Gameplays to Elevate Your Pickleball Skills with The Varsity Rebounder

Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in recent years, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. As with any sport, consistent practice and targeted drills are key to improving your game. While playing matches is essential, incorporating specific drills into your routine can help you focus on particular aspects of your game that need work. The Varsity Rebounder by All Ball Pro is a versatile tool that can enhance your practice sessions, allowing you to work on various skills even when you don’t have a partner or court available.

In this article, we’ll explore a range of effective pickleball drills designed to elevate your skills across different areas of the game. These drills can be performed with or without a rebounder, but using one can provide added benefits and convenience. Let’s dive into the drills that will help you take your pickleball game to the next level.

Dink Drill: Precision and Control

The dink shot is a fundamental skill in pickleball, requiring finesse and control. This drill helps you improve your ability to place the ball accurately just over the net.

Setup: Position yourself at the non-volley zone line (kitchen line). If using The Varsity Rebounder, place it on the other side of the net, angled slightly upward.

Execution:

1. Start with a soft dink over the net, aiming for it to land within the first few feet of the opponent’s court.
2. As the ball bounces back (either from the rebounder or a partner), hit another dink.
3. Continue this pattern, focusing on keeping the ball low and controlled.
4. Aim for different spots within the non-volley zone to practice placement.

Variations:

• Alternate between forehand and backhand dinks.
• Practice cross-court dinks by angling your shots.
• Increase the speed gradually to challenge yourself while maintaining control.

Volley Drill: Quick Reactions

Volleys are crucial in pickleball, especially when playing at the net. This drill improves your hand-eye coordination and reaction time.

Setup: Stand about 3-4 feet back from the kitchen line. If using The Varsity Rebounder, position it on the other side of the net.

Execution:

1. Have a partner (or use the rebounder) hit balls to you at chest height.
2. Volley the ball back, focusing on a firm punch rather than a swing.
3. Move your feet to get in position for each volley.
4. Alternate between forehand and backhand volleys.

Variations:

• Practice blocking volleys by absorbing the ball’s power.
• Add movement by shuffling side to side between volleys.
• Increase the speed and vary the height of incoming balls to challenge yourself.

Third Shot Drop Drill: Consistency and Touch

The third shot drop is a critical shot in pickleball, allowing you to neutralize your opponents’ advantage when they’re at the net.

Setup: Start at the baseline. If using The Varsity Rebounder, position it near the kitchen line on the opposite side.

Execution:

1. Simulate a serve and return by hitting two groundstrokes.
2. For the third shot, hit a soft, arcing shot that lands in the kitchen.
3. Focus on getting the ball to drop just over the net with backspin.
4. Repeat this sequence, aiming for consistency in your drop shots.

Variations:

• Practice both forehand and backhand drop shots.
• Vary the speed and spin of the first two shots to simulate different game situations.
• Add a target in the kitchen to improve accuracy.

Lob Drill: Defensive Strategy

Lobs can be an effective defensive shot when your opponents are at the net. This drill helps you develop accuracy and consistency with your lobs.

Setup: Position yourself at the kitchen line. If using The Varsity Rebounder, place it at the baseline on the opposite side, angled upward.

Execution:

1. Start with a dink to yourself or have a partner feed you a ball.
2. Hit a high, arcing lob aiming to land it deep in the court.
3. Focus on getting enough height to clear opponents at the net.
4. Practice both forehand and backhand lobs.

Variations:

• Add targets at the baseline to improve accuracy.
• Practice defensive lobs from a lower starting point, simulating a real game situation.
• Incorporate movement by starting from different positions along the kitchen line.

Serve Drill: Power and Placement

A consistent, well-placed serve can set the tone for each point. This drill focuses on improving your serve’s accuracy and power.

Setup: Start at the baseline. If using The Varsity Rebounder, position it on the opposite side of the court.

Execution:

1. Practice your serve, focusing on a smooth, pendulum-like motion.
2. Aim for different areas of the service box (deep, short, wide).
3. Vary the speed and spin of your serves.
4. Pay attention to your foot placement and ensure you’re not stepping into the court before contact.

