5 Best Solo Pickleball Drills

If you’re ready to improve your pickleball game but don’t always have a partner, you’re in luck! At HomeforPickleball, we’ve designed five simple yet effective solo drills to help you sharpen your technique, improve consistency, and gain confidence, all on your own!

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to get beyond that 4.0 level, these drills focus on key skills like control, footwork, paddle feel, and shot precision. Let’s dive into each one step by step.

Solo Drill 1: Static Drop Feed

If you’re new to practicing alone, the Static Drop Feed is the perfect place to start. It’s a fundamental drill that builds confidence in your hand-eye coordination, paddle control, and groundstroke form.

The idea is simple—drop the ball, let it bounce once, and strike it cleanly in the center of your paddle. It’s a foundational move that transfers directly to your serves, rallies, and returns.

How to Do It

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Drop the ball just in front of your feet.
3. Let it bounce once.
4. As it rises, strike it gently in the middle of your paddle.
5. Focus on form—not power or distance.

Modifications

If you have multiple balls, keep them in a small container nearby to maintain rhythm between reps. No court? No problem. Use a wall, garage door, or backyard fence to bounce the ball back and simulate a rally. Avoid practicing near open driveways or roads—the ball can roll away quickly.

Pro Tips

• Swing low to high: This promotes the correct motion for a clean groundstroke.
• Stay relaxed: Keep your wrist loose and let your paddle flow naturally through contact.
• Aim with intention: If you’re on a court, practice hitting diagonally or cross-court to work on control.

Solo Drill 2: Topspin Drive

Next, we move to the Topspin Drive—a key drill for developing a strong, low serve or aggressive baseline shot. The goal here is to make the ball dip quickly after crossing the net, forcing your opponent into a tough, low return.

How to Do It

1. Drop the ball in front of you (just like in the Static Drop Feed).
2. Let it bounce once.
3. Strike the ball with a loose wrist and a low-to-high paddle motion.
4. Aim to keep the shot just above the net but deep into the service box.

Modifications

This drill works best on a court, but you can simulate it with a portable net or a low barrier at home. Practice within an enclosed area to avoid chasing balls.

Pro Tips

• Keep your paddle vertical (90°): This ensures strong, direct contact.
• Step into your serve: Adding body momentum builds power and consistency.
• Shift your weight, don’t rush: Smooth movement keeps your control sharp and your stroke balanced.

Solo Drill 3: Rolling Shot

The Rolling Shot may not get as much attention as flashy moves like the ATP or Erne, but make no mistake—this shot wins points. It’s all about control near the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ), or as we love to call it, the kitchen.

Practicing this shot improves your ability to manage fast rallies at the net and build confidence when playing close to the kitchen line.

How to Do It

1. Stand just before the NVZ line.
2. Drop the ball in front of your feet.
3. Let it bounce once, then hit a smooth, controlled drive shot.

Modifications

You’ll ideally need a court for this, but you can recreate the setup at home using tape to mark the NVZ and a portable net. For accuracy, check out our Pickleball Court Dimensions Guide to set it up properly.

Pro Tips

• Alternate sides: Practice from both the even and odd courts.
• Hit with intent: This is your chance to pressure your “imaginary opponent.”
• Use small steps: Shift your weight rather than overstepping for better control.

Solo Drill 4: Serve and Split Step

Your serve sets the tone, but what you do after the serve often determines who wins the rally. The Serve and Split Step Drill trains you to recover quickly and position yourself perfectly for your opponent’s return.

Many newer players make the mistake of rushing forward after serving, which often throws them off balance. The split step fixes that by grounding you in an athletic stance i.e. ready for anything.

How to Do It

1. Stand one foot behind the baseline.
2. Serve legally, aiming deep into the service box.
3. Immediately perform a split step—a small, balanced hop landing on the balls of your feet.
4. Keep your paddle up and eyes forward, ready for the next shot.
5. Repeat until you naturally transition into the stance after each serve.

Modifications

You can shadow this drill at home—no ball required. The key is building muscle memory so that the split step becomes second nature during real matches.

Pro Tips

• Serve to the corners: Always imagine an opponent and aim to hit where they aren’t.
• Stay balanced: Avoid drifting too far forward after serving.
• Experiment with grips: Try slight variations to find what feels natural for your hand and swing style.

Solo Drill 5: Shadow Swing

The Shadow Swing might sound simple, but it’s one of the most powerful drills for improving muscle memory and confidence. Think of it as your personal “mirror practice” — no ball, no net, just form, flow, and focus.

How to Do It

1. Hold your paddle confidently with a relaxed wrist.
2. Swing from low to high, following through fully.
3. Move your feet naturally, simulating real game footwork.
4. Repeat while visualizing perfect contact.

Modifications

You can do this drill anywhere—your living room, yard, or even your office. If you don’t have a paddle handy, mimic the motion with your hand to reinforce good swing mechanics.

Pro Tips

• Experiment with paddles: Test different materials (fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.) to understand how each affects your control.
• Use visualization: Try shadow swinging in front of a mirror or with your eyes closed to strengthen mental focus.
• Make it a habit: Just 5–10 minutes a day can dramatically improve your stroke confidence and readiness before matches.

Final Thoughts: Practicing Alone Isn’t So Lonely After All

One of the best things about pickleball is how accessible it is—even when you’re on your own. With just a paddle, a ball, and a little motivation, you can build real skills that translate directly into your on-court performance.

At HomeforPickleball, we believe solo practice is where players grow the most. It’s your chance to experiment, focus on form, and master techniques without pressure.

Whether you’re practicing wall volleys, shadow swings, or these five drills, remember: every rep gets you closer to playing like the pros.