Think you’ve plateaued? You haven’t.

Because here’s the truth: in pickleball, you never actually plateau. The game is built on strategy, touch, and decision-making, skills that can improve for decades, regardless of age or athleticism.

If you feel stuck, it’s not permanent. You just need the right approach.

Here are the three fastest ways to level up your game, courtesy of PPA Tour pro Ava Ignatowich.

1. Drill Smarter (Not Just More)

If you want to improve quickly, drilling isn’t optional, it’s essential. But not all drills are created equal.

The key? Make them game-like.

How It Works:

- Start crosscourt at the kitchen line with a partner
- Dink a few balls to establish the rally
- Then play out the point, anything goes

Why it works: it mirrors real match play. You’re practicing dinks, speed-ups, counters, and hands battles all in one sequence.

“You’re going to be right here playing it out in real games,” explained Ignatowich. “So this is the most realistic drill you can do.”

The 7–11 Drill

This drill builds one of the hardest skills in pickleball: working your way to the kitchen.

How It Works:

- One player starts at the baseline
- One player starts at the kitchen
- Baseline player tries to win the point and get to 7
- Kitchen player tries to reach 11 first

The goal isn’t just winning, it’s learning how to transition forward under pressure.

Both drills have one thing in common: they’re dynamic.

“I don’t believe in standing still and hitting the same shot over and over,” said Ignatowich. “You’re never doing that in a game.”

Real improvement comes from movement, decision-making, and playing points, not just repeating mechanics.

2. Watch Yourself (And Watch The Pros)

Most players think they know what they’re doing on the court.

They don’t.

You might feel active, aggressive, and engaged during a match, but when you watch it back, the reality can be very different.

“Sometimes you think you’re moving your feet a ton,” mentioned Ignatowich. “Then you watch it and realize you’re frozen.”

What To Do:

- Set up your phone behind the court
- Record practice sessions or competitive games
- Review positioning, shot selection, and movement

You’ll quickly spot habits you didn’t even know you had.

How To Watch Pro Matches The Right Way

Don’t just watch for entertainment, study with intent.

Instead of following the ball, focus on one player:

- What are they doing without the ball?
- Where are they positioned?
- How are they constructing points?

“You can learn so much just by watching one player’s decisions,” emphasized Ignatowich.

3. Play Every Game At Full Intensity

This one sounds obvious, but almost no one actually does it.

“Everyone thinks they try hard,” noted Ignatowich. “But they don’t.”

The fastest way to improve? Treat every game like it matters.

That Means:

- Bending your knees on every point
- Moving your feet instead of reaching
- Getting behind every ball
- Staying mentally engaged

“It’s better to play three games at full intensity than 10 games just going through the motions,” insisted Ignatowich.

This level of effort forces better habits and eliminates the lazy ones holding your game back.

If your game feels stuck, the solution isn’t more games, it’s better habits.

- Drill with purpose
- Study your own game
- Compete with intensity

Do those three things consistently, and improvement isn’t just possible, it’s inevitable.