THE IMPORTANCE OF DRILLING
BY ASPEN KERN
W
hen I first started playing pickleball, it was uncommon to
see players actually practice certain shots. “Drilling” is,
by definition, the act of repeating something until it becomes
familiar. At that time (eight years ago), the game was more for
pure enjoyment and not so much about improving your game.
Practicing drills is the fastest way to get better. Take the
overhead shot for example… In a typical game, you might get
one or two overheads. It is hard to get better at hitting them
at this rate. On the other hand, if you isolate the overhead
by using drills, you can hit 10, 20 or even 50+ overheads in a
matter of minutes.
I have found the best way to drill is to try to replicate a game
scenario. In other words, don’t just stand there and give your
drill partner simple overheads, but try to mimic actual game
play. In this instance, it might be best to have both players
stand across the net from each other both at the kitchen
line (NVZ). Begin the drill with a few dinks and maybe even
a few volleys. At random, work on throwing in lobs without
telegraphing them. Try to determine which side, left or right,
your partner is having the most difficulty hitting and then
practice that side more often. I like to use a 2:1 ratio; practice
the weak side twice as much as the stronger side. This allows
you to become stronger on that side
while not stagnating your strong side.
Drills usually improve both players’
game at the same time; one is
learning to become more proficient at
overheads while the other is getting
better at lobbing. •
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016 |
MAGAZINE
9