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INSTRUCTION by ALICE TYM
30 DAYS
TO A SMARTER PICKLEBALL GAME
Practice with a purpose and make sure that purpose has specific goals. Giving each practice session a theme helps you improve different aspects of your game. And it keeps practice fun and creative. Focus on one thing and apply that principle to your drill sessions and your play practice. Some are obvious, such as“ watching the ball,” but do you really watch the ball closely on every shot?
Here’ s a 30-day focused practice plan— small, intentional adjustments that compound into noticeable results, turning ordinary court time into meaningful progress.
Day 1: Sweet Spot
Your goal is to hit the ball on the sweet spot of your paddle on every shot. Every shot! This requires concentration and watching the ball. You need to move to the ball quickly to set up. You need to keep your head down throughout the stroke. If you hit a volley, you need to keep your paddle up and ready.
Day 2: Early Preparation
Your goal is to take your paddle back early on every groundstroke and have your paddle out in front ready for every volley. Early preparation is your objective today.
Day 3: Proper Footwork
Your goal is proper footwork. That means moving to get into good position as soon as you know where the ball is coming. That means watching the ball come off the opponent’ s paddle. Move toward the ball with your paddle back— don’ t wait until you arrive at the ball. Lots of small steps to get set up in good position. Your feet are the key to consistency.
Day 4: Closing In
Your goal is closing in to the NVZ line. No hanging back. No lazy feet. Take the shot and follow through toward the NVZ line, paddle out in front, closing in tight. No lingering and hanging back. No getting trapped in No Man’ s Land. Every shot you hit today is an opportunity.
Day 5: Watching the Ball
Your goal today is to really watch the ball. See it in the hand of your opponent as she gets ready to serve. See it in your hand as you get ready to serve. Rivet your eyes on the ball throughout its flight as you track it onto your paddle. This day can take you to a whole new level of pickleball.
Day 6: Depth
This day is all about depth. Focus on serving deep, returning deep, hitting approach shots deep, and volleying deep. Place the ball. Guide the ball. Bend your knees. Extend your follow-through. Learn what it takes for you to keep the ball near the opponent’ s baseline.
Day 7: Concentration
This day is a tough one. Concentration. When you arrive at the courts, you are serious and ready to play. Your warm-up is not chatty; it is down to business. No fluff, no silliness. You are going to learn what concentration really means to your game. What does it take for you to be fully in the moment?
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