Pickleball Moving Volley Drill: The Pickleball coach introduced the Moving Volley Drill, a warm-up designed to improve volleys at the kitchen line. The cooperative drill helps players practice ball control, accuracy, and hand-eye coordination by rallying volleys while moving along the kitchen line.
How the Drill Works
Players begin at one end of the kitchen line and rally volleys back and forth while moving across the line. The goal is to place the ball slightly in front of the partner rather than at the body. As the coach explained, “I want to put the ball slightly in front of Mike, not at his body where he’s he’s jammed here, but I want it on the side where it’s comfortable and we’re trying to place the ball to the paddle.”
During the first round, players focus on forehand-to-forehand volleys. On the way back, they switch to backhand volleys. The target is 20 volleys in each direction.
Coaching Points
The drill focuses on repetition and consistency. The coach highlighted key techniques, saying, “What we’re looking for is our paddle in the kitchen. Connect with the ball early. Don’t try to have any back swing. We’re not coming back on on on each ball. As soon as we add the swing, we’re going to arrive late.”
Players are also reminded not to step into the kitchen while volleying. If a ball is out of reach, it should be allowed to bounce. The coach added, “Fast hands doesn’t come from a big back swing. We’re already receiving a fast ball from a hard paddle. So relax. Keep your pad in front. Stay small. Working your connection point as opposed to your aggression.”
Benefits of the Drill
The Moving Volley Drill helps players improve accuracy, control, and confidence at the kitchen line. As the coach noted, repeated practice quickly improves hand-eye coordination: “You can see the more we’re doing it, our hands warming up, our hand to eye coordination is getting better.” Within minutes, players become more consistent and better prepared for real match situations.
Why It Matters
This drill is an effective way to prepare for competitive play. By focusing on placement, technique, and control, players build habits that prevent errors and improve performance during games. It serves as both a warm-up and a skill-building exercise that can be used regularly in training.
News in Brief: Pickleball Moving Volley Drill
Pickleball coach introduced the Moving Volley Drill, a kitchen line exercise that develops control, accuracy, and consistency. Players volley forehand and backhand shots cooperatively while moving along the line. The drill focuses on paddle position, no backswing, and relaxed technique, helping players sharpen skills and prepare for real game situations.
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