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INSTRUCTION by KYLE MCMAKIN
Drilling with Purpose : How to Train Like a Pro , Plus a Winning Pre-Match Warm-Up Routine
Drilling is the foundation of high-level pickleball . The difference between good players and great players isn ’ t just how well they can execute a shot — it ’ s how well they can execute it under pressure , in any situation , without missing . And that level of consistency comes from intentional , focused drilling . If you ’ re looking to take your game to the next level , it ’ s time to rethink how you practice .
A proper drilling routine starts with three key elements : identifying weaknesses , practicing with precision , and training until you can ’ t miss .
Step 1 : Identify What You Need to Work On
Before you step onto the court , you need a game plan . What parts of your game are holding you back ? The best way to figure this out is by tracking your errors during play .
• Film yourself playing and make a note of your most common mistakes .
• Keep a simple tally sheet after a few games — count your missed dinks , third-shot drops , volleys , and attacks .
• Analyze patterns . Are you missing wide ? Hitting balls into the net ? Losing counterattacks ?
For example , if you find that you ’ re missing a lot of attacks out of the air , take it a step further : Are you attacking out of your strike zone ? Are your shots too easy to counter ? Are you mistiming the ball ? Identifying the exact mistakes is the first step toward fixing them .
Step 2 : Drill with Precision
Once you know what to work on , it ’ s time to drill — but not just any kind of drilling . Mindless repetition won ’ t get you far . You need focused reps that correct your mistakes and reinforce good habits .
Drilling with a Partner
One of the best ways to drill is with a training partner who can give you real-time feedback . Here ’ s an example : You ’ re working on attacking out of the air at the kitchen line . Your partner feeds you a neutral dink . You attack the ball , and they either counter or reset .
If your shot was off , they tell you why ( e . g ., “ That was behind your body — try attacking more in front of you .”). You adjust and repeat .
To take it a step further , film yourself . Seeing yourself in action helps confirm whether you ’ re making corrections or reinforcing bad habits . Compare your footage to pro players — does your shot look like theirs ? If not , adjust until it does .
Drilling with a Ball Machine or Wall
If you don ’ t have a partner , use a ball machine or a wall . The key is to recreate game-like situations . For example , don ’ t just hit third-shot drops aimlessly — simulate the pace and depth of a real return , and make sure you ’ re placing the ball where you want it .
Step 3 : Train Until You Can ’ t Miss
The most dominant men ’ s player of this era of pickleball , Ben Johns , once said , “ Good players drill until they can do it . Great players drill until they can ’ t miss .” That ’ s the mindset you need .
• Don ’ t move on from a drill just because you did it right a few times . Do it until it ’ s automatic .
• Feel the difference between a well-executed shot and a mistake — your body should know when it ’ s right .
• If your consistency drops , slow down , reset , and refocus .
Pre-Match Warm-Up Routine : How to Get Ready the Right Way
Most players warm up for five minutes , hitting a few dinks , a couple of drives , and a third-shot drop or two before jumping into a game . This minimal approach may be enough to wake up your body , but it ’ s nowhere near enough to prepare you for high-level play .
If you ’ re serious about performing at your best , you should spend at least 20 to 30 minutes on a structured warm-up that primes every part of your game .
Here ’ s a detailed warm-up routine to follow before matches , tournaments , or even important recreational games :
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