Master Volley with DJ Howard: In the sport of pickleball, the volley stands as a critical element that can dictate the pace and outcome of a rally. DJ Howard, a respected mental game coach, offers invaluable insights into refining this technique through a methodical and engaging drill designed to enhance accuracy and control.
The Drill: Forehand Focus
Howard begins the exercise with a straightforward yet effective approach: a partner drill aimed at refining the forehand volley. The setup is simple but requires keen focus and precise execution. One player feeds the ball while the other volleys it back, and the feeder attempts to catch the ball on their paddle. This cycle continues, emphasizing consistency and control over power.
Howard shows the importance of starting on the forehand side, a more intuitive stroke for many players. This foundational step builds confidence and muscle memory. He advises players to avoid the common pitfall of overextending the arm and merely whacking at the ball. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining an athletic posture, utilizing knee bends and hip rotation to cushion the ball and control its pace.
Technique and Posture
A critical component of Howard’s drill is the athletic posture. He emphasizes the need for players to engage their knees and hips, creating a more stable and controlled volley. This posture not only aids in better ball control but also prepares the body for quick adjustments during play. The drill’s repetitive nature helps ingrain these movements into the player’s muscle memory, making them second nature during actual matches.
Howard’s demonstration includes examples where the ball may not be caught perfectly on the paddle face. He reassures players that this is part of the learning process and encourages them to persist. The goal is to gradually develop a softer touch and better feel for the ball, leading to more controlled volleys.
Role Reversal: Feeding the Ball
To ensure comprehensive practice, Howard switches roles, allowing both partners to experience feeding and volleying. This role reversal is crucial as it helps each player understand the mechanics from both perspectives. When the original feeder takes on the volleying role, they apply the same principles they practiced while catching, maintaining the hip rotation and knee bends.
For players finding the catch too challenging, Howard offers a scaled-down version of the drill. Instead of catching, players can bump the ball back, focusing on the same athletic posture and controlled movements. This modification makes the drill accessible to all skill levels while still providing substantial practice benefits.
The Backhand Challenge
Once players are comfortable with the forehand volley, Howard introduces the backhand side. He acknowledges the increased difficulty but encourages players to apply the same principles. The backhand volley drill mirrors the forehand drill: the feeder sends the ball to the backhand, and the volleyer attempts to catch it. This aspect of the drill is particularly useful for developing a well-rounded game, as it ensures players are equally proficient on both sides.
Howard’s coaching is patient and encouraging, highlighting that even mistakes are valuable learning opportunities. He reminds players that whether they are catching or volleying, maintaining a good athletic posture is paramount. The hip rotation and knee bends remain essential components of the technique, regardless of which side the ball is played on.
Continuous Improvement
Throughout the session, Howard stresses the importance of regular practice. Consistent repetition of these drills will significantly improve a player’s volley technique. The drill’s design allows for incremental progress, making it adaptable to each player’s pace and proficiency level. Howard’s final advice is to persist with these exercises, as they are instrumental in developing the precision and control necessary for competitive pickleball.
News in Brief: Master Volley with DJ Howard
DJ Howard, a mental game coach, shares a detailed pickleball volley drill focusing on improving forehand and backhand volleys. The drill emphasizes athletic posture, knee bends, and hip rotation for better control and accuracy.
Howard’s methodical approach, involving partner drills and role reversals, helps players develop muscle memory and precision. The exercise caters to all skill levels, with variations for easier execution, and stresses the importance of consistent practice for continuous improvement.
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