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COACH MARY’S TIP OF THE WEEK
Three-Person Drills: What to Do When You’re Missing a Fourth
There’s no reason to wait for a fourth player to arrive before you start drilling, practicing, or playing! I regularly incorporate 3-person drills into my own workouts. They offer more touches and greater accuracy, as the two-player team must precisely direct their shots to the solo player’s side of the court.
Drill Options
Dinking Only (2-on-1 Cutthroat): Keep all shots restricted to dinking.
Dinking with Attacks (2-on-1): Start with dinks, then incorporate speed-ups and attacks.
Transition Zone Drill (2-on-1): The solo player starts in the transition zone and works their way up to the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ).
7–11 Game (2-on-1):
Standard: Solo player starts up at the NVZ.
Challenge: Solo player starts back at the baseline.
Australian / Regular 2-on-1 Game: The two-player team must always hit to the side occupied by the solo player.
Recommended Instructional Videos
Jordan Briones – 2-on-1 Transition Drill
How it works: The single player starts in the transition zone and must reset 3 balls before advancing to the kitchen line. Play out the point—first to 5 wins!
Rotation: If the single player misses, rotate positions.
Ed Ju – NVZ Coverage Drill
How it works: All players start at the NVZ. The solo player covers 60% of the court. After 2 initial dinks, look out for speed-ups!
Corielliottpb – Two 3-Person Drills
Drill 1: All players at the NVZ; start with a courtesy dink feed and play the point out. Play to 7 points, rotating so everyone gets a solo turn.
Drill 2: Play 7–11 with the solo player starting back, focusing on executing a 3rd shot drop and moving in.
The Art of Pickleball – Full Court 2-on-1
How it works: Demonstration of 2-on-1 full-court play, traditionally known as Australian Doubles in tennis.
Upcoming Event
Event: Indoor Round Robin
Date: August 30th
Location: Palm Desert Civic Center Park Gymnasium
Questions? Email Coach Mary directly at mgbarsaleau@gmail.com