crosscourt and down the line . Then add hitting down the middle because this shot is so important in pickleball . Then add the ball machine hitting the ball down the middle . In this case , you should practice standing on both the forehand and backhand sides , taking the center shot on both your forehand and your backhand . If you have a partner , you can alternate shots . From both sides you should be able to hit the opponents ’ corners and center . Think about taking the angle away from the opponents in pickleball . Most players hit better moving to the ball so try jamming them . Work on that center shot off the ball machine as you work on your fundamentals . This gets tedious so you need to throw in some fun drills . Work on your offensive game . Start by setting the ball machine to hit crosscourt to your forehand well inside the baseline . You drive the ball down the line , go to the NVZ ( No Volley Zone ) line , and volley the ball to the backhand corner . Set a target a foot inside the corner . Race back to the baseline and repeat . Then , for the next round , drive to the center , go in and volley to the center . The next round on the machine , drive to the center , volley a forehand , back up , and hit a reset drop to the kitchen .
You are continually moving up and back . You can also hit a forehand , move in slightly , hit a reset , go to the NVZ line , hit a volley , then back up for a reset , back to the baseline and start the sequence all over again . Work on offensive shots from both sides and from the middle . Drive the ball . Put the volleys away . Put out cones for targets . While the reset is not offensive , it does give you time to set up the other offensive shots in the drill .
Next come the defensive drills . Increase the depth , pace , and frequency of the ball machine shots to the point of pushing yourself while still being capable of completing the drills . Aim the ball machine to push you wide , clear off the court . Learn to hit a defensive lob using good stroke production as you lift and carry the ball back into play . Try a topspin lob . Try an easier slice . Aim for that backhand corner . Put targets out so that you can gauge your depth . Focus on keeping the high part of the lob arc over the NVZ line . Stay with the shot so that the ball stays on your paddle as long as possible .
If you are a singles player , you definitely want to learn to hit a high , deep , offensive backhand to push your opponent back . It is a great return of serve shot since your opponent cannot serve and volley . It puts him in a defensive position on the court . Tailor your drills to your style of play . Learn throughout your drilling what you need to spend more time on and what you do well . You need to know the shots you can count on when the match gets close . Drilling helps you know your own game , your strengths , and what shots you can hit with confidence .
The ball machine can be useful in teaching you how to play with and against the wind and with a crosswind . You can set up the machine with the wind , for example , and you can experiment with hitting the ball higher over the net into the wind . When hitting with the wind , practice staying down so that you maximize your control by not lofting the ball . In a crosswind , learn to hit on the “ high ” side or upwind , so the ball drifts into the court rather than drifting wide outside .
The ball machine gives you a chance to repeat the same shot , to experiment , to groove and refine , and to push yourself physically . It builds muscle memory . You must have a disciplined practice where you have clear objectives and goals . Be creative and make it fun . Design your drills to suit the number of players and the level of play without compromising on the focus on fundamentals throughout each exercise . •
BALL MACHINE BULLETS
• Set the machine to give you time to focus on fundamentals : footwork , stroke production , followthrough , and recovery .
• Sight the ball as soon as it comes out of the machine . Train your eyes to look early .
• Design drills for offensive and defensive play .
• Make sure your drills are specific to pickleball . Highlight down-the-middle shots .
• Use targets to help you gauge depth and accuracy .
• Try new shots so that you add variety to your game .
• Vary the spin setting on your machine . Learn to counteract both underspin and topspin balls .
• Change up the pace on your shots . Don ’ t be predictable , even against the machine .
• Record your performance . Pay attention to your consistency and accuracy . Learn what you do well so that you will know what you can count on in a clutch . Practice your strengths .
• Remember , practice does not make perfect , it makes permanent . Get a coach to analyze your performance and suggest modifications .
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 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 .
MAY / JUNE 2021 | MAGAZINE 77