My dad used to use the saying, "If I had a nickel every time ............". I always thought it was a silly saying, but to be honest, I wish I had a nickel every time someone asks me, "How do I get better"? There are many factors that are holding people back from improving; mobility, vision, technique, strategy knowledge, etc....,. These factors sometimes need to be addressed with a teaching professional and can lead to improvement. However, most people could see marked improvement with one simple change in behavior: Drilling. How does someone get better at anything? They practice. Pickleball is its own worst enemy because it is so fun to play, and that's great for people who just want to have fun. But for those interested in getting better you have to practice, practice, practice. Very rarely do you see more than 1 or 2 out of the 15 courts at MVP being used for drilling. Obviously during busy hours it is difficult to drill. However, there are several hours every day where the courts are available for drilling. The most common excuse that I hear is, "I would love to drill but I can't find anyone to drill with". Man, I wish I had a nickel for every time I have heard that. Happy pickling and give drilling a try, I think you will see improvement.
I agree completely, Joe. I don't drill at MVP because people always ask to play and it's awkward to turn them down. But I often drill elsewhere--usually 2-3 times per week. It's all about repetition. With my machine, I can hit 500 third-shot drops in a single drilling session. In rec play, I'm lucky if I hit 25.
Joe - You are absolutely right about how the wonderful social aspect of pickleball can sometimes be a huge detriment/barrier to buckling down and doing the WORK of getting better. I approach the game like I do playing the piano. Doing repetitive scales, Hanon exercises, arpeggios, etc., is absolutely essential to improving, just like drilling thousands and thousands of pickleball shots is necessary to improving and advancing. Some people find drilling tedious and not "fun." First: It's not all supposed to be fun if the goal is to get better! Second: It may not be "fun," but it is incredibly satisfying and magical to master a shot and then apply it in a game and see all the hard work pay off!
@michelle-malkin Wow, I am a big fan of yours! Did not realize you were a pickle baller! Drilling is huge and will definitely make you a better player. It feels great when you have success with a shot in a game after focusing through drills!
korrekt
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