Collin Johns Pickleball Volley Drill: Pickleball coach Jarrett Chirico shared a powerful training method called the “Collin Johns Drill,” designed to help players manage fast volleys and build stronger point control. This cooperative drill helps players understand how to stay balanced, defend against hard shots, and develop better hand-eye coordination at the net.
Understanding the Collin Johns Drill
The Collin Johns Drill is a cooperative volleying exercise where two players stand at the kitchen line and hit soft volleys back and forth. The goal is to keep control, not to overpower the opponent. Jarrett Chirico explains, “People like hitting the ball hard. What they forget is that you have to earn the right to hit the ball hard.”
He warns that attacking too early leads to errors, especially at lower levels. Players at beginner and intermediate levels often hit out balls instead of letting them go, which results in lost points.
How to Do the Drill Correctly
In this drill, players should keep their chest forward and heels slightly off the ground. The idea is to punch the ball forward using the paddle, not swing it.
Chirico explains, “My paddle is slightly face down so as we’re rolling the ball’s trajectory should be going down.”
He reminds players not to take a backswing, especially during fast exchanges. “The tip of my paddle is in front of my wrist every time. The minute that paddle gets behind on volley volley you miss unless the ball’s floating.”
Why Staying on Your Toes Matters
Jarrett Chirico stresses the importance of staying on your toes. “If you fall back on your heels, you’re doing the drill wrong.” Staying on the balls of your feet helps players react faster and maintain control.
Backhands are often used more in this drill. Chirico says it’s because “we have more of a span to reset” on the backhand, and it allows more reach and reaction time.
Focus on Control, Not Power
The drill is meant to be smooth and consistent. Players shouldn’t try to win the point, just practice handling speed calmly. Chirico says, “We’re not trying to kill it. If the ball was higher, we could hit harder.”
He adds that when the ball comes fast and players stay on their toes, they gain more time and better reset control. That gives them the ability to slow down the point and avoid rushed mistakes.
Using This Drill in Games
This drill is helpful for real game play. When opponents hit hard shots, this practice helps players stay calm, avoid panic, and make smart resets.
Chirico points out how going from toes to heels causes trouble: “By the paddle turning an inch the ball is going to go up. That allows me to put away the next ball.”
Benefits of the Collin Johns Drill
Jarrett Chirico says this drill helps build awareness, paddle control, and reaction time. It teaches players how to volley under pressure without losing form or rhythm.
“This is a drill that will improve your hands, your eye-hand coordination, your ability to react to shots that are hit hard at you,” he said.
With regular practice, the Collin Johns Drill helps players learn when to speed up a ball and when to reset. That smart decision-making leads to more wins and fewer errors.
News in Brief: Collin Johns Pickleball Volley Drill
Coach Jarrett Chirico teaches players how to volley better with the Collin Johns Drill. This drill helps pickleball players stay on their toes, control fast shots, and improve paddle skills. It’s a smart way to build better reflexes and avoid mistakes during quick net battles in doubles play.
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