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| On Monday, January 27, 2025, Scott began practicing in his garage for 10–15 minutes daily on his homemade backboard, which is an 8 × 3½ plywood sheet. |
Placement Over Power
Drilling Session Agenda
Monday January 27, 2025 (2hr)
Focus: Two handed Dinking/Volley
- Backboard Consistency Demo
- NVZ Drilling 1 hour
- Lob, walk to Kitchen Serve Return
- Playout Point
Thursday January 30, 2025 (1.5 hr)
- NVZ Drilling 1 hour
When you are consistent with dinking, don't get in the habit of hitting the ball back to the opponent during the drill. Place the ball into the corners to move the opponent from side-to-side. - Mid Court (NML) Rally
- Two-handed Lob Bounce-Serve Practice (Consistency is key)
Lob Serve
The Lob Serve: A Transcontinental Tactic Steals the Spotlight at the 2025 PPA Australia Open - Local Resource: Jefferson County Library Pickleball Equipment/Books
Jack and I had an excellent drilling session, despite the light drizzle. The success of our practice can largely be attributed to Jack’s patience and generosity in his approach to teaching. While he is clearly much more skilled than I am, he’s been consistently guiding me to improve by sharing invaluable techniques and strategies. Already, I’ve seen tangible progress in my game simply by applying his tips, and I am genuinely grateful for his guidance.
Our session began with some warm-up exercises, primarily focused on short shots from the kitchen line. We then moved to the mid-court area for a bit more warming up before transitioning back to the service line. It was here that Jack taught me the Lob serve and emphasized the importance of having at least three different types of serves in my repertoire (Lob, Slice, Topspin)
I’m living proof that an old dog can indeed learn new tricks—by attentively listening to my instructor, working through the drills with intention, practicing what I’ve learned, and seeing the gradual improvements. It’s a rewarding process, and I look forward to continuing this pickleball journey.
Pickleball Pros Hit A Lob Serve
Final : Tyson MCGUFFIN, 35 vs Gabe TARDIO, 19
PPA Tour: Proton Australia Pickleball Open Pro Men's Singles Feb. 2
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| Scott's Driveway Pickleball Court |
Draft 1.0
Pickleball Drilling Quiz (Session: 1&2)
Test your knowledge of pickleball practice strategies!
- Why is drilling against a backboard beneficial for players?
- What advantage does practicing a two-handed forehand and backhand provide?
- Why would players spend over an hour repeatedly dinking at the NVZ line?
- What common mistake should players avoid during live dinking drills at the NVZ?
- When returning a serve as a lob, what strategic goal should you prioritize?
- What are the goals of the "mid-count rally drill"?
- Why might a player use a two-handed bounce lob serve?
- What are the three serves you need in your playbook?
Answer Key:
- Drilling against a backboard develops solo repetition, refining consistency, footwork, and stroke mechanics. Reps are a grind, but critical for muscle memory.
- Two-handed forehand/backhand practice boosts power, control, and adaptability while reducing injury risk from repetitive motions. Builds confidence in unorthodox shots.
- Extended dinking at the NVZ hovers muscle memory, precision, and patience for soft-game exchanges. Confidence comes from relentless repetition.
- Avoid aggressive shots during live dinking drills. Prioritize controlled, strategic placement over "winning" the rally.
- Lobbing a return of serve buys time to reposition. Avoid rushing the NVZ—patience over panic.
- Mid-count rally drill sharpens mid-court adaptability, shot selection, and smooth transitions between zones. Builds instinct under pressure.
- Two-handed bounce lob serve adds topspin, depth, and control. A confidence-builder for placing the ball deep in the court.
- Three essential serves: Lob (opponent must provide power), Topspin (force errors), Slice (vary pace and bounce). Mix serves to keep opponents guessing.
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