I became a 5.0 in 90 days by doing THIS

 

Becoming a 5.0 Player: Pickleball Drilling Routines

Introduction

In this comprehensive guide, renowned pickleball instructor Tanner Tomassi shares the key drilling routines that enabled him to quickly improve his game and reach a 5.0 skill level. Structured around six essential drills extracted from his instructional video, this guide will provide both beginning and experienced players with practical, engaging exercises to rapidly elevate paddling technique, strategy, and on-court performance.

1. 0:14 "Mini Skinny" Kitchen Game

The "Mini Skinny" drill, played on one side of the court, challenges players to win points quickly in order to switch court positions after each point. This fast-paced game trains pickleball players to perform well under pressure, as points and positioning change rapidly without time to settle into a rhythm. Players also gain insight into individual weaknesses that need to be addressed through further targeted practice. Much like an actual tournament where opponents and gameplay fluctuate, the "Mini Skinny" drill prepares athletes both physically and mentally to adapt their technique, footwork, and strategy in real time during competitions.

2. 1:42 Speed Ups Off the Bounce

Developing an offensive advantage is critical as paddle tennis players advance to higher skill levels. The "Speed Ups Off the Bounce" drill specifically practices accelerating the ball during a rally after an initial slow or dead dink. With the defending player expecting the speed up, the attacking player must focus on effectively disguising and placing their power shot through proper paddle work, ball location, and deceptive body movements. Executed correctly in match play, speeding up the ball off the bounce catches opponents by surprise to elicit weak returns or direct put away shots. Mastering this technique is key to seizing control of points.

3. 3:26 Reset Game

A hallmark of elite paddle tennis lies in the ability to successfully play the transition zone of the court. The "Reset Game" drill trains players to master resetting balls to the kitchen line when caught in no man's land around the middle of the court. With the defending player fixed in the transition zone, the attacking player feeds balls to be accurately placed into the kitchen. Should the attacker miss, the players switch positions. As players gain competency resetting to the ideal location on the court, they can then approach and finish points at the net. Flawless transitions translate to matches where opponents' attacking chances are neutralized.

4. 5:28 7-11 (Transition Drill)

The 7-11 transition drill builds upon resetting competence by challenging the attacking player to reach 7 points before the defending player reaches 11. This rewards the attacker for driving play to the net through effective ball placement while simultaneously training the defender's reset skills. In match play, failed transition shots lead to lost points, so drill repetition develops automaticity in moving to and accurately playing balls from the transition area. By mastering the 7-11 drill, players will distinctly sharpen an essential match play skill.

5. 6:38 Letting Out Balls Go

Top paddle players avoid hitting balls sailing out of play by reading opponents' shot mechanics and intentions. The "Letting Out Balls Go" drill trains reaction time and shot recognition by having an attacker hit to one location on their opponent's body. The defending player must quickly interpret swing speed, paddle grip pressure, body movement, and other visual cues to judge whether balls will land in or out of bounds. Letting out balls travel without making contact avoids unforced errors while refining visual acuity, perception, and decision making. Applying this skill in matches conserves energy and shifts momentum to capitalize on opponents' mistakes.

6. 8:04 Outro

Through his transformation from recreational player to highly ranked paddle athlete, Tanner Tomassi designed these pickleball drilling routines to unlock rapid skill development. Mastering the (6) highlighted drills builds proficiency in adapting under pressure, disguising and executing off-pace attacks, effortlessly playing transition balls, capitalizing on positioning, and minimizing errors. Practicing these engaging games trains muscle memory so high-level techniques become automated in competitive matches. By dedicating time and effort into these paddle skill building blocks, players of all abilities can expedite their improvement.

Summary

Based on his personal experience ascending to a top pickleball player, Tanner Tomassi reveals his most effective drilling routines focused on positioning, shot mechanics, transitions, strategy, reactions, and error reduction.

These (5) essential drills target paddle skill weaknesses that constrain real match play performance. Integrating these engaging and challenging games into regular practices fosters rapid paddle tennis development so players can swiftly apply elite techniques during tournaments against quality opposition. ultimately, mastery of these foundational drills builds a broad, solid platform for continuing paddle progress.

0:00 Intro 0:14 "Mini Skinny" Kitchen Game 1:42 Speed ups off the Bounce 3:42 Reset Game 5:28 7-11 (Transition Drill) 6:38 Letting

15 question multiple choice quiz

1. What skill level did Tanner reach in 90 days using these drills?

a) 4.0

b) 4.5

c) 5.0

d) 5.5

2. How many total drills does Tanner cover in the instructional video and guide?

a) 4

b) 5

c) 6

d) 7

3. True or false: The "Mini Skinny" drill stays on one side of the court

a) True

b) False

4. What are players NOT allowed to do during the "Mini Skinny" drill?

a) Switch positions after points

b) Play cross-court shots

c) Speed up balls

d) Rush to balls

5. The "Speed Ups Off the Bounce" drill practices what specific technique?

a) Volleying balls

b) Lifting lobs

c) Accelerating balls during a rally

d) Overhead slam shots

6. What deceptive aspects should players focus on when speeding up the ball?

a) Paddle work

b) Ball location

c) Body movements

d) All of the above

7. Where must the defending player reset balls to in the "Reset Game" drill?

a) The service line

b) The transition zone

c) The baseline

d) The kitchen line

8. How does mastering the transition zone help players in actual matches?

a) Allows them to approach and finish points at the net

b) Improves their lob shots

c) Strengthens their serves

d) Refines their forehand groundstrokes

9. What unique scoring system makes the "7-11" drill challenging?

a) The attacker only needs 7 points to win

b) Players can only score in increments of 7 and 11 points

c) The first player to 7 or 11 points wins

d) The defender needs 11 points to win

10. What visual cues should players read to judge if balls are going out in the "Letting Out Balls Go" drill?

a) Opponents' paddle grip pressure

b) Opponents' swing speed

c) Opponents' foot positioning

d) A and B

11. Why should players let balls go that are clearly sailing out?

a) To avoid unforced errors

b) To conserve energy

c) To frustrate opponents

d) A and B

12. Where should the attacking player aim balls at in the "Letting Out Balls Go" drill?

a) The defender's shoulders

b) The defender's midsection

c) The defender's feet

d) The same location every time

13. Which skills do the highlighted drills NOT focus on improving?

a) Lob shots

b) Vision

c) Transitions

d) Positioning

14. What will happen through regular practice of the featured drills?

a) Development of muscle memory

b) Automation of skills

c) Better performance in tournaments

d) All of the above

15. Tanner Tomassi designed these drills based on what experience?

a) His career as a professional player

b) Coaching elite junior players

c) His own progression to an advanced skill level

d) Studying drilling techniques of top pros

Answer Key:

1. c
2. c
3. a
4. d
5. c
6. d
7. d
8. a
9. a
10. d
11. d
12. b
13. a
14. d
15. c