First Volley Drill

This cross-court pickleball drill is perfect for refining transition volleys and improving footwork.

Setup:

One player starts alone on one side of the court.
All other players line up across the net on the opposite side.

How to Play:

Cooperative Phase:

  1. The first player in the line feeds the ball and rushes the net.
  2. They execute a single cooperative volley with Player 1 to sustain the rally.
  3. After the volley, they quickly return to the back of the line.
  4. The next player moves up and repeats the process.
  • Focus on controlled, deep volleys that land beyond the depth line.
  • Players should start behind their depth line and move toward the NVZ line for their volley.

Rotation:

After a few minutes, rotate a new player to the solo side to ensure everyone gets equal practice.

Variation: Competitive Play

  • Switch to a competitive format where players attempt to win points during their turn.
  • Keep score as a team competition: The baseline player vs. the line of attackers.

Key Points:

  • Begin cooperatively to develop consistency and maintain long rallies.
  • Emphasize proper footwork and transitioning from the baseline to the NVZ.
  • Adjust intensity and focus as needed between cooperative and competitive play.
  • This drill is an effective way to practice precise volleys while developing quick reflexes and transitioning skills.