Mini-Game Pickleball Attack Drills: Pickleball coach Jarrett Chirico is teaching players when to attack and when to reset during rallies using a focused mini-game drill. The drill helps players build better points by learning how to handle difficult game situations, improve shot decisions, and understand offensive and defensive zones.
Coach Jarrett Chirico uses this method to prepare players for different match conditions, like wind or cold, where ball control is harder. The goal is to improve by facing tough shots and practicing better choices during play.
A Drill Focused on Smart Attacks
In the drill, players have only three shots to set up for a strong attack. On the fourth shot, they must go for an aggressive play—whether they’re ready or not. This teaches players how to build points smartly, even under pressure.
“A great simulation and I like to work on is understanding when to attack and when to reset and though it might not always make perfect sense because the ball’s always moving…” – (Chirico)
He pointed out that outside factors like weather can affect shots. Still, players must keep pushing forward.
Learning From Limits
The key rule in the drill is: only three setup shots are allowed. After that, the player must attack. The drill teaches what happens when attacking too early or at the wrong time.
“If we have a ball that’s below the net we’re going to attack differently so if a ball’s down here my attack shot might just be lifting it up just a little bit…” – (Chirico)
This shows that even when the attack isn’t ideal, players learn the difference between smart and poor choices. The goal is to move the ball with better control, not just speed.
Staying in Control with Steps and Shots
Chirico encourages short footwork to stay balanced. He advises players not to take more than one step unless they’re facing very skilled opponents.
“If you’re ever taking more than one step and you’re not playing someone that’s a 4.5 to a 5 plus and you’re taking more than one step you’re not doing a good job…” – (Chirico)
By forcing players to act in tight situations, he helps them get better with each point.
Practicing the Three-Shot Rule
Coach Jarrett Chirico demonstrated the drill.
“One… two… three. Three shots. I was able to earn the high one. But how was I able to earn the high one? By reaching in…” – (Chirico)
In the next round, he showed how players can still win without a strong attack: “One… two… three. I was able to win that point in three balls without attacking.” Sometimes, points are won not by power but by smart play.
“You don’t have to win balls by attacking or win points by attacking. You will win points by hitting the right shot…” – (Chirico)
In another round, he had to reset after three shots because he couldn’t attack: “Now I have to reset… one… two… three…” He explained how he approached a difficult shot by going a bit harder and higher to push his opponent back: “It was not in a right ball to attack… I didn’t try to kill it. I went a little bit harder, a little bit higher to try to force my opponent back…” The next shot was easier, thanks to that smart move.
Learning From Wins and Losses
Even when losing a point, players still learn.
“One… two… three. I couldn’t put it away so because I couldn’t put it away he won the point and that’s okay…” – (Chirico)
Jarrett Chirico wants players to understand that being aggressive doesn’t mean losing control. He teaches that building a point carefully helps you win more in the long run.
“You can be very aggressive and very consistent at the same time by really forcing yourself forward and really dictating where you’re hitting the ball.” – (Chirico)
Why This Drill Matters
This mini-game helps players think more during rallies. They learn to spot when to go for a winner and when to stay patient. It builds control, confidence, and better decision-making under pressure. Over time, players learn not only how to attack—but when it makes sense to.
News in Brief: Mini-Game Pickleball Attack Drills
Pickleball coach Jarrett Chirico teaches players how to control rallies using a mini-game drill. The game lets players hit three shots before they must attack, helping them learn smart decision-making. This drill improves footwork, timing, and patience while showing how to balance pressure with smart play.