Win-In-6 Doubles Pickleball Drill: Pickleball mental coach DJ Howard has introduced a new drill called Win-In-6 Doubles Pickleball, a 3-person game designed to help players improve teamwork, aggression, and shot control. This drill teaches players how to handle real-game situations while learning to pressure opponents within a limited number of shots.
DJ Howard explains the format during a video session, demonstrating how players can use this competitive version of doubles to level up their skills. The game can be played with three players and helps both the server and returner learn how to control rallies and defend against attacks.
How the “Win-In-6” Game Works
The game is played using regular rally rules, but with one important twist. The serving team plays as usual, while the return team tries to end the rally within six shots or less.
“We as the returners are going to try to end the point before we make six shots in the court,” said DJ Howard.
If the returners can win the rally in six or fewer hits, they score a point or gain the serve. If the servers force the rally to go beyond six return shots without losing, they win the point—even if they didn’t hit a winner.
“The serving team can win the point one of two ways—by winning the rally, hitting a winner or we make an error, or making us hit more than six shots,” explained DJ Howard.
Playing a Full Game
Like traditional pickleball, players can go up to 11 points. Each side rotates between serving and returning. The returners try to finish each rally quickly, while the servers aim to slow the game down and force longer rallies.
“The return team changes. You guys must win this rally in six shots or less,” said DJ Howard.
He pointed out how the return team should play with speed and control. Meanwhile, the serving team focuses on holding ground and keeping the rally alive.
“As a returner, you want to be aggressive. As a serving team, you want to try and outlast that team and extend these rallies,” said DJ Howard.
Strategy in Action
During the video, DJ Howard and the players showed how the return team could push forward quickly. Even if they reached the sixth shot and didn’t win, the servers would earn the point by defending that long.
“We lose the rally. Was a good try. Great save over there, John,” DJ Howard said after one exchange. “I was doing my best to hit a winner on the sixth return shot, but alas, John got there. Good save.”
He stressed how returning teams have the early advantage and need to make the most of it.
“You have the opportunity to be aggressive early. So if you can take advantage of that opportunity and be aggressive right off the bat, that’s the goal,” he said.
Building Smarter Players
The Win-In-6 drill helps players recognize when to attack and when to defend. It forces returners to think quickly and encourages servers to remain calm under pressure. Players also practice teamwork, ball placement, and consistency under timed pressure. DJ Howard recommends playing the game to 11 points, just like in regular pickleball, to get the most out of the drill.
“Keep in mind the returners are trying to win the rally within our first six shots to negate the server’s ability to neutralize that point,” he said.
This game adds structure and intensity to practice and can be used by beginners and advanced players alike to improve court awareness and tactical discipline.
News in Brief: Win-In-6 Doubles Pickleball Drill
Pickleball coach DJ Howard has created Win-In-6, a doubles drill where the return team must win rallies in six shots or fewer. This format teaches smarter play, faster decision-making, and how to handle pressure. Both servers and returners improve positioning and control through realistic game practice.
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