Let’s talk about one of the most debated topics in our game: drilling. How much practice do you really need before you start seeing those sweet, sweet improvements?
Let’s explore why drilling is key, how much you should be doing, and whether solo drilling is as effective as partnering up.
Why Drilling is Key for Pickleball Players
First things first, why is drilling so important? Drilling is the backbone of skill development in pickleball. It’s where you can focus on perfecting your shots, improving your footwork, and developing muscle memory without the pressure of a game. Imagine trying to nail that perfect dink shot or a powerful serve during a match without ever having practiced it repeatedly. Sounds tough, right?
When you drill, you get to break down each aspect of your game into manageable pieces. You can work on your serves, volleys, dinks, and smashes separately. This targeted practice helps you refine each skill, making you a more well-rounded player. Plus, it builds your confidence because you know you’ve put in the work.
How Much Drilling Should You Be Doing to See Actual Results?
Now, the million-dollar question: how much drilling do you need to see actual results? The answer varies depending on your current skill level and your goals.
However, here are some good guidelines to help you get started:
- Beginners: If you’re new to pickleball, aim for about 3-4 hours of drilling per week. Split this time across different skills. For example, spend an hour on serves, another hour on volleys, and so on. This will give you a solid foundation to build on.
- Intermediate Players: If you’ve been playing for a while and have a good grasp of the basics, aim for 4-6 hours of drilling per week. At this stage, you should focus on more advanced techniques and strategies, like third-shot drops and defensive lobs.
- Advanced Players: For those who are competitive or play in tournaments, drilling 6-8 hours a week can help maintain and refine your skills. Focus on high-level strategies, game scenarios, and specific areas where you want to see improvement.
Consistency is key. It’s better to drill for shorter periods regularly than to cram all your practice into one long session. This helps with muscle memory and keeps your skills sharp.
How Long Before Drilling Helps Your Game and Skill Level?
To get a clearer picture, I talked to fellow players who are rated 3.5 and above, and here’s what most of them told me:
When they started drilling seriously, they were hitting the court about 3-4 times a week for an hour each session. Within the first few weeks, they noticed small improvements in consistency and control. Serves started landing more accurately, and volleys became crisper.
After about a month, the real changes began to show. Muscle memory kicked in, and those tricky shots felt more natural.
Of course, everyone’s progress is different. Some might see results sooner, while others might take a bit longer. The key is to stay consistent and patient.
In my experience, committing to regular drilling sessions for at least a couple of months is where you’ll start seeing noticeable improvements. So, stick with it, and before you know it, you’ll be playing at a whole new level!
👉 Make sure to also read our article on how much pickleball is right each week.
Is Drilling Solo with a Ball as Efficient as Drilling with a Partner?
What if you can’t always find a drilling partner? Is solo drilling just as effective? The short answer is yes, but with some caveats.
Solo drilling can be incredibly beneficial. You can use a wall, a ball machine, or even set up targets to practice specific shots. It’s a great way to work on your technique and consistency without needing someone else to be there. Plus, solo drilling allows you to focus entirely on your own skills and progress.
However, drilling with a partner has its unique advantages. It adds an element of unpredictability, simulating real-game scenarios better. You can practice rallies, volleys, and dinks with the dynamic feedback that a partner provides. It’s also more engaging and can help you develop better court awareness and reaction times.
In an ideal world, a mix of both solo and partner drilling would be the best approach. Use solo drills to hone your technique and partner drills to apply those skills in a more realistic context.
My Personal Take on Drilling
As a player myself, I try to drill for about 4 a week. I break it up into sessions focusing on different skills, like serves one day and volleys the next. It keeps things fresh. Trust me, finding a consistent schedule and balancing solo and partner drills really makes a difference.
The key to getting better is persistence and practice.
