Start at the baseline and have your partner stand opposite from you down the line at the Kitchen. Your partner will feed the ball to you, and your goal is to hit as many shots as it takes for you to get to the Kitchen.
Once you reach the Kitchen, play the point out down the line. You can keep score and play games to 7 or 11, and then switch roles with your partner.
This drill will help you practice drops from the baseline, resets and drops from the midcourt, and dinks at the Kitchen. These shots are more difficult for 3.0s to execute, but will help you make the climb up the ratings ladder.
Get in the best physical shape possible. By no means do you need to be a world-class athlete to get better at pickleball. However, as you climb the pickleball ratings ladder, the game gets faster and more difficult physically. In order to keep up, your body will need to do the same.
I recommend spending as little as 10-20 minutes a day strengthening your core. Push-ups, lunges and even stretching or yoga can help your body’s foundation develop to help you play at a higher level. Find a routine that works for your body and schedule and stick to it. Consistency is everything, and you will notice results quickly on the court.
Alternatively, there is great value in drilling and playing alone. One of my favorite ways to practice is to find a wall and work through different shots (dinks, drives, fast hands, etc.). The wall is and will forever be undefeated. If you have a ball machine, use it to practice shots that are giving you trouble.
While there is no substitute to drilling or matches with others, playing alone can be a change up to your traditional practice routine.
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