When should you drive in pickleball?

When the ball is high enough to hit down or flat, when your opponents are not set at the net, or to break up a long dink rally with a ball they aren't expecting.

Should I use topspin on drives?

Once your flat drive is consistent, yes. Topspin makes the ball dip, so you can hit harder without it going long.

Where should I aim a drive?

At the feet or the hip on the paddle side of the player at the net, or down the middle between two players.

How to hit a pickleball drive, with drills

How to hit a hard, low drive in pickleball, when to drive instead of drop, and three drills for power and accuracy, from beginner to 4.0+.

For players rated 2.5+

When to use it

A drive is a hard, low groundstroke aimed at your opponents' feet or body. It forces a quick, defensive reply and often sets up an easier shot for you or your partner.

Drive when the ball bounces high enough to hit through, when your opponents are still moving forward, or on the third shot after a short return. Follow a good drive in; the reply is often soft enough to drop or volley.

Drills

Pick the ones for your level

1.Wall drives
Solo2.5–3.0
Grooves a compact stroke and a low, flat contact point.
1. Stand 20 feet from a wall with a tape line at net height.
2. Drive the ball just above the line, let it bounce, and drive again.
3. Turn your shoulders, contact the ball in front of your body, and finish over your shoulder.
Reps: 3 rounds of 20 forehands, then 3 of backhands
2.Drive and block
With a partner3.5
Trains drives that stay below the net tape when they reach the opponent.
1. One player drives from the baseline; the other stands at the kitchen line and blocks every drive back softly.
2. Aim at the blocker's feet. A drive that arrives above their waist doesn't count.
3. Keep a count of good drives in a row.
Reps: 3 rounds of 15, then switch
3.Drive, drop, drive
With a partner4.0+
Trains hiding whether you'll drive or drop until the last moment.
1. Your partner feeds from the kitchen line and calls nothing.
2. Use the same set-up for every ball and choose to drive or drop late.
3. Your partner tells you after each one whether they could read it.
Reps: 20 balls, then switch

Watch it

Common mistakes

Swinging for the baseline. A good drive dips at the feet; hitting long gives away the point.
Using a big tennis backswing. Keep it compact so you have time on fast balls.
Driving from below the net. If you have to hit up a lot, drop or reset instead.
Not following the drive in.

What to work on at your level

2.5–3.0	Hit with control at three-quarter pace and keep it in the court.
3.5	Drive the third shot off short returns and aim at the feet.
4.0+	Add topspin so you can drive harder and still land it, and disguise it with the drop.

Paddles that help

A power paddle with more swing weight and pop adds pace to drives without a bigger swing.

Best Pickleball Paddles for Power

Common questions

When should you drive in pickleball?: When the ball is high enough to hit down or flat, when your opponents are not set at the net, or to break up a long dink rally with a ball they aren't expecting.
Should I use topspin on drives?: Once your flat drive is consistent, yes. Topspin makes the ball dip, so you can hit harder without it going long.
Where should I aim a drive?: At the feet or the hip on the paddle side of the player at the net, or down the middle between two players.

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