Advanced Pickleball Drills to Improve Patience, Resets, and Net Control

Main Points

• Cross-court dink drill that rewards patience and punishes pop-ups with speed-ups
• Emphasis on shot selection based on ball position instead of forcing forehands
• Baseline drop and reset progression to safely transition to the kitchen
• Importance of staying close to the kitchen line when attacking or speeding up
• Compact swing mechanics to eliminate tennis-style backswings
• “Scorpion” technique to keep volleys low and attack opponents’ feet
• Blocking drills focused on short kitchen blocks versus deep defensive blocks
• Drop-and-spin reset shot after letting the ball bounce
• Combo drill that sequences drops, scorpion volleys, blocks, movement, and put-aways
• Net decision-making: knowing when to volley, block, let the ball bounce, or attack

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Summary

This video walks through a series of advanced pickleball drills designed to improve patience, consistency, and smart decision-making at the kitchen line. It begins with a cross-court dink drill that encourages controlled rallies while introducing speed-ups when a ball is popped up. The focus is on reading the ball and responding correctly, rather than forcing forehands or over-attacking. Staying balanced, relaxed, and disciplined is emphasized early on.

The session then transitions into baseline drop and reset drills, showing how players can work their way to the net without rushing the point. A major theme throughout this portion is patience—letting the ball bounce when necessary, lifting the ball properly, and avoiding low-percentage attacks. These drills reinforce how controlled drops and resets create better opportunities to win points later in the rally.

A large portion of the video is dedicated to compact mechanics at the net. Tennis-style backswings are eliminated in favor of short, efficient movements, highlighted by the “scorpion” technique. This approach keeps volleys low, targets opponents’ feet, and improves reaction time. Blocking drills further develop touch and control, teaching when to deaden the ball into the kitchen versus pushing it deep to regain positioning.

The video finishes with combination drills and net decision-making scenarios that tie everything together. Players learn how to recognize different ball types—drops, drives, and high balls—and instantly choose the correct response. The overall takeaway is clear: better pickleball isn’t about hitting harder, but about patience, preparation, and making the right decision on every shot.

Source: Cliff Pickleball | YouTube

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Tags: Cliff Pickleball | Dink | Drill | Drive | Reset Shot | Strategy | volley