Drill

Drills

Pickleball

Baseline-to-Kitchen Approach Sprint

Close the distance from baseline to kitchen line efficiently after the third shot

8 min
6 x 8 baseline-to-kitchen sprints with a shot
Intermediate

Why this drill

Builds toward close the distance from baseline to kitchen line efficiently after the third shot.

Instructions

  1. 1Start at the baseline and hit a third shot drop or drive on a fed ball.
  2. 2Sprint forward in a straight line immediately after contact.
  3. 3Split step just before reaching the transition zone if the opponent counters.
  4. 4Arrive at the kitchen line with paddle up before the next shot.

What to focus on

A direct, efficient path forward instead of a curved or delayed approach.

Recommended reps

6 x 8 baseline-to-kitchen sprints with a shot

Common mistake

Drifting sideways or pausing after the shot before moving forward.