CJ Johnson Headshot
CJ Johnson
Tony Roig
Tony Roig

Tony’s Tip: STOP DRILLING!!

STOP DRILLING!!

If you are drilling – hit the pause button for a minute.  Drilling is an awesome (the best really) way to improve the mechanics of your game.  Having trouble with your third shot?  Drill.  Service yips?  Drill.

But wait a minute, didn’t you say to stop drilling?

I did.  But not forever.  Just for a minute.

Here’s why: drilling is an awesome (the best really) way to improve the mechanics of your game.  BUT – only if you are using the correct mechanics when you drill.

Think about it.  The whole point of drilling is repetition – you develop muscle memory through repetition.  Drilling = Muscle memory = consistency = confidence = better results.

Here’s the rub.  Too often players are drilling using the wrong mechanics.  If you are doing this, then you should STOP.

Not only will you not improve, you are memorizing bad stroke mechanics, making things worse.  You are better off going to a movie or enjoying a good book than drilling incorrectly.

Want to drill (and you should if you want to improve)?  Then:

  1. before you start drilling, make sure you have a clear understanding of the technique you are working on improving and
  2. as you drill, make sure to stop occasionally to check your technique (either with your drilling partner or video of your stroke).

You can hit the play button and resume (or take up) drilling as part of your game improvement regimen.  Just make sure you are drilling correctly.

Good luck out there.

Tony

 

Tony Roig

Hola. Hello. Konichiwa. After 40 years playing tennis, I am now a full-time pickleball player and professional. As a 5.0 rated Senior Pro Pickleball Player and an IPTPA-certified Master Teaching Professional, my focus is on helping players like you learn to play their best pickleball. In 2016, shortly after starting to play pickleball, my friend Tom and I jumped into the highest division at the first US Open in Naples, Florida. That morning it became clear just how much there is to learn in this seemingly simple sport – a lifetime of learning if you so choose. Since 2018, I have been on a mission to share my knowledge of pickleball so other players can enjoy the game at a higher level and attain their pickleball objectives. When not studying or playing pickleball, I like to travel with my other half, Jill.

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