This fun pickleball drill focuses on developing a wide range of shots in a pressure-filled environment. We learned it from our friend and coach, Jeff Howlett.

Setup:

• One player starts at the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) line, and the other starts at the baseline.
• The game is played straight ahead on only half of the court.

How to Play:

1. Initial Score:

• Both players start with 5 points each.

2. Feeding and Playing Out the Point:

• The player at the NVZ line (Player 1) always feeds the ball.
• After the feed, players can hit any shot to win the point.

3. Scoring:

• If Player 1 wins the point, their score increases by 1, while Player 2’s score decreases by 1.
• For example, if Player 1 wins the point, their score goes to 6, and Player 2’s score drops to 4.
• The first player to reach 10 points wins the game.

4. Pressure Point:

• When a player reaches 9 points (game point), they must convert that point to win the game. If they fail to do so, the score resets to 5-5.

5. Rotation and Variation:

Players switch roles after each game, allowing both to practice as the feeder and the receiver.
The drill can be adapted to be played cross-court or with four players in a doubles format.

Benefits:

• Encourages players to practice a variety of shots under pressure.
• Teaches shot selection and decision-making, especially in critical situations.
• Enhances shot consistency and placement in a competitive setting.

This drill adds a fun challenge and helps players develop their game in a dynamic and engaging way.