The drive in pickleball is one of the most powerful shots in the game. But using the right form and knowing when and where to make the drive is something that may not come naturally for many players. So let’s break down the most optimal way for how, when, and where you should be using the drive in pickleball.
How Do You Hit A Drive In Pickleball?
If you don’t come with any racket sport, you may not know the proper form or technique to drive in pickleball. But this part is crucial to get the control, power, and accuracy of your drive.
You will want to stand in a closed position, pushing against your dominant leg. Your arms should start on your side when you make your swinging motion. This point is important especially for former tennis players because, in pickleball, your swings should be compact.
The Wiffle ball is a plastic ball that does not have a high bounce like a tennis ball. The pickleball court is also a fraction of the size of a tennis court. So your swings and wind-up should never go behind you.
While your paddle contacts the ball, your dominant hips should come forward. Your arms will follow through with the swing and finish at your non-dominant shoulder. If you’re having a hard time visualizing this form, a local coach may be helpful to work with. There are also many YouTube channels with great coaches.
How Do You Get More Power In Pickleball?
The power of the drive comes from your dominant leg that transfers in a kinetic chain as you swing your hips forward while you contact the ball with your paddle. It is not from just swinging your arms. Power comes from your legs.
When Should You Drive In Pickleball?
Once you know how to properly drive, knowing when to use this shot is important. Your goal when using the drive should be to get up to the kitchen net or cause a pop-up to put the ball away.
If your opponent gave you a short and high return, a drive is a great way to make your way up and set up the point. In mixed doubles, you may often see the male player drive at the female player in hopes of a pop-up. And many times, this strategy works in lower levels of pickleball.
You should also drive the ball if you’re not able to make your drops that day for any reason. It could be because you’re nervous playing with new people, it’s super windy out, or you’re simply just “off”. Many of us have those off days.
It can also be hard to make a good drop when your opponent sends a slice return with a lot of underspin. If you struggle with being able to judge when the ball will land because of it or you don’t know how to get under the ball, driving is a good option. Driving in the right form creates a top spin that counters the underspin from a slice return.
Remember, a drive is not just limited to being a third shot. Nor should you ever expect it to be a putaway shot. You should always expect the ball to be countered back to you after a drive. Be prepared to make your next shot.
You could play super aggressively and continue to drive the 5th, 7th, or subsequent shot if your opponents have a weak block. Or you could reset and drop them instead if your opponents are able to handle them.
Where Should You Hit Your Drive?
As important as when you should drive in pickleball, is where you should aim your drives. One of the most obvious places is to the feet or body of your opponent who is still moving in the transition zone. The transition zone or no man’s land is a tough area for many players to attack or reset from.
If a player is staying back for any reason, continue to keep them back by driving. Another option is to drive at your opponent’s backhand since many players still struggle with their backhand volleys. If your opponents are both standing at the kitchen line, you can also try driving down the middle.
You may not know where the best place you should hit your drives until you try them all to see what your opponent’s weaknesses are. Especially if you have never played them before.
Mastering The Drive
Mastering any skill requires you to put in the time and effort. But how much or how long may depend on your background. If you have a tennis background, it may only take a few adjustments of your swings to master the pickleball drive. Taking a few hours to get the feel will tremendously help with consistency and control of the Wiffle ball.
If you don’t have any racket sports background, start drilling with the proper form and technique before worrying about power. You want to make sure you’re training for the right muscle memory. This is where a coach comes in handy. Or to record yourself from several angles to make sure your form is correct. It may take you longer than someone who played D1 tennis in college but the reward is long-term.
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