Set up
Place a small ball supply beside the kitchen line and mark a generous landing target in the opposite kitchen.
Court: One side of a pickleball court near the non-volley-zone line
Equipment:paddle, pickleballs, court net, optional basket
Solo setup: pickleball court
Run the drill
- Drop a ball in front of the forehand side, let it bounce, and dink it over the net into the opposite kitchen.
- Repeat on the backhand, using the same compact motion and balanced finish.
- Work in short sets and retrieve safely without stepping under or across the net.
Timing: about 10 minutes for the whole block. Use 20 contacts per side as a target and stop when the block clock expires.
Roles and rotation
1 player
- Player 1: self-feeder, dink hitter, target judge, and ball collector
Rotate: No rotation; alternate forehand and backhand sets and change court side halfway.
Repetitions: The player performs and judges every repetition. Include ball collection in the block time.
Targets and cues
- Complete 20 controlled contacts per side that clear the net and descend into the opposite kitchen.
- Place the feed far enough forward for clean contact and guide the ball with a compact shoulder-led motion.
Common failure: Treating the stationary feed as proof that the shot will handle the pace or spin of a live dink.
Good miss:A balanced, compact contact that clears safely but lands just beyond the kitchen target.