Susannah Barr’s Pickleball Footwork Drills: Pickleball coach Susannah Barr introduced a series of drills aimed at improving forward and backward footwork. These exercises help players control their ball contact point, especially in the kitchen, by ensuring players move effectively and keep the ball in front of them for better control.
Forward and Backward Footwork Focus
Barr explained that improving footwork is crucial for hitting the ball with precision. “When we make contact with the ball, we want to be making contact out in front,” she said. The key, Barr noted, is imagining an area or “bubble” in front of the player to ensure proper positioning when hitting.
Drill in the Kitchen
The footwork drill took place in the kitchen area, where players must let the ball bounce before returning it. Barr encouraged players to focus on moving their feet and maintaining control of the ball. “Every ball has to bounce in the kitchen before you hit it back,” Barr said. The challenge also emphasized staying calm and not moving while hitting the ball.
Adding Complexity for Improvement
Barr introduced more complex variations to help improve footwork and control. For the next round, players were required to step out of the kitchen and back in between each shot. “You need to make contact with the ball with at least one foot in the kitchen,” she instructed. Despite some mistakes, players showed improvement in their movement.
Advanced Drill to Test Control
For the final round, Barr increased the difficulty by requiring players to touch the net with their paddle between each dink. This added challenge tested their ability to control the ball while maintaining proper footwork. The players succeeded in adjusting their positions and keeping the ball in front of them for more accurate shots.
News in Brief: Susannah Barr’s Pickleball Footwork Drills
Pickleball coach Susannah Barr demonstrated drills to enhance forward and backward footwork. The drills, set in the kitchen area, focused on controlling the ball and improving positioning. Players practiced letting the ball bounce and using footwork to maintain accuracy, ultimately improving their game with more advanced challenges.
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