Want to train smarter, not just harder? There’s a little-known pickleball drill that can transform your game by putting you in uncomfortable, high-pressure situations. It’s called the 7/11 Drill and once you try it, you’ll never go back to “boring” practice.

The Drill That Feels Rigged (In the Best Way)

Here’s how it works:

• One player starts at the kitchen line.
  
• The other begins at the baseline, hitting a third-shot drop to kick off the point.
  
• From there, you play the rally out… but with one twist:
  

👉 The baseline player only needs 7 points to win.
👉 The kitchen player needs 11 points to win.

At first glance, it feels unfair. But that’s the beauty of it: the imbalance forces you to adapt, focus, and grind in ways normal drilling doesn’t.

Why Players Love (and Hate) It

• For the baseline player: You’ve got the advantage, but can you execute the perfect third shot drop under pressure?
  
• For the kitchen player: You’re fighting uphill. Every point counts double, and you’ll need consistency and patience to claw your way to victory.
  

In short, the 7/11 drill turns practice into a game where both players sharpen their strategy and mental toughness.

Want More Drills Like This?

This gem comes straight from Tanner Pickleball, who shares tons of creative ways to level up your game. If you’re serious about improving, take a look at these single pickleball drills shared by Pro Player Bobbi Oshiro.  Or keep scrolling on our blog to find more!

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