Pickleball Winners Only Team Drill: Pickleball mental coach DJ Howard introduced a training game called Winners Only to help four players improve their skills. The drill focuses on scoring only by hitting clean winners, meaning the ball must land without the opponent touching it. Games are played to three points because it is difficult to score this way.
Rules of the Game
DJ Howard explained, “The only way to win a point in this game is to hit a clean winner, meaning the opponents don’t touch the ball at all.” Players begin with a friendly feed, and once the ball is in play, they may attempt any shot to win.
Howard said, “Now, I wouldn’t recommend try to hit a winner off of that first ball. You’d like to set yourselves up first, but anything goes once that ball is put in play.” Either side may start the feed, and the only way to score is with a clean winner.
Creating Opportunities
Howard reminded players that rushing is not effective. He said, “Really important for advanced level players to try to create opportunities for yourself. Move the ball around. Hit some strong dinks, some aggressive dinks, maybe even throw up a lob on occasion.”
Angles are another way to score. Howard explained, “One good area to potentially hit a winner could be through the middle. What’s just as likely though is if you get a wide ball, consider going around the post and you can create that for yourself.”
Variations and Adjustments
The game allows changes in sides or positions. Howard said, “We’ll do multiple rounds of this. So, because we’re only playing the three, but you would certainly reserve the right to switch sides at any point in time during this exercise.”
If scoring becomes difficult, players may rotate for a new look. The drill can be adjusted for doubles teams who prefer one side of the court.
Why It Matters
Howard said, “Just know the only way to score a point is to hit a clean winner. You can come by that in many different ways, but typically you’re going to have to work for it. When you’re playing against other advanced level players, they’re not just going to give you winners.”
The drill teaches players to build points instead of relying on opponent mistakes. It strengthens patience, teamwork, and advanced shot-making skills.
News in Brief: Pickleball Winners Only Team Drill
Pickleball coach DJ Howard introduced Winners Only, a four-player drill where points are scored only by hitting clean winners. Played to three points, the game teaches players to set up shots, use angles, and stay patient. Howard stressed that advanced players must work hard to earn their points.
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