What do you do off the court to better your game? In many places across the country, it is difficult to find a court to drill on and practice your skills. But you want to get better!
Practice Challenges
Often during recreational or open play, the courts are packed. Because of this, we may have as little as 60 seconds allotted to warm up…hardly enough time to work on something. Frankly, when traveling I don’t always have the ability to get on the court and practice let alone find someone who is willing to go out and drill with me. I’ve learned we need to be creative to overcome these practice challenges.
Off The Court Practice
You can improve your balance, strength, and mechanics without a partner…and you don’t even need a court. Let me recommend just a few off-court exercises:
- Create an exercise routine that works your whole body…focusing on balance and strength. Start by watching my YouTube video of exercises for seniors. Even though I am not a senior, I do exercises based on what you see here every day. You can do some of these when you are waiting in line in the grocery store or when preparing meals in your kitchen. If these aren’t challenging enough, add weight or extend the periods of time involved in each exercise.
- Along with these, you can create exercises that combine balance, strength and actual shot making. My video called was filmed on a pickleball court but can be done anywhere.
- Practicing “shadow strokes” can be very helpful, especially in front of a mirror. You basically mimic the shots you are
working on without the ball or the net. Focus on making the perfect stroke. If you are dinking, keep in your ready position and focus on keeping your wrist firm and swinging from your shoulder. If you are practicing your groundstrokes think about turning your shoulder, transferring your weight properly and making contact with the imaginary ball in front of you. - You can mimic certain common pickleball moments as well. Many have difficulty retrieving lobs. Again you can make a shadow stroke on the court or off the court…just start slow and focus on the correct technique.
Taking it On the Court
When we are in the heat of battle, the ball starts coming so fast that we have a tendency to panic and simply react. But working to improve off the court will allow your body to trust your abilities and give you the confidence you need during a match. The most important aspect of off-court practice is to take your time and focus on proper technique. Is our grip too tight or too loose? Do you feel your forearm tighten? Are you comfortable? Are you in balance? Are you breathing? Focus on doing it perfectly, when you are practicing off the court, each and every time and you’ll improve when you get back on the court.
