Footwork + Volleys
What you're working on
A two-phase drill that builds pickleball footwork and volley technique together. The first phase isolates the figure-of-8 shuffle step pattern around two cones, developing the lateral movement and court awareness needed to reach balls efficiently. The second phase integrates volleys into the same movement pattern, training players to hit cleanly off both the forehand and backhand side while moving continuously around the court.
See how the drill works
Run the drill
Drill Set Up
Two players. Place two cones in the centre of both the deuce and advantage sides of the court. The moving player starts at the middle line in the centre of the court. The feeding player positions at the kitchen line on the opposite side of the net.
Phase 1. Footwork only: No paddle required for the moving player.Phase 2. Volleys: Moving player picks up the paddle; feeder feeds balls continuously from the kitchen line.
How to run it
Phase 1: Figure-of-8 Footwork
- The moving player starts at the centre of the court at the middle line.
- Using shuffle steps, the player moves in a figure-of-8 pattern around the two cones, one on the deuce side, one on the advantage side.
- A partner can feed balls by hand for the moving player to catch as they get around each cone, adding a reactive element to the movement.
- Continue for a set amount of time before moving to Phase 2.
Phase 2: Figure-of-8 with Volleys
- The moving player picks up the paddle and resumes the figure-of-8 shuffle step pattern around the cones.
- The feeder at the kitchen line on the opposite side feeds balls continuously to the moving player.
- The moving player volleys each ball, alternating between forehand and backhand, while continuing the figure-of-8 movement.
Continue for a set amount of time, then switch roles
Coaching Points
- Use shuffle steps throughout, do not cross the feet or break into a run between cones.
- Stay low and maintain an athletic ready position through the entire figure-of-8 movement.
- In Phase 2, the volley must not interrupt the movement, keep the feet moving even as you hit.
- Alternate forehand and backhand volleys deliberately, do not default to one side.
- The feeder should time feeds to arrive as the moving player rounds each cone, not while they are mid-shuffle between cones.
BLANK DRILL TEMPLATE: COPY THIS BLOCK FOR EACH NEW DRILL