Variations:

• Place targets in the service box to improve accuracy.
• Practice both forehand and backhand serves.
• Add a challenging “out” zone just beyond the service line to ensure you’re not serving too long.

Return of Serve Drill: Consistency and Depth

A solid return of serve can neutralize your opponent’s advantage and set you up for success in the point.

Setup: Have a partner serve to you, or if using The Varsity Rebounder, position it to simulate serves from different angles.

Execution:

1. Focus on making consistent contact and getting the ball back deep in the court.
2. Practice both forehand and backhand returns.
3. Aim to return the serve to your opponent’s feet, making it difficult for them to attack.
4. Work on recognizing different types of serves (topspin, slice, flat) and adjusting your return accordingly.

Variations:

• Practice returning serves to different areas of the court (cross-court, down the line).
• Add movement by starting from different positions to simulate various serve placements.
• Increase the speed of the serves gradually to challenge your reaction time.

Around the World Drill: Footwork and Consistency

This drill improves your overall consistency and footwork while hitting various shots.

Setup: Start at the center of the baseline. If using The Varsity Rebounder, position it on the opposite side of the net.

Execution:

1. Hit a forehand groundstroke to the deuce court.
2. Move to the deuce court and hit a forehand volley.
3. Move to the center and hit a backhand volley.
4. Move to the ad court and hit a backhand groundstroke.
5. Return to the starting position and repeat the sequence.

Variations:

• Reverse the direction, starting with a backhand groundstroke.
• Add diagonal movements to simulate more game-like situations.
• Increase the speed of the drill to improve your footwork and reaction time.

Overhead Smash Drill: Power and Accuracy

Overhead smashes can be game-changing shots when executed correctly. This drill helps you develop power and accuracy on your overheads.

Setup: Start at the kitchen line. If using The Varsity Rebounder, position it at an angle to simulate high balls.

Execution:

1. Have a partner (or use the rebounder) feed you high balls.
2. Move back and hit an overhead smash, aiming for specific targets on the court.
3. Focus on proper footwork, getting sideways and using your non-dominant hand to point at the ball.
4. Practice hitting with controlled power, emphasizing accuracy over pure strength.

Variations:

• Add movement by starting from different positions on the court.
• Vary the height and placement of the feeds to simulate different game situations.
• Practice both cross-court and down-the-line smashes.

Reaction Volley Drill: Quick Hands

This drill improves your reaction time and hand speed for fast-paced net exchanges.

Setup: Stand about 6-8 feet from The Varsity Rebounder or a practice wall.

Execution:

1. Hit a firm volley towards the rebounder or wall.
2. As the ball comes back quickly, volley it again with minimal backswing.
3. Continue this rapid exchange, focusing on quick reactions and soft hands.
4. Alternate between forehand and backhand volleys.

Variations:

• Move closer to or further from the rebounder/wall to adjust difficulty.
• Add side-to-side movement between volleys.
• Practice blocking volleys by absorbing the ball’s pace.

Split-Step Drill: Improved Readiness

The split-step is a crucial technique in pickleball that helps you react quickly to your opponent’s shots.

Setup: Start at the kitchen line. Have a partner feed balls or use The Varsity Rebounder to simulate various shots.

Execution:

1. As your partner (or the rebounder) is about to hit the ball, perform a small hop (split-step).
2. Land with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent.
3. Quickly move in the direction of the incoming ball.
4. Hit the appropriate shot (volley, dink, groundstroke) based on the ball’s trajectory.

Variations:

• Practice split-stepping from different court positions (baseline, mid-court).
• Vary the speed and placement of the incoming balls.
• Incorporate different shots after the split-step to simulate game situations.

Incorporating these drills into your practice routine can significantly improve various aspects of your pickleball game. Remember, consistency is key – regular practice will yield the best results. The Varsity Rebounder by All Ball Pro can be a valuable training tool, allowing you to practice these drills even when you don’t have a partner or court available. By focusing on specific skills and using targeted drills, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more well-rounded and competitive pickleball player.