Pickleball Solo Drills: Beginner to Advance Level

Even though pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity, there will be times when you don’t have a partner or opponent to play with. Maybe your usual group is away, or perhaps you’re one of the first enthusiasts in your area — either way, that shouldn’t stop you from practicing the game you love. Like any paddle or racquet sport, consistent solo practice is essential for improving your skills. So even if you’re out on the court alone, every hit brings you one step closer to mastering pickleball.

You can absolutely improve your pickleball game even when you’re on your own. Solo drills — focused, repetitive exercises — help players sharpen their technique, build confidence, and develop a better understanding of their paddle and the ball. Regular solo practice directly translates to stronger performance when you’re back on the court with others.

So, the next time you’re eager to play America’s fastest-growing sport but can’t find a partner, don’t let that stop you. Practicing alone not only satisfies your urge to play but also helps you level up your skills for your next match.

In this quick guide, we’ll explore the most effective ways to practice pickleball solo. But before diving in, let’s take a look at why solo practice matters — and how it can make a real difference in your overall game.

Why Practice Pickleball Alone?

Pickleball solo drills are simple yet effective exercises that allow players to refine their technique and improve their control using their own equipment. While it might feel unusual to practice alone — especially since pickleball is known as one of the most social and engaging sports — solo training is what truly separates skilled players from casual ones.

The dedication to practice when no one else is watching is what builds strong fundamentals and elevates your game to the next level. That’s the essence of solo drills — focused, self-driven improvement that helps you grow both physically and mentally as a pickleball player.

The Impact of Neurons

Practicing solo drills has a powerful impact on your brain and overall performance. Our bodies rely on neurons — the nerve cells that transmit information — to coordinate movement. When you repeatedly work on a specific drill, those neurons connected to that action start firing more efficiently, helping you perform the skill faster and with greater precision. That’s where true improvement and mastery begin.

But solo practice isn’t just about physical repetition — it’s also a mental workout. Training alone builds focus, self-discipline, and inner motivation. Without the need for external validation, you learn to rely on your drive to improve.

By consistently doing solo drills, you’re strengthening the neural pathways that power pickleball-specific skills. This leads to quicker reactions, sharper coordination, and better performance when you’re back on the court with a partner or in doubles play — the most common format of the game.

The takeaway? Solo practice is your secret weapon for becoming a stronger, more confident pickleball player. To experience how targeted drills can rewire your brain for faster, more precise play, explore our list of customized pickleball drills designed to take your game to the next level.

What Equipment Do I Need to Do Solo Drills in Pickleball?

Solo pickleball drills can be done with a variety of equipment, depending on what skill you’re working on. For instance, practicing your serve might require a net, while certain advanced drills may benefit from using a pickleball machine. However, most solo exercises only need the basics — a paddle, a pickleball, and a wall. In fact, you don’t always need a full court to get a productive session in.

There are plenty of ways to practice pickleball on your own, and we’ve included simple modifications for each drill below. Whether you’re in your driveway, a cul-de-sac, or any smooth concrete area, we’ll show you how to adapt your solo practice routine to keep improving — no matter where you play.

How to Practice Pickleball Alone: 5 Solo Drills for Beginners

If you’re ready to start practicing pickleball on your own — whether by choice or necessity — you’re in the right place! At HomeforPickleball, we’ve curated five of the most effective solo drills designed to enhance your technique and elevate your overall game. These exercises are perfect for beginners looking to build strong fundamentals, as well as experienced players aiming to refine their skills.

We’ll start with a foundational drill that’s ideal for improving overall technique. It’s designed to boost your paddle control, sharpen your hand-eye coordination, and help you feel more comfortable and confident on the court.

Solo Drill 1: Static Drop Feed

The Static Drop Feed drill is one of the simplest yet most effective solo pickleball exercises. To do it, simply drop the ball in front of your feet, let it bounce once, and strike it cleanly in the center of your paddle. It might sound easy — and it is, once you get the rhythm down! This drill is excellent for developing consistency in your serves, rallies, and groundstrokes by building confidence in your ability to clear the net and maintain control during play.

