Drills to Improve Resets in Pickleball

Drills to Improve Resets in Pickleball

1. Wall Reset Drill

• Objective: Develop a soft touch and paddle control for resets.
• How to do it:
  1. Stand about 5-6 feet from a wall.
  2. Hit the ball softly against the wall, aiming for the bottom third of the wall to simulate the height of the net.
  3. Focus on using an open paddle face and a soft grip to keep the ball low and controlled.
  4. Try to keep the ball within a few feet of the wall, simulating short dinks and resets.
• Focus: Paddle control, soft grip, and hitting the ball with minimal force.

2. Partner Reset Drill

• Objective: Practice resetting against a partner who is hitting aggressive shots.
• How to do it:
  1. Stand in the transition zone while your partner stands near the kitchen line.
  2. Have your partner hit fast, low drives at you.
  3. Practice resetting the ball by absorbing the pace and dropping it into your partner’s non-volley zone.
  4. Alternate between hitting resets and stepping forward after each shot to improve your movement through the transition zone.
• Focus: Absorbing the ball’s speed, using a soft grip, and maintaining balance while moving forward.

3. Cross-Court Reset Drill

• Objective: Develop accuracy and control when resetting cross-court into your opponent’s kitchen.
• How to do it:
  1. Stand diagonally from your partner, both players positioned in the transition zone.
  2. One player hits fast, aggressive shots, and the other player practices resetting the ball cross-court into the opposite non-volley zone.
  3. After a few resets, switch roles so both players practice attacking and resetting.
• Focus: Cross-court accuracy, balance, and proper footwork while resetting under pressure.

4. Transition Zone Reset Drill

• Objective: Practice resetting while moving through the transition zone.
• How to do it:
  1. Start at the baseline, with your partner at the kitchen line.
  2. Your partner hits deep shots, and you hit resets into the kitchen while advancing through the transition zone.
  3. Focus on hitting a reset after every shot and stepping forward a few feet toward the kitchen after each reset.
  4. Continue resetting and moving forward until you reach the kitchen line.
• Focus: Staying balanced while moving forward, controlling resets under pressure, and transitioning toward the kitchen.

5. Reset-to-Volley Drill

• Objective: Improve transitioning from resets to volleys when you reach the kitchen line.
• How to do it:
  1. Start in the transition zone with your partner at the baseline.
  2. Your partner hits fast drives, and you reset the ball into the kitchen as you move forward.
  3. Once you reach the kitchen line, your partner continues to hit, and you transition into volleys.
  4. Alternate between resetting and volleying to develop versatility and control.
• Focus: Smooth transition from defensive resets to offensive volleys, maintaining balance, and controlling the pace of the rally.