The drive
A drive is a hard, low groundstroke used to put pressure on opponents. Learn when to drive instead of drop, how topspin keeps it in, and which targets work best.
What a drive is
A drive is a hard, flat or topspin shot hit after the bounce, usually from the baseline or the transition zone, that travels low over the net. Drives put pressure on opponents, force rushed volleys and can set up an easier next shot.
Pickleball balls are light and plastic, so even a well-hit drive is easy to block if your opponents are ready at the kitchen line. That is why the drive is best used selectively.
When to drive
- On the third shot, when the return was short, high or soft.
- When the opponents are still moving forward and not set.
- When you want to test a player who struggles with fast hands.
- As a passing shot down the line when an opponent crowds the middle.
When both opponents are already set at the kitchen line, a third-shot drop is usually the higher-percentage choice.
Technique
- Turn your shoulders and step toward the ball, much like a tennis forehand but more compact.
- Swing low to high for topspin. Topspin makes the ball dip, so you can hit harder and still keep it in.
- Contact in front of your front foot, at about waist height.
- Finish over your shoulder on the forehand, or high on the backhand.
A shorter swing helps with control. Many players hit their best drives at around 70 to 80 percent effort.
Where to aim
| Target | Effect |
|---|---|
| Opponent's feet | Forces an upward block; hard to counter |
| Middle | Causes partner confusion |
| Hip of the dominant side | Jams the opponent |
| Down the line | Passing shot when the line is open |
Avoid aiming at the opponent's paddle height around chest level. That is where they can block or counter easily.
Drive and follow
A drive works best as a two-shot pattern: drive the third, then hit a drop or a soft shot on the fifth when your opponent's block comes back weaker. After driving, move forward a few steps but be ready to stop and defend if it comes back hard.
Drills
- Drive and drop. From the baseline, drive one ball, then drop the next one fed to you. Repeat in sets of 10.
- Target practice. Put two cones near the opponent's feet at the kitchen line and drive at them.
- Topspin feel. Rally drives with a partner from the baselines, focusing on brushing up the back of the ball.
Common mistakes
- Hitting flat and long. Add topspin.
- Driving every ball, which lets good teams time you. Mix in drops and lobs.
- Standing still after driving, so a block leaves you stranded.
- Swinging with full power when control matters more.
Watch your opponents' paddles. If they are low and their feet are moving, drive. If they are set with paddles up at the kitchen, drop.