Drill

Drills

Pickleball

Singles Baseline Patience Rally

Build points from the baseline without rushing the net prematurely

10 min
5 x 10-ball baseline rallies
Intermediate

Why this drill

Builds toward build points from the baseline without rushing the net prematurely.

Instructions

  1. 1Rally groundstrokes from the baseline, both players staying back initially.
  2. 2Look for a short or weak ball before committing forward to the kitchen.
  3. 3Move forward only after hitting a shot that pins the opponent deep.
  4. 4Track how many points end in an early, forced net rush versus a patient build-up.

What to focus on

Advancing only after earning the right ball, not on a fixed shot count.

Recommended reps

5 x 10-ball baseline rallies

Common mistake

Rushing the net after any shot regardless of ball quality, getting passed.