BRETT KITCHENS AND TOMMY BOONE DEMONSTRATE THE POACH DRILL, WHICH IS AN ANTICIPATION DRILL. YOU MUST WATCH THE BALL COME OFF YOUR OPPONENT’ S PADDLE SO YOU CAN MOVE INTO POSITION, BE WELL-BALANCED WITH PADDLE IN FRONT, AND HAVE YOUR WEIGHT SHIFT FORWARD INTO THE BALL AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. PHOTO BY ALICE TYM.
“ closer”? You need to be able to be consistent as well as able to hit the right shot when the opportunity arises. Pressure on every point.
This drill also teaches you not to change a winning game. If you are winning on consistency, why change and become a big hitter just because the score is close? You are not going to a fire. This is the time to double down on watching the ball, moving your feet, and using good technique.
If you find that you are losing this drill on a regular basis, you need to analyze your rhythm. The team that sets the rhythm usually wins the match. Back to the technique drill and polishing your ability to control the tempo. This drill helps you become a closer, not a loser.
Both male and female players are pushing the game forward with innovative play. New styles, new shots, new strategies are right around the corner. Drills need to be adaptive. Work hard on your strengths. Spend the first 15-20 minutes working on your weaknesses, then bear down and push yourself on drills that cement your strengths.
If you want to drive harder, get down lower and use your legs more. If you want to hit sharper angles, take your paddle back sooner. If you want to hit deeper, extend your follow-through. If you are striving for accuracy, keep your head down and watch the ball closer. You can focus on any one of these during any of the above drills.
Remember to build your game around your personal strengths. The young pros are playing“ their” game. You should play“ your” game but keep raising your level. Use these drills to find your strengths and gain the confidence to use them in a match. •
Alice Tym was ranked 13th in the world for tennis in the’ 60s. She’ s been named USPTA Coach of the Year and is a USPTA Master Professional. As a 4.5 pickleball player, she has won gold in Huntsman, NSGA Nationals, US Open and USA Pickleball events around the country. Alice is an IPTPA member, SSIPA founding board member, Bainbridge Cup Originator and gold medalist in Spain, Italy and Germany.
SPRING 2026 | MAGAZINE 27