8 Pickleball Drills for Kids

Posted by:

Ben

On:

April 17, 2024

Picture of man going through pickleball drills with 3 kids

As a father of four young daughters, I am always looking for ways to teach pickleball drills for the kids. And, no, my kids all don’t have the same smile that the picture above suggests. 🙂

I really like pickleball drills as these are fun and different from the day to day game.

Firstly, if you don’t have one already, check out the best kids pickleball paddles article as I tend to argue that beginner kids pickle ballers may actually just want a cheap larger paddle for the bigger sweet spot.

Okay, let’s jump right into the drills.

1. Warm-Up Games

Before diving into pickleball drills, it’s essential to get those muscles warmed up and ready to play.

Incorporate fun warm-up games like “Dribble the pickleball ball” or “Simon Says with Paddles” to get the kids moving and laughing while preparing for the drills ahead.

2. Target Practice

Set up targets on the pickleball court using cones or chalk markings. If you have an outdoor pickleball net, you could just use the pickleball court markings. I have these court markings and this inexpensive pickleball net (Amazon partner links), which has been my favorite after testing many nets.

Encourage kids to aim for these targets while practicing their shots, such as forehands, backhands, and volleys.

Make it a friendly competition by awarding points for hitting specific targets, keeping the atmosphere lively and engaging.

3. Mini Matches

I have 4 kids, so this next drill works great.

Divide the kids into pairs or small groups and let them play mini pickleball matches. Limit the court size or the number of shots allowed to encourage quick thinking and strategic play.

Rotate players frequently to ensure everyone gets ample playing time and stays actively involved.

4. Agility Drills

Enhance your child’s agility and footwork with agility drills tailored for pickleball.

Set up a series of cones in different patterns and have the kids navigate through them using quick, precise movements.

Agility drills not only improve physical coordination but also help kids react faster on the court.

5. Drop Shot Challenge

The drop shot is a crucial skill in pickleball, requiring finesse and precision.

Create a drop shot challenge where kids take turns hitting delicate shots over the net, aiming to land the ball close to the kitchen line.

Encourage your kids to experiment with spin and placement, fostering creativity in their gameplay.

6. Wall Practice

Utilize a wall as a valuable training tool for solo practice sessions. You can try to use a wall at your house or even a wooden garage door.

Kids can practice their shots by hitting the ball against the wall and focusing on proper technique and control.

This drill is perfect for improving consistency and building confidence in their abilities.

7. Relay Races

Spice up the training session with relay races that incorporate pickleball elements.

Set up stations with different tasks, such as dribbling the ball with the paddle or executing specific shots.

Divide the kids into teams and race against the clock to complete the challenges, promoting teamwork and friendly competition.

8. Multiball Madness

Introduce multiball drills to challenge kids’ hand-eye coordination and reaction time.

Have multiple balls in play simultaneously and instruct the kids to keep them all in play using their paddles.

This fast-paced drill is both exhilarating and beneficial for developing crucial skills essential for pickleball success.

Conclusion

Hopefully these 8 fun pickleball drills will keep your kids having a blast while getting better at pickleball at the same time.

Next time I hope that your kids will continue their journey to become a “pickle baller”. 🙂