Billy Pickles
Improving your pickleball skills doesn’t always necessitate a court, a partner, or even a large space. With insights from pro pickleball player and coach Will East, we’ve curated a list of effective drills that you can perform at home using just a wall and your pickleball paddle.
These drills are meticulously designed to enhance your hand speed, touch, and overall feel for the game—crucial aspects that players of all levels strive to master.
Wall Rally for Hand Speed
Objective
Enhance hand-eye coordination and speed.
Equipment
- Paddle
- Pickleball
- Solid wall
How-To
- Positioning: Stand approximately 5 to 7 feet away from the wall.
- Execution: Hit the ball towards the wall with enough force to ensure it returns to you without bouncing more than once.
- Focus: Concentrate on quick, controlled returns, aiming to maintain the rally as long as possible.
- Progression: Gradually increase the pace as you become more comfortable, challenging your reaction time and hand speed.
This drill simulates the rapid volley exchanges you’ll encounter in actual gameplay, enhancing your ability to react and return shots swiftly.
Soft Touch Dinks
Objective
Develop touch and control over soft shots.
Equipment
- Paddle
- Pickleball
- Wall with a marked area representing net height
How-To
- Marking: Mark a spot on the wall approximately 34 inches from the ground, equivalent to the height of a pickleball net.
- Positioning: Stand close to the wall, within 6 to 8 feet.
- Execution: Gently hit the ball towards the marked area on the wall, aiming to make it bounce softly and close to your feet.
The goal is to simulate the dink shot used in pickleball, honing your ability to control the ball’s pace and direction. Practicing dinks against a wall will improve your finesse and ability to execute soft shots, a vital skill for the kitchen or non-volley zone play.
Forehand and Backhand Drills
Objective
Enhance forehand and backhand stroke technique.
Equipment
- Paddle
- Pickleball
- Wall
How-To
- Alternation: Alternate between forehand and backhand shots against the wall, aiming for consistency and accuracy.
- Focus: Concentrate on proper paddle grip, stance, and follow-through with each shot.
- Progression: Start with slow, controlled hits, gradually increasing speed as your confidence and skill level improve.
This drill helps solidify the fundamentals of both forehand and backhand shots, ensuring you’re prepared for any shot that comes your way during a game.
Watch Pro Player Will East in Action
Will East demonstrates various solo pickleball drills at home to improve hand speed, precision, and overall gameplay. Watching a pro in action can provide valuable insights and inspiration for your practice sessions.
Why Practice Solo?
Practicing solo offers a unique set of benefits, primarily the convenience of training on your own schedule. Without the need for a partner, you can focus on specific skills at your own pace, repeating drills as often as necessary to correct mistakes and refine your technique.
Wrap-Up
Will East’s recommendations for at-home drills are transformative for pickleball players aiming to elevate their skills. These drills not only enhance hand speed and touch but also offer a convenient way to practice and perfect your game solo. Remember, consistent practice is key to improvement. So, grab your paddle, find a wall, and start drilling. Your future self—and your future opponents—will thank you for the effort.
FAQ
Q. What equipment do I need for solo pickleball drills at home?
You only need a pickleball paddle, a pickleball, and a solid wall to practice these drills effectively.
Q. How often should I practice these drills?
Consistent practice is crucial. Aim to practice these drills at least 3-4 times a week to see significant improvement in your skills.
Q. Can these drills help improve my gameplay in actual matches?
Absolutely. These drills are designed to enhance key aspects of your game, such as hand speed, touch, and control, which are directly transferable to match play.
Q. How can I ensure I’m performing the drills correctly?
Watching videos of pro players like Will East can provide visual guidance. Additionally, focusing on proper technique and gradually increasing the difficulty will help ensure you’re performing the drills correctly.
