Pickleball POINTERS: Drilling is one of the only ways to play better



 

 

We recently held a one-week camp for league preparation. For the most part, we concentrated strictly on drilling.

Drilling is not the most popular form of play; however, it is one of the only ways to get better, along with lessons and clinics in which you are taught the correct way to hit and then use what you have been taught in drilling sessions. This will help you to start hitting properly.

I know everyone is always concerned about the time restraint when on a court, but what becomes the important question is, are you out there just to play a few games and be social? Or are you out there to get better? If the latter, drilling should become a part of your weekly repertoire.

So few people spend enough time drilling. They get out on the court, hit a few dinks and ask, “Is everyone ready to go?” The answer is “No.” You’re not ready. When you get on a court, a good solid 10- to 15-minute warmup is key to playing a good game.

Here is a great warmup for you: down-the-line dinks, cross-court dinks, volleys, drop shots, third shot drops and fifth shot drops, deep serves and returns, warming up both your forehand and your backhand. This creates some immediate muscle memory as you prepare to play. Repetition is key to building your confidence and playing a better game.

Janne Lorentzen is a pickleball professional at Bonita Bay Club. Reach her at spotlight@swspotlight.com

Janne Lorentzen is a pickleball professional at Bonita Bay Club. Reach her at spotlight@swspotlight.com

Instead of always going out and playing games, try to get in more drill sessions. They will improve the foundation of your game.

Make your drill sessions fun. Play points. Have different drills lined up each time.

Just playing can form some bad habits that show up during games and become hard to correct.

The top pros in pickleball drill 90% of the time. That should tell you everything.

Have fun and stay safe.