Drill

Drills

Pickleball

Hands Battle Reflex Blocks

Win fast exchanges at the line without over-swinging

8 min
8 x 30 second firefights
Advanced

Why this drill

Builds toward win fast exchanges at the line without over-swinging.

Instructions

  1. 1Both players stand just behind the kitchen line, paddles up at chest height.
  2. 2Start with a speed-up and rally fast, keeping strokes under a foot long.
  3. 3Counter at the shoulder line — anything higher, block it down instead.
  4. 4Rest 30 seconds between rounds and reset paddle position each start.

What to focus on

Paddle out front and compact counters.

Recommended reps

8 x 30 second firefights

Common mistake

Taking a full backswing and getting beat by the next ball.