Master Beginner Pickleball Skills with Pro Coach Mark Price

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Lift Dinking Drill
3. Volley Dink Drill
4. Block Volleys Drill
5. Conclusion

🏓 Beginner Pickleball: How to Improve Your Skills

Are you a beginner pickleball player looking to take your skills to the next level? Well, you're in luck! In this mini-series brought to you by Pickleball Central, I, Mark Price, will guide you through a series of techniques, mini-games, and drills that will help you improve your game. Whether you're a beginner or someone who wants to get better, we've got you covered. So, let's dive right in and learn how to have quality practice and enhance your pickleball skills!

🏓 Chapter 1: Lift Dinking Drill

The first drill we'll be focusing on is a technique called lift dinking. The goal is to lift the ball over the net and into the no volley zone. Imagine the motion of throwing or tossing a ball underarm - that's the sort of action we're aiming for. It's important to note that we should avoid flicking our wrists or using our elbow joints. Instead, focus on maintaining a smooth action throughout the drill. Here are three key things to keep in mind:

1. Grip pressure: Use a light grip, around three out of ten, to maintain control.
2. Swing speed: Keep your swing speed slow and controlled for better accuracy.
3. Lifting motion: Focus on lifting the ball using a pushing motion, almost like a gentle push instead of a forceful hit.

Start by lifting the ball approximately six to eight inches over the net. Take your time and get a feel for the ball. Concentrate on connecting the center of the paddle with the ball and lifting it smoothly over the net. With practice, you'll develop the skill and confidence needed for effective lift dinking. Keep at it!

🏓 Chapter 2: Volley Dink Drill

Moving on to the second drill, let's talk about the volley dink. A volley, in pickleball, refers to taking the ball in the air without letting it bounce. In this drill, we'll be reaching into the no volley zone and lifting the ball using a small swing. This skill is especially valuable during gameplay since opponents often aim for your feet, making you run back and lose time. By mastering the volley dink, you'll gain a competitive edge. Here's how to execute it:

To begin, have a partner hand-feed you the ball. As the ball is thrown, reach out and take it in the air. Remember, the swing should be small since the ball is already high. Rather than swinging forcefully, focus on letting the ball land on your paddle face. This subtle touch will allow you to maintain control and accuracy.

Practice this drill to improve your ability to take the ball in the air and handle low shots effectively. As you gain proficiency, you'll notice a significant impact on your gameplay. Keep practicing and refining your skills!

🏓 Chapter 3: Block Volleys Drill

The third drill we'll be covering is the block volleys. In this drill, you'll learn how to defend against hard shots at the no volley line by using your paddle as a shield. This skill is crucial to master early on as players often drive the ball forcefully towards you during a game. Here's how to execute the block volleys:

1. Position yourself at the no volley line with your paddle up.
2. As your partner throws the ball, reach out and connect with it in front of you.
3. Maintain a forward weight distribution and punch the ball back, using a small and compact movement.
4. Avoid swinging at the ball; instead, focus on blocking it like a jab.

Begin by practicing this skill with your partner throwing the ball at your chest to help you learn the correct technique. Once you've mastered the form, progress to having them throw the ball harder and faster towards you. Gradually increase the pace as you become more comfortable with the drill. This will help you develop the ability to react quickly and defend against powerful shots.

🏓 Chapter 4: Conclusion

Congratulations! You've learned some essential drills to enhance your pickleball skills as a beginner. Remember, practice makes perfect, so make sure to get on the court with a friend and work on your game. In the next month's installment, we'll be discussing court positioning and movements. Stay tuned and stay connected with me on social media @MarkPricePickleball. Don't forget to like and subscribe to Pickleball Central for more exciting content!

Highlights:

• Learn how to improve your beginner pickleball skills
• Master the lift dinking technique for precision shots
• Enhance your ability to volley with the volley dink drill
• Defend against hard shots with block volleys
• Practice, refine, and take your pickleball game to the next level

FAQ

Q: How often should I practice these drills? A: Practice the drills regularly, at least a few times a week, to see noticeable improvements in your pickleball skills.

Q: Can these drills be done alone or do I need a partner? A: While having a partner is ideal for certain drills, such as the volley dink, you can modify them to practice solo. For example, you can use a wall to practice your block volleys.

Q: I'm an experienced pickleball player. Can these drills benefit me too? A: Absolutely! While these drills are beginner-focused, they can still be beneficial for players of all skill levels. They help reinforce proper technique and can be used as warm-up exercises before more intense gameplay.

Q: Where can I find more pickleball resources? A: For additional pickleball tips, tricks, and resources, visit Pickleball Central - a fantastic online hub for all things pickleball!