I will often dink from all positions forward cross from right, cross from left for almost an hour of any drilling session. (too much?) When I do, I'll work on moving the other player around, work on my form, footwork, and keeping my paddle up and ready. I will even articulate what I'm working on with my drilling my partner to keep my focus top of mind. I wonder sometimes if this hour might be even more focused? Perhaps with different drills??
After that my sessions are a "your bucket then my bucket" work out where I will feed/provide my partner the type of ball they are wanting. Then my bucket. :-) Today I worked on drops where I tried to be very focused on my paddle position (not dropping my paddle), pushing through the shot, and split stepping between shots. (Foot work is the bane of my existence! That and dropping my damn paddle!)
I typically choose what my bucket is based upon where I felt I was weak during play. This week I had trouble getting to the kitchen as my drops were too high or poorly targeted.
Unfortunately, our ball machine is currently broken, but I prefer a partner. I know it isn’t always easy to find someone, but if you have a good plan and can make the drills fun, it’s easier. People will start to really look forward to drill sessions.
Ball machine: good for lots of reps of certain shots.
Partner: good for games, variety (speed, placement, height, etc.), collaboration, feedback, easier to adjust, and two people picking up balls is much faster 😂.
Got it. I hit 1 year since I picked up a paddle for the first time last week and decided to commit to drilling 3x a week. 1 week in and realizing I need more of a plan. Loved the tips you’ve shared! Now someone invent an affordable mass ball picker upper!!!!
Love the commitment! You will see huge gains. The pickleball tubes are definitely the best I’ve found even though they don’t hold that many balls. I’ve got lots of drills on my YouTube and Instagram, so make sure to check them out. And I’ll be adding some more 90 minutes session ideas here, too.
I will often dink from all positions forward cross from right, cross from left for almost an hour of any drilling session. (too much?) When I do, I'll work on moving the other player around, work on my form, footwork, and keeping my paddle up and ready. I will even articulate what I'm working on with my drilling my partner to keep my focus top of mind. I wonder sometimes if this hour might be even more focused? Perhaps with different drills??
After that my sessions are a "your bucket then my bucket" work out where I will feed/provide my partner the type of ball they are wanting. Then my bucket. :-) Today I worked on drops where I tried to be very focused on my paddle position (not dropping my paddle), pushing through the shot, and split stepping between shots. (Foot work is the bane of my existence! That and dropping my damn paddle!)
I typically choose what my bucket is based upon where I felt I was weak during play. This week I had trouble getting to the kitchen as my drops were too high or poorly targeted.
So good! So timely. Im loving this channel to learn from you! Question….do you ever use a ball machine to drill or do you prefer a partner always?
Unfortunately, our ball machine is currently broken, but I prefer a partner. I know it isn’t always easy to find someone, but if you have a good plan and can make the drills fun, it’s easier. People will start to really look forward to drill sessions.
Ball machine: good for lots of reps of certain shots.
Partner: good for games, variety (speed, placement, height, etc.), collaboration, feedback, easier to adjust, and two people picking up balls is much faster 😂.
Got it. I hit 1 year since I picked up a paddle for the first time last week and decided to commit to drilling 3x a week. 1 week in and realizing I need more of a plan. Loved the tips you’ve shared! Now someone invent an affordable mass ball picker upper!!!!
Love the commitment! You will see huge gains. The pickleball tubes are definitely the best I’ve found even though they don’t hold that many balls. I’ve got lots of drills on my YouTube and Instagram, so make sure to check them out. And I’ll be adding some more 90 minutes session ideas here, too.
Shelby, let me know if you ever need a drill partner. I would like to drill more!
Yes! Let’s do it! I’ll be in touch. I’ve been outside w this sunshine. Star isn’t too far f you!! 😉