Elevate Your Pickleball Game: A 45-Minute Drill Session for Intermediate Players

Professional pickleball player Jessica Improta shares a structured 45-minute drill session tailored for intermediate players. This session focuses on essential skills, including dinking, controlled point play, and competitive scenarios, all aimed at enhancing performance. Improta emphasizes the importance of intentional practice and balancing cooperative and competitive drills to simulate real-game pressure. By dedicating time to quality repetitions, players can significantly improve their game. Join the pickleball community for more tips and insights!

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 20, 2026, 14:53 IST

Enhancing Skills with Structured Drills

Jessica Improta, a professional pickleball player, has designed a straightforward 45-minute drill session aimed at helping intermediate players improve their skills through focused practice and quality repetitions. In a conversation with Pickleball Now, Improta pointed out that many online drills appear to be tailored for advanced players, making them less accessible for the average participant. "Most drill videos feature high-level players, which can feel intimidating for regular players. The reality is that effective drilling doesn’t need to be complex; it should provide ample quality repetitions," she stated.

The session begins with fundamental dinking drills that emphasize control and consistency. Players are advised to keep the balls primarily in the kitchen area to develop a feel for the game while focusing on technique, such as minimizing unnecessary backswing and enhancing lateral movement.

Improta highlighted the significance of intentional practice, encouraging players to remain mindful of their objectives during drills. "As you practice, ask yourself what you are focusing on," she advised, emphasizing the need to avoid mindless repetition.

A crucial aspect of the session is the balance between cooperative and competitive drilling. "There are two main approaches: cooperation and competition," Improta explained, suggesting that setting common goals, like achieving 30 consecutive shots, can create a sense of pressure. "This adds a competitive edge and simulates real-game scenarios," she added.

The drills progress to controlled point play, where players are permitted to attack only high balls. Improta noted that this practice helps in applying pressure with dinks while reinforcing patience and shot selection.

Another key focus is skill enhancement under pressure. Improta encouraged players to tackle their weaker areas, even if it results in mistakes. "Don’t shy away from hitting bad backhands. Just keep practicing… recognize why you missed and adjust for next time," she recommended.

The routine also incorporates third-shot drills, allowing players to choose between drives or drops, with added pressure through goal-setting. "Decide whether to focus on drives or drops and work on them accordingly," she suggested.

The session wraps up with a competitive "cutthroat" game format, enabling players to apply their practice in a match-like environment while maintaining high intensity. Summarizing her approach, Improta emphasized the fundamental philosophy behind effective training: "If you’re an intermediate player looking to improve quickly, gather a few friends, select specific skills to focus on, and dedicate 30 to 45 minutes to quality repetitions. This will significantly enhance your game."

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