The Only Drill You Need to Reach 4.0 Faster in Pickleball

Feeling stuck at a 3.0 or 3.5 skill level? You’re not alone. Many players hit a wall and struggle to break through to 4.0, unsure of what’s holding them back. The good news? There’s a single drill that could completely change your game. By focusing on mastering the first four shots in every point, you’ll develop precision, consistency, and court awareness that will accelerate your progress faster than mindless hitting sessions.

This drill involves repeating the first four shots—serve, return, third shot drive/drop, and fourth shot counter—over and over. The key is to simulate match conditions by returning deep, placing your third shots with intent, and reacting quickly at the kitchen. By drilling both the even and odd sides, switching between drives and drops, and adjusting based on your weaknesses, you’ll see rapid improvement in consistency and shot selection. Players often overlook the return of serve and fourth-shot counter, but those are game-changers at the 4.0 level.

If this drill is too physically demanding, simplify it: focus on one shot at a time before building up to the full sequence. As you improve, add a fifth shot—a well-placed drop to maintain control. The bottom line? Master the first four shots, and you’ll own the point. Don’t just hit balls—train with purpose, and watch your game evolve.