From Drills to the Game

Don't overthink, just let it go...

I have been posting a lot about drills...and that will continue. But there is a question that always comes up - "How do I make sure that my practice sessions improve my play during games?" Sarah Ansboury had a recent article on just that subject. Below is an excerpt from Taking Your Pickleball Drill Practice to the Game.

Give Yourself a Break…Play!

When you are working to improve your game, you may do very well during pickleball drill sessions, but you find that your old habits seem to resurface when you are in recreational or competitive play. Remember, that these ebbs and flows are common, and in fact necessary, on your journey to improvement. You need to give yourself a break!  Accept that this is part of the process, and play.

During play, rather than focusing on technical swing thoughts, I want you to think of only three things: balance, strategy, and target. Between points, you may check yourself on these things as well as what you have been practicing:

• Did I select the shot that best supported my strategy for the game?
• If I hit the wrong shot … was there a better target?
• Was I balanced with my paddle in the correct position? If not, commit to correcting it on the next point.

Too often, we rush from point to point and never really understand what went wrong. Get in the habit of learning from each and every point you play. Learn to identify better options for upcoming points. Develop a routine that will enable you to identify your opponents’ tendencies and evaluate how best to respond.

During points focus on adjusting your body and paddle to remain in a balanced position. Between points, you can check in with yourself related to technical issues. Take time to do this between points and between games. You will find you will be better able to take your pickleball drill practice to your next game.