The First Five

About this event

🖐️ THE FIRST FIVE

Intermediate to Advanced Players

Most points are decided here.

Approximately 70% of recreational pickleball points are estimated to end within the first five shots.

The first five shots determine who controls the rally, who creates pressure, and who is forced to defend.

THE FIRST FIVE is designed for intermediate to advanced players who want to sharpen their decision-making, improve their strategy, and win more points before the rally develops.

This clinic focuses on the opening sequence that separates good players from great players:

Master the First Five:

1. Serve — Start With Purpose

Develop deep, consistent serves

Push opponents back and create weaker returns

Start the point with an advantage

2. Return — Take Away Their Advantage

Hit deep returns to keep opponents behind the baseline

Force difficult third shots

Control the transition forward

3. Third Shot — Drive vs. Drop

Know when to attack with a drive

Understand when a drop creates the better opportunity

Build confidence transitioning to the kitchen

4. Fourth Shot — Neutralize Pressure

Defend against aggressive drives

Reset and neutralize the rally

Prevent opponents from taking control

5. Fifth Shot — Take Over the Point

Create opportunities at the kitchen line

Keep opponents back

Finish points when the advantage appears

Players will learn how to:

Create pressure instead of reacting to pressure

Make smarter shot selections

Extend opponents behind the baseline

Win the first exchanges of every rally

Turn better decisions into more…

Event details

The First Five is a pickleball drill session hosted by Crush Yard - Mount Pleasant, SC in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. It is listed as Drill & Play Classes. The venue is at 3365 S Morgans Point Rd, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina 29466. The next session starts on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 11:00 AM and ends at 1:00 PM, local time at the club. Sessions continue until August 5, 2028. Registration costs $30 USD. 4 of 4 spots are open. Players can register online as guests, without a Crush Yard - Mount Pleasant, SC account. Crush Yard - Mount Pleasant, SC has 8 courts for pickleball.

Location

Crush Yard - Mount Pleasant, SC