CJ Johnson’s Pickleball Drills: CJ Johnson recently shared a step-by-step guide on how to improve focus and reduce missed shots in pickleball. In a detailed session alongside her friend Monty, CJ introduced four easy drills aimed at helping players of all levels learn how to track the ball better. The session was designed for those who find it hard to follow the ball into their paddle, especially beginners with no racket sport experience.
The lesson was filmed with Monty acting as CJ’s partner, helping demonstrate each exercise. Tony Roy, CJ’s usual partner, did not appear in the video. These drills are designed to improve vision, timing, paddle control, and reaction speed.
Simple Toss and Track Exercise
The first drill focused on tossing a pickleball back and forth from a short distance. CJ Johnson explained, “We’re going to start tossing the ball to each other. And the whole goal here is to watch the ball all the way into our paddle hand. We want to watch the holes on the ball.”
The drill began with slow, controlled tosses at the center of each player’s body. As confidence grew, tosses moved to the left, right, and lower body. Then, the difficulty increased by tossing two balls at once. CJ emphasized being alert and tracking the holes on the ball closely.
She said, “I’m trying to pick up the ball that Monty is sending my way.” As the drill advanced, the pace increased to train quicker reactions. “Once I let this one go… I’m not paying attention to this one. I’m looking at the one that’s coming my way.”
Bounce Drill for Paddle Control
The second drill used a single paddle to bounce the ball and focus on steady control. CJ instructed players to start with forehand bounces while keeping their eyes on the ball’s holes. She added, “If you see your ball not going straight up… that’s telling you that your paddle is tilted.”
Once forehand bounces were mastered, the next step was the backhand. Then players switched between forehand and backhand. CJ encouraged viewers to try one more challenge by using the paddle’s side edge.
She explained, “You’re trying. It’s paddle control as well as watching the ball.” CJ noted this is a helpful warm-up and a good drill to practice at home or between games.
She then asked, “Which one of these progressions gave you the most amount of trouble? Was it just the forehand? Was it the backhand? Or was it forehand to the side to the backhand? Put it down in the comments.”
Reaction Time Catch Drill
The third drill involved testing reaction speed using two balls. CJ Johnson stood in her ready position while Monty extended both hands, holding a ball in each. He would drop one without warning, and CJ tried to catch it.
CJ admitted, “I missed that one.” After retrying the drill, she added that catching the ball on the bounce is easier for beginners before attempting to catch it in the air.
“These are great for picking up the ball and these are fantastic for your reaction time,” CJ said.

Tips to See the Ball Better
CJ concluded that better vision means better timing and more control over the paddle. “If you are seeing the ball more clearly, your paddle is going to be faster to the ball, your reaction time is going to improve and you’re going to have more sound mechanics,” she explained.
She also encouraged players to check out a free strategy guide and join the Better Pickleball Academy for more lessons.
News in Brief: CJ Johnson’s Pickleball Drills
CJ Johnson, with help from Monty, demonstrated four easy pickleball drills to improve ball tracking, paddle control, and reaction time. These simple exercises are perfect for new and experienced players alike. Johnson shared that watching the ball’s holes is key to fewer mistakes and better gameplay.