In pickleball, a rally refers to the continuous exchange of shots after the serve until the point ends, while a groundstroke is a shot hit after the ball bounces once. Practicing the Static Drop Feed helps strengthen your grip, refine your form, and improve muscle memory — all of which are crucial for mastering smooth, underhand serves.

Overall, the Static Drop Feed is a must-have in any solo training routine because it reinforces the core fundamentals of pickleball. While it can be done almost anywhere, you’ll get the best results by practicing it on an actual court.

How to Perform Static Drop Feed

• Step 1: Drop the ball in front of your feet
• Step 2: Let the ball bounce once
• Step 3: As it bounces upward, hit the ball in the center of your paddle
• Step 4: Focus on technique and form, not passing the net
• Step 5: Pick up another ball, or walk to the opposite side of the court where your ball is and repeat

Modifications

If you have several pickleballs available, set them on the ground beside you before starting the drill for easy access. Even better, if you own a pickleball machine, this exercise is the perfect opportunity to put it to use. Don’t have one? No problem — you can keep your balls in a small box or container next to you instead. The goal is to keep them within reach so you can maintain your rhythm without unnecessary pauses.

If you’re practicing with just one ball, perform a static drop feed, then walk to the opposite side of the court to repeat the drill. No court? No worries — find a wall and bounce the ball against it to simulate a rally. A garage door or the side of your house works just as well.

However, avoid practicing this drill on your driveway or near a road, as pickleballs can easily roll away. For safety and convenience, always choose a spot with a wall or fence to keep the ball contained while you train.

Pro Tips

• Swing low to high: Start by dropping the ball and swinging your paddle from a low position — close to the ground but without touching it. As the ball rises, make contact at mid-air and follow through with an upward motion. This low-to-high swing helps you generate a smooth, powerful groundstroke, a key skill that benefits nearly every shot in pickleball.
• Keep your strokes smooth and relaxed: Pickleball is known for being a fun, social, and easygoing sport — and your swing should reflect that. Keep your movements relaxed yet purposeful. A calm, controlled stroke ensures you hit with just the right amount of power — strong enough to stay consistent, but not overly forceful.
• Aim across the court: Practicing the Static Drop Feed on a pickleball court is ideal because it allows you to target different areas — whether diagonally, straight across, or down the center. Consistently hitting these targets helps you build confidence in clearing the net and improves your precision and control during real matches.

Solo Drill 2: Topspin Drive

The next solo drill is all about building power and precision in your serves. Practicing the Topspin Drive helps you develop one of the most effective offensive shots in pickleball — a serve that stays low and dips quickly after crossing the net.

A Topspin Drive creates a downward trajectory on the ball, forcing your opponent to hit from a lower position, which makes it harder for them to sustain a rally. It’s also a great way to practice serving deep, keeping your opponent pushed behind the baseline and on the defensive.

Keep in mind, this drill doesn’t aim to make the ball barely skim over the net and drop into the kitchen — that would be an illegal serve. Instead, the goal is to master a controlled dip that stays low while still landing in the correct service zone.

To perform a Topspin Drive, start with a Static Drop Feed. Keep your swing low but ensure the ball clears the net. Maintain a relaxed grip and let your wrist stay loose — this helps you keep the ball low while generating natural topspin and momentum. Finish your shot with a smooth low-to-high follow-through, as mentioned earlier, to create that perfect combination of control and power.

How to Perform Topspin Drive

• Step 1: Drop the ball in front of your feet
• Step 2: Let the ball bounce once
• Step 3: As it bounces upward, hit the ball in the center of your paddle with a loose wrist
• Step 4: Use just enough technique to let the ball pass over the net, but that it stays low to the ground after
• Step 5: Pick up another ball, or walk to the opposite side of the court where your ball is and repeat

Modifications

Unfortunately, this solo drill requires a pickleball net, so it can’t be effectively practiced against a wall. If you don’t have access to a court, try setting up a portable net instead. You can also simulate the motion by hitting over a low barrier, such as a chair or couch, to work on your technique.

