Improve your game with drills

One of the main reasons why pickleball is loved worldwide is because of how quickly you can transition from being a beginner to having a great time playing the sport. However, once you reach this point, a decision needs to be made. Players have to choose whether they want to continue playing pickleball purely for recreational purposes or if they want to take it to the next level and start competing in leagues and tournaments. For those who choose the latter, they soon realize that being successful in pickleball requires constant practice and skill development. It's not just a saying that "practice makes perfect" - there is actual scientific evidence behind it.

Why Pickleball Drills Are Good for Your Game
Have you ever wondered how your brain processes information at lightning speed? Neurons, the tiny cells in your brain, play a crucial role in this process. But there's more to it than just neurons. Think of axons as the pipes in a plumbing system and myelin as the foam insulation surrounding those pipes. Just like insulation keeps the water flowing smoothly in cold weather, the thickness of myelin determines how quickly your neurons can travel along your axons. Research has shown that repetition thickens your myelin, allowing your neurons to travel faster. This is why activities that you've practiced repeatedly, like driving a car or walking around your neighborhood, become effortless and automatic.
The same principle applies to improving your skills in pickleball. By practicing pickleball drills, you can enhance your abilities and make them second nature. Just like breaking through the surface of a simple recreational game, pickleball has various aspects that require focus and practice to master. By working on specific areas of your game that need improvement, you can pump up your skills and take your performance to the next level. So, if you're serious about becoming better at this beloved court sport, it's time to dedicate yourself to targeted practice sessions.

Before you drill
Before diving into the drills, it's important to understand the foundational moments of pickleball, such as serving and dinking, as well as more advanced techniques like ernies and third shot drops. These aspects of the game are crucial to master in order to excel on the court.
The aims of this article is to simplify the learning process by categorizing key moments in a rally and compiling them all in one convenient location. A variety of drills have been carefully selected for players to explore, each with a detailed summary, explanations on how they can enhance specific skills, and instructions for execution.
These drills are specifically designed for beginners, and covers a wide range of skills and techniques to help players improve their game. Whether you're looking to enhance your serving accuracy, work on your dinking technique, or perfect your third shot drop, you will find a comprehensive set of drills to satisfy your needs.
Understanding the correct way to hold a paddle, having a grasp on footwork and body positioning, and being familiar with the concept of "shadow practice" are all prerequisites before diving into the various drills.
If you feel like you need a quick reminder or a refresher on any of these three fundamental concepts, simply refer to the sections located right below this paragraph.
These elements play a crucial role in ensuring that you are able to execute each drill effectively and successfully. So, make sure you have a good grasp on them before moving forward with the drills.

How to grip your paddle
Properly gripping a pickleball paddle involves finding the right balance between grip pressure and placement. The pressure you apply with your fingers plays a crucial role in how you control the paddle during gameplay. Some fingers are responsible for providing grip, while others help stabilize the paddle as you make your shots.
When it comes to grip pressure, having soft hands is key in pickleball. By using a grip that involves your index finger and thumb for gripping, while the other fingers stabilize the paddle, you can achieve a softer grip that allows for better control and power. The more firmly you squeeze the paddle, the more pressure you exert on it.
The way you position your hands on the grip also affects the power and control of your shots. The placement of your hands along the handle determines the angle at which the paddle face hits the ball. For instance, placing your hand further from the neck of the paddle increases power but decreases control, while moving your hand closer to the neck has the opposite effect, providing more control but less power.
The way you hold a pickleball paddle can greatly affect its angle and rotation. The handle of the paddle is like a column connected to a plane, and how you place your hand around this column directly shifts the angle of the paddle. This is why there are different grip styles like eastern, western, and continental.

• The eastern grip is a relatively neutral style where the paddle face is almost vertical with a slight tilt forward in your dominant hand. This closes the angle of the paddle and is suitable for certain shots.

• On the other hand, the western grip has a dramatically closed paddle angle compared to the eastern grip. When holding the paddle in your dominant hand, you would notice that the paddle head tilts much further down.

• The continental grip is similar to the eastern grip in terms of being close to neutral, but it is slightly open. This means that the paddle face would be angled away backward, with the top edge closer to your body when in your dominant hand.

Each grip style has its own purpose and is best suited for specific shots or moments. As we go through each drill, we will highlight the recommended grip style for different situations.

Footwork and Body Position
In the game of pickleball, the way you position your feet and body is crucial for your overall performance, just as much as how you hold your paddle. Your footwork serves as the foundation for all your movements, ensuring that you can reach the ball quickly and cover the court effectively. It also plays a significant role in how prepared you are to respond to any shot that comes your way, emphasizing the importance of agility and court coverage.
Additionally, your body position is equally vital, if not more so, as it directly impacts your ability to execute shots. The way you position your body in relation to your feet and grip can determine how well you engage with the ball. Maintaining the correct stance and aligning your body properly with your paddle can make a significant difference in your readiness to handle various shot opportunities, such as holding the paddle 18 inches in front of your chest for optimal positioning.
Moreover, reaching the ball early and at a higher point is a key strategy to keep your shots low and avoid unwanted pop-ups during gameplay. As you continue reading through this article, you will discover detailed insights into the importance of footwork and body position in each drill, designed to assist you in refining your technique and enhancing your overall performance on the pickleball court.

What Is a Shadow Drill
A shadow drill, also known as shadow practice, involves mimicking a shot without actually hitting the ball. This technique is commonly used in sports like pickleball to help players focus on their body position and mechanics before executing the shot with a paddle and ball.
By practicing shadow drills, players can enhance their form and footwork, allowing them to better understand the fundamentals of the game. This method provides a simulated experience that enables players to correct any errors in their technique without the distraction of a ball.
Shadow drills are an effective way to work on specific movements and footwork, regardless of the player's skill level. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, practicing fundamental mechanics through shadow drills can help improve your overall performance on the court.
Now that we've covered the basics of shadow drills, it's time to delve into our 18 drills focusing on different aspects of the game, starting with groundstrokes. These drills will help you refine your skills and take your pickleball game to the next level.