5 pickleball drills using a ball machine

A ball machine is an excellent tool for improving your pickleball skills. It allows you to repeat technical movements, work on your accuracy and improve your footwork without needing a partner.

Here are 5 simple drills you can practise with a pickleball ball machine to take your game to the next level.

1. Improve Your Dinks

Set the machine to deliver slow, consistent balls near the kitchen line.

Practise your forehand and backhand dinks, aiming to land the ball in your opponent's non-volley zone.

The goal is to improve your touch, accuracy and consistency near the net.

2. Practise Your Drives

Position yourself at the baseline and program the machine to deliver balls at a moderate speed.

Alternate between forehand and backhand drives, aiming to hit deep and accurate shots.

Gradually increase the speed to improve your preparation and coordination.

3. Improve Your Volleys

Position yourself near the kitchen line and set the machine to deliver balls at volley height.

Alternate between forehand and backhand volleys, keeping your movements short and controlled.

Gradually increase the ball frequency to improve your reflexes and reaction time during fast-paced rallies.

4. Master the Third Shot Drop

Position yourself at the baseline and program the machine to deliver deep balls that simulate a return of serve.

Practise hitting a soft, controlled shot that lands in your opponent's kitchen, just over the net.

This drill helps improve your accuracy and your ability to transition from a defensive position to a more offensive one.

5. Improve Your Footwork and Court Positioning

Program different target zones to alternate between forehand and backhand shots, as well as short and deep balls.

Move to reach each ball, then quickly recover a balanced position before the next shot.

Gradually increase the ball frequency to improve your coordination and endurance.

Take Your Training to the Next Level

Start with simple settings, then gradually increase the speed, ball frequency and trajectory variations.

PUSUN pickleball ball machines allow you to customise your training sessions according to your skill level and goals.

→ Discover Our PUSUN Ball Machines