Drill

Drills

Pickleball

Body-Serve Return Reads

Handle serves aimed at the body without jamming the swing

10 min
6 x 8 body serves returned
Advanced

Why this drill

Builds toward handle serves aimed at the body without jamming the swing.

Instructions

  1. 1Partner serves directly at your body/hip on alternating sides.
  2. 2Rotate the hips early to create room and pick a forehand or backhand.
  3. 3Return crosscourt with depth, keeping the paddle face slightly open.
  4. 4Track which side you default to and add extra reps there.

What to focus on

Early hip turn to create swing space against jam serves.

Recommended reps

6 x 8 body serves returned

Common mistake

Freezing on contact and popping the return up short.