For safety reasons, always perform this drill in a contained area where the ball won’t roll away or cause distractions. Avoid practicing in open spaces like driveways or near roads — it’s best to keep your practice environment safe and controlled.

Pro Tips

• Maintain a 90-degree paddle angle: When the ball bounces and you prepare to hit it, aim to make contact with your paddle positioned at a 90-degree angle. This technique produces a stronger, more controlled groundstroke, giving your shot extra power and precision. You can execute a topspin using an underhand motion, but using a western grip will help you achieve a better angle and spin at the point of contact.
• Step into your serve: As the ball drops and bounces, step forward into your swing. This movement adds momentum to your shot and helps generate a more powerful groundstroke. Start your serve from slightly behind the baseline so you can step into it naturally without crossing the line — crossing the baseline during a serve would count as a fault in a real game.
• Adjust your stance for control: Some players prefer to keep their feet steady and shift their body weight for added control, while others like to take a small two-step motion behind the baseline to generate more power. Experiment with both techniques to find which footing feels most comfortable and gives your Topspin Drive the best combination of strength and stability.

Solo Drill 3: Rolling Shot

The rolling shot is one of the most overlooked yet effective techniques in pickleball. While flashy moves like ATPs and Ernes often grab attention, it’s the rolling shot that quietly earns players the majority of their points. To execute this shot, hit a groundstroke just before the non-volley zone — also known as the Kitchen, the rectangular area closest to the net.

This solo drill is perfect for improving your rally consistency. During a match, when you and your opponent are rallying near the kitchen line, it’s all about maintaining control without violating the non-volley rule. Practicing the rolling shot helps you develop the precision and touch needed to stay consistent and confident in those fast-paced exchanges close to the net.

Additionally, this drill can help refine your drives — shots that travel straight and low across the court, pushing your opponent deep into their backcourt. The goal of a drive is to move your opponent out of position, creating openings to win points. A classic example is the third shot drive, a powerful and strategic follow-up to the serve return (not to be confused with the third shot drop).

How to Perform Rolling Shot

• Step 1: Drop the ball in front of your feet and before the non-volley zone
• Step 2: Let the ball bounce once
• Step 3: As it bounces upward, hit the ball in the center of your paddle with a loose wrist. Focus on performing a drive.

Modifications

This solo drill works best on an actual pickleball court, since it depends on practicing around the non-volley zone (NVZ) and its boundary line. However, you can easily recreate a similar setup at home using some masking tape and a portable net. Just be sure to mark the area with accurate measurements to mimic real court conditions. For guidance, check out our Pickleball Court 101 guide — it includes all the official court dimensions and step-by-step instructions for marking your own practice space.

Pro Tips

• Train the right and left side: After executing a Rolling Shot, switch sides and repeat the drill. For example, if you started serving from the right, move to the left for your next attempt. Practicing from both sides of the court helps build balance, confidence, and consistency in your serves and groundstrokes.
• Add power to your serve: The Rolling Shot is your opportunity to play more assertively. As rallies become faster and more competitive, channel the momentum from your drive practice to make your serves stronger and more precise. This added intensity will help you push your opponent deeper into their court.
• Less movement is more: Some players find it more effective to shift their body weight from one foot to the other instead of taking an actual step. Experiment with both techniques during this drill to discover which gives you better control, rhythm, and shot accuracy.

Solo Drill 4: Serve and Split Step

Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, your serve is one of the most powerful tools in your pickleball arsenal — it sets the tone for the point and determines who takes control of the rally. However, delivering a strong serve is only half the battle. The other half lies in mastering your positioning immediately after the serve, which is why incorporating the Serve and Split-Step Drill into your practice routine is essential.

This drill helps you stay balanced and properly positioned to respond effectively to your opponent’s return. A common mistake many beginners and even intermediate players make is rushing into the court right after serving. This often leads to poor balance and forces them to backpedal awkwardly to handle the next shot.

The solution is the split-step — a small, controlled hop that gets you ready for your opponent’s return. Once you start using it, you’ll notice an instant improvement in your movement, balance, and overall control on the court.

