Rotation:

• After completing both points, all players rotate one position clockwise around the court.
• On-deck players rotate into the game, ensuring everyone participates equally.

Rules:

• Volleys are allowed but must be soft (no power volleys or overheads).
• Emphasis is on controlled, strategic play rather than aggressive hitting.

This drill encourages a balance of finesse and competitiveness, making it an excellent practice for improving precision and quick decision-making at the NVZ.