Tanner Tomassi’s Secrets to Pickleball Success: Professional pickleball player Tanner Tomassi recently shared a simple yet effective drill in pickleball on Instagram that promises to elevate players’ performance on the court. By dedicating just 10 minutes before a match to this focused warm-up, Tomassi believes players can see substantial improvements in their gameplay.
The Drill: Dinking with Speed-Ups
Tomassi’s drill involves dinking half court with one key rule: speed-ups are allowed. He emphasized that the drill is designed to keep players focused on precision while allowing for controlled aggression. “Think straight ahead, but speed-ups are allowed,” he explained, suggesting that the drill combines the fundamentals of dinking with the dynamic aspect of speeding up when the opportunity arises.
Playing Games to 7 Points
The drill is structured as a game to 7 points, with only half the court in play. This approach encourages players to maintain sharp focus while practicing essential skills in a competitive yet controlled environment. “We’re only playing on half the court, so if the ball bounces over here, it’s out,” Tomassi clarified, ensuring that players understand the boundary rules. This limitation forces players to adjust their positioning and shot selection, honing their overall court awareness.
The Benefits of a Short, Focused Warm-Up
Tomassi’s recommendation to spend 10 minutes on this drill before starting regular play underscores the importance of a quick but effective warm-up. By dedicating this short amount of time to improving dinking, players can prime their reflexes and sharpen their ability to handle speed-ups. The repetition of this drill can lead to more consistent shot-making and a heightened sense of timing during actual gameplay.
A Valuable Practice for All Skill Levels
This drill, according to Tomassi, is suitable for players of all skill levels, whether they’re new to the game or seasoned veterans. By focusing on the core aspects of dinking while adding the element of speed, it provides a balanced challenge that can boost overall performance. Sharing this video with a practice partner, as Tomassi suggests, can further enhance the experience and lead to faster improvement.
Tanner Tomassi’s 10-minute pre-game drill serves as an easy but highly effective way to sharpen skills and build confidence on the pickleball court. It’s a reminder that focused, brief practice sessions can have a significant impact on performance in matches.
News in Brief: Tanner Tomassi’s Secrets to Pickleball Success
Pro pickleball player Tanner Tomassi shared a 10-minute warm-up drill on Instagram to boost performance. The half-court dinking game, with speed-ups allowed, sharpens precision, aggression, and shot selection. Played to 7 points, it enhances reflexes, timing, and consistency. Suitable for all skill levels, this quick drill offers a balanced challenge and faster improvement with regular practice. Tomassi highlights the impact of short, focused sessions on gameplay.
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