PICKLEBALL INSTRUCTION
The Warm-Up
BY ROB DAVIDSON
Before you play a match , you have your obligatory
“ warm-up .” Too often , players waste this time hitting shots that they probably won ’ t be using during the match , and effectively won ’ t help them . Don ’ t waste your time wasting your time ! When you get your warm-up time , have a routine . Everyone can personalize their routine , but I would recommend practicing the following :
• Forehand dinks to the middle of the court , to the middle of your side , and to the sideline of your side – about 3-5 dinks to each spot . Repeat with backhand .
• 3rd shot drop . I use a “ slinky ” drill , where you and your partner start at the No-Volley-Line ( NVL ) and hit 2 dinks . After that , one of you takes a step back after each dink , until you have stepped all the way back to the baseline . This helps you practice your 3rd shot drop from various spots on the court , and also prepares you for a 5th or 7th ( or more !) shot drop , as you work your way to the NVL . After getting to the
baseline , hit 3-5 drops into the kitchen then hit a 3rd shot drive . After the drive , take a step in and start working your way back up to the NVL , one step at a time , dropping each shot into the kitchen . Once you have gotten back up to the kitchen , have your partner do the same thing . After some practice , this part of the warm-up should only take about 2-4 minutes .
• The following warm-ups should be done on a needs basis , and only for a short time ( 30 seconds maybe ): “ fast volleys ” prepare your reflexes and get your volleys solid , overheads , serves and returns , 3rd shot drives .
Altogether , this routine should only take about 6-8 minutes , which leads to the importance of listening carefully for your match to be called , since the “ warm-up ” time technically starts when they call your match . So be ready , have a routine , and listen carefully when your team is close to being called . •
PRACTICE BETTER . PLAY BETTER .
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MARCH / APRIL 2017 | MAGAZINE 25