Set up
Put opponents at the kitchen on one crosscourt diagonal and identify inside-foot and outside-foot targets.
Court: One pickleball court; use the named half-court lanes when instructed
Equipment:paddles, pickleballs
Run the drill
- Dink crosscourt and alternate targets near the opponent's inside and outside foot.
- Attack only a genuine pop-up; complete both diagonals and switch starting positions.
Timing: about 10 minutes for the whole block.
Roles and rotation
2 players
- Players 1 and 2: crosscourt opponents; both place dinks and may attack a genuine pop-up
Rotate: Alternate the rally initiator and change from backhand to forehand diagonal halfway.
Repetitions: Both players perform the same placement, recovery, and attack decisions. Split the working time evenly.
4 players
- Players 1 and 2: first kitchen-line team; move dinks to unbalance the opposing pair
- Players 3 and 4: opposing kitchen-line team with the same placement-and-attack goal
Rotate: Alternate the initiating side and switch ends halfway through the block.
Repetitions: All four players stay active in full-width dink rallies. No added time is required.
Targets and cues
- Move the opponent off balance with placement and attack only the resulting genuine pop-up.
- Move the dink before adding pace; wait as many contacts as needed for an attackable ball.
Common failure: Rushing the next contact before the player has recovered position.
Good miss:A purposeful miss made while following the stated target and movement cue.