Obsessed Pickleballers Women's Intermediate Camp In Birmingham, AL

Focus: Learning to return with purpose, move forward immediately, and reach the kitchen in one controlled sequence.

Return Mechanics

• Begin moving as the ball is served.
• Pick the ball up early, shortly after the bounce.
• Strike the return while moving forward.
• Continue moving toward the kitchen line after making contact.

Drill: Forehand Returns

• Coach serves to the forehand side.
• Each player hits 2–3 returns, then rotates.
• Encourage players to watch the ball, strike firmly, and continue moving toward the kitchen.

Drill: Backhand Returns

• Repeat the same progression on the backhand side.

Key Coaching Points

• The goal is to reach the kitchen in one controlled movement.
• Players should stop at the kitchen line with balance and be ready for the next shot.
• As they reach the kitchen, the paddle should be positioned directly in front of the body and facing forward.
• The return should be firm and controlled — not so hard that it goes out, and not so soft that opponents can attack it.
• Encourage players to use approximately 75% effort while prioritizing control and placement.
• Emphasize the advantage of getting both partners to the kitchen first.

Focus: Developing a reliable third shot drop that gives the team time to transition to the kitchen.

Drill: Third Shot Drop

• Students serve to the instructors.
• Instructors return the serve.
• Students attempt to land their third shot into a tube target placed inside the kitchen.
• Practice both forehand and backhand third shot drops.
• Each player hits 3–4 shots, then rotates.

Key Coaching Points

• Explain how the third shot drop gives both partners time to move forward.
• The objective is to neutralize the advantage of the returning team and create an opportunity to reach the kitchen.
• Emphasize that trying to hit the ball hard through two players at the net is often a low-percentage option.
• Focus on touch, height, placement, and giving the team enough time to transition.

Break (10 Minutes)

Focus: Developing an athletic forward position and learning to attack high balls while maintaining control on softer shots.

Athletic Position

• Teach players to maintain a slightly crouched, forward-leaning athletic stance when returning or playing at the net.
• Use the “Big Cat” analogy: when a lion, tiger, or panther attacks, it reaches forward quickly to catch its prey.
• Encourage players to think about reaching forward rather than sitting back on their heels.
• Keep the shoulders forward and maintain balance through the athletic stance.

High Volley — Forehand

• Feed high balls that players can attack.
• Encourage players to take the ball as early as possible.
• Contact the ball near the top of its arc.
• Snap the volley downward toward the opponent's feet.
• Place a tube or target near the kitchen line and have players aim for it.
• Use a short, strong stroke with a controlled wrist snap for additional power.
• Emphasize that the wrist movement should be short and controlled rather than a large, exaggerated motion.
• Encourage players to visualize the Big Cat reaching forward to attack.

High Volley — Backhand

• Repeat the same concepts on the backhand side.
• Emphasize becoming equally comfortable on both sides.
• Reinforce the importance of strong paddle positioning and efficient paddle work.

Soft Volley Drill

• Coach feeds a soft, close underhand ball toward the player's knees.
• Players use soft hands to volley the ball back into the kitchen.
• Focus on touch, control, and keeping the ball low.
• Have each player hit 20–30 balls, then rotate.

High/Low Volley Drill

• Feed a high ball for an attacking volley.
• Follow immediately with a soft half-volley that the player must return into the kitchen.
• Continue alternating: high, low, high, low.
• Repeat the pattern for multiple rounds based on time and skill level.
• This teaches players to recognize the difference between attackable and neutral balls and adjust their response accordingly.

Crossing Drill

Focus: Improving footwork, movement, and volley consistency along the kitchen line.

• Player starts at the far sideline.
• Coach feeds 3 balls as the player moves across the kitchen line.
• Player hits, moves, hits, moves, continuing all the way across the court.
• If the player successfully completes all three volleys, the coach feeds a bonus high ball to attack.
• If a volley is missed, there is no bonus ball.
• Once players are comfortable, increase the sequence to 5–6 or 7–8 balls based on skill level.
• Emphasize movement, balance, concentration, and staying ready between shots.

Focus: Developing quick reactions, paddle control, and composure under pressure.

Speed Volley Drill

• Coach stands at the baseline with a full bucket of balls.
• Work with one or two players at a time.
• Feed 40–50 balls in rapid succession, mixing in softer and higher balls.
• Players should use their new paddle mechanics and focus on making the best volley possible on each ball.
• If they miss, immediately reset and prepare for the next ball.
• Adjust the pace based on player level — slower for developing players and faster for more advanced players.
• Encourage players to stay relaxed and treat the drill as a challenge rather than trying to hit every ball perfectly.
• Give each player 2–3 turns when time allows.

Coaching Note:
This drill is designed to push players outside their comfort zone while helping them build reaction speed, confidence, and composure at the net.

Final Break ( 10 Minutes)

Focus: Applying the skills from the session in live play.

• Pair players into balanced teams for the remainder of the session.
• Encourage players to intentionally use the techniques they just practiced.
• Give each player two serving opportunities per point so they continue practicing the new serve rather than immediately returning to their old motion.
• First serve: if it goes in, the point is live.
• If the first serve misses, use the second serve.
• Encourage players to work on:
  • Aggressive but controlled serves
  • Purposeful returns
  • Getting to the kitchen
  • Third shot drops
  • Patient dinking
  • Attacking high balls
  • Soft volleys and resets
  • Quick paddle reactions