How to Perform Serve and Split Step

• Step 1: Begin by positioning yourself about one foot behind the baseline, whether you’re on a regulation court or a marked practice area.
• Step 2: Execute a legal pickleball serve, focusing on control and consistency.
• Step 3: Immediately after serving, make sure you remain behind the baseline and perform a split step — a small hop that allows you to land lightly on the balls of your feet, keeping you ready for the return.
• Step 4: Keep your paddle pointed toward the ball while maintaining your split-step stance, ensuring you’re prepared to react quickly.
• Step 5: Continue using this ready position after each shot as you advance toward the kitchen line, maintaining balance and control throughout the rally.
• Step 6: If you or your partner happens to send up an easy lob, backpedal quickly, reset into your split-step stance, and prepare to continue the rally. Once stable, work your way back toward the kitchen line to regain your strategic position.

Modifications

Getting to a pickleball court just to practice this drill isn’t always practical, so aim to perform the Serve and Split-Step Drill on a real court at least once a week. On other days, you can do shadow drills that mimic the same movements wherever you have space — such as in your driveway, backyard, or even indoors. Consistently practicing these motions will help you build muscle memory, so the serve-and-split-step transition becomes a natural, automatic part of your game.

Pro Tips.

• Aim for the corners: At Home for Pickleball, we encourage players to practice every drill as if they’re in a real match. When performing your serves, visualize an opponent on the other side and aim for the corners of the court to improve accuracy and placement. You can even use a cone or marker to simulate your target and make your practice more game-like.
• Experiment with grip and hand placement: Treat your serve practice as a chance to explore and improve. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes — instead, use them to discover which grip and hand movement feel the most natural and comfortable for you. Consistent experimentation leads to a more confident and effective serve over time.

Solo Drill 5: Shadow Swing

A Shadow Swing may sound like a move from a ninja playbook, which could be partially true, considering it will give you ninja reflexes on a pickleball court. To do this all you have to do is perform a shadow swing by swinging a pickleball paddle without hitting anything.

At first it may feel a bit weird, but don’t worry, we all have felt that way, after doing this routine for a couple of times you will naturally start incorporating it into your warm ups. 

How does Shadow Swing help in Pickleball?

Shadow swing helps a player visualize themselves hitting a perfect shot and to get confident with swinging a pickleball paddle with proper form.

How to Perform Shadow Swing

• Step 1: Hold the paddle with confidence while keeping a loose wrist so you can swing the paddle with finesse
• Step 2: Start swinging the paddle low to high as you would in a match
• Step 3: Start swinging the paddle with proper footwork, move around as you would while you were on a court

Modification

Do it any time any where, do it in the bathroom without a paddle, once you start seeing the difference, everyone will ask you how you did it.

Pro Tips

• Try different paddles: Pickleball as we know is constantly evolving and so are the paddles, we have already gone from wooden paddles, to fiber glass and now carbon fiber paddles, so it is always good to try out new paddles to get used to the pace of the game. Although one of our team member always says, “Its the player and not the paddle.”
• Use imagery: Practice a clean swing in front of a mirror, or if you are already on the court , do the swing motion with your eyes closed this will help you visualize your self hitting shots confidently, which in turn will help settle the nerves once the game starts, players can do this in req games and tournaments it always helps.
• Do this at home: We cannot emphasize enough on the difference it will make if you just spend 5-10 minutes at the very least and do Shadow Swinging at home. This will help you feel confident about your technique even before you step onto the court which in turn will give you great momentum throughout your session on court.

Practicing Alone Isn’t So Lonely After All

The best part of Pickleball, while there are so many, in this particular case is that there are many solo drills which can be done even at home and does not require a partner. The most popular solo drills that are guaranteed to make you a better pickleball player are fast hands with a wall and shadow swings to visualize yourself hitting a perfect shot.

Do we need specialized equipment for Solo Pickleball Drills?

We get asked this question a lot, and the answer is not really. Your regular pickleball paddle and ball are enough to do the job, however, to counter certain limitations you can check out there solo pickleball equipements as well. A fan favourite is the soundproof ball that does not disturn the neighbours.