Drill Bits: Six Habits That Make You Tough to Beat

Small adjustments. Big difference. These six repeatable habits will improve your control, positioning, and decision-making without overcomplicating your game.

If you are looking for simple, practical ways to become harder to play against, you do not need gimmicks or wholesale changes. The difference at higher levels is often built on a small set of repeatable habits that improve positioning, decision-making, and control.

These six concepts are used consistently by strong players. Each one is paired with a drill you can take straight onto the court.

Key Takeaways

Six repeatable habits around control, grip pressure, and transition can significantly elevate recreational and competitive play
Crosscourt kitchen control and grip pressure awareness are the foundations most players overlook
The two-step transition from baseline to kitchen is the single most important movement pattern to master

This article features in the May 2026 issue of World Pickleball Magazine. For the full collection of features, interviews, coaching insights and global coverage, USA Pickleball’s coaching resources provide an established framework.com/world-pickleball-magazine-may-2026-global-pickleball-news/”>download the complete magazine here.

1. Crosscourt Kitchen Control

The Concept:
On arrival at the kitchen line, hitting straight ahead too early often hands control to your opponent. A crosscourt dink gives you margin, opens angles, and forces the other side to prove they can manage the rally before you change direction.

The Drill: “Mandatory Crosscourt”

Setup: Both players at the kitchen line
Execution: Start a dink rally. Your first three dinks must go crosscourt
Focus: Keep the ball low and angled. After three successful crosscourt dinks, the point goes live

2. Grip Pressure Awareness

The Concept:
Using the same grip pressure on every shot limits control. Soft shots require soft hands. A relaxed grip allows the paddle to absorb pace and keep the ball low.

The Drill: “3-to-8 Squeeze”

Setup: One player at the baseline, one at the kitchen
Execution: Baseline player drives. Kitchen player calls “Three” and resets with a relaxed grip
Focus: Let the ball settle into the paddle. Build the habit: soft hands for control, firm hands for attack

3. The Two-Step Transition

The Concept:
Charging forward blindly after a third shot creates problems. Good players move with control, assess the ball, then commit.

The Drill: “Read and React”

Setup: Both players start at the baseline, feeder opposite
Execution: Partner hits a drop. As contact is made, take two controlled steps forward
Focus:
- Good drop → move in (“Go”)
- High drop → hold or recover (“Hold”)

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4. Defending the Dead Dink

The Concept:
When a speed-up is coming, guessing loses points. Positioning wins them. Aligning your body with the ball removes your opponent’s simplest option.

The Drill: “Chest to the Ball”

Setup: Both players at the kitchen
Execution: Partner feeds attackable dinks
Focus: Move so your chest is directly behind the ball before contact. Block, don’t swing

5. Forward Momentum on Drives

The Concept:
Stepping back to create space reduces power and delays your transition. Stepping forward transfers weight into the shot and keeps you moving toward the net.

The Drill: “Step-Through Drive”

Setup: Start just behind the baseline
Execution: Step forward into each drive with your lead foot
Focus: Your momentum should carry you forward after contact. If it doesn’t, your weight is not moving correctly

6. Backhand Flick Positioning

The Concept:
Most backhand flick issues are positional, not technical. Standing too wide closes your swing path. A small adjustment opens multiple attacking options.

The Drill: “Inside-Step Setup”

Setup: Start slightly wide at the kitchen line
Execution: As the ball comes to your backhand, take one small step inward
Focus: From that position, practise three targets: crosscourt, middle, and line

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