Drills and tips for better volleying is this week's pickleball tip

[ASFN Admin]

Lately, I have noticed that many of my drill class players are improving on dinking, spins, deep returns and adding new serves to their toolbox. One weakness I have observed, is the ability to attack at the NVZ line.

COACH MARY’S TIP FOR THE WEEK: Volley drills and tips​

The team from the Flying Pickleball Academy has some great tips on on volleys, topspin roll volleys, and a great volley drill.

Instructor Susannah Barr explains when to hit a roll volley vs. a punch volley with 10 pieces of advice.

• 1. Stop hitting balls into the net!
• 2. If the ball goes lower, you need to roll it. Drop your paddle down to 6 ok-clock.
• 3. Lay your paddle back, rotate like a windshield wiper, and your paddle should end up high.
• 4. Partner feeds drop in the air.
• 5. Create topspin!
• 6. For the punch volley, this is a ball that is higher!
• 7. Notice that her opposite shoulder moves back to get the chest involved.
• 8. Susannah emphasizes that you need to get lower to hit the punch.
• 9. Check out her ready position!
• 10. When she finishes her shot, she recovers to a tiny split step to get ready for the return.

A great drill for volleying​

Barr explains a useful drill:

• Two feeders, two volleyers.
• Five targets. Call out the colors you are aiming for.
• Take your time, keep breathing, aim for your targets.
• No tush push. It can be a backhand or forehand volley. Incorporated your hips, shoulders, body. No backswing. Using your off arm as a counter, going behind you, will help you with accuracy.
• You can do this with a ball machine also.

Three opportunities to get involved​

• Kim Jagd is a part owner in the Coachella Valley Scorpions and she is holding an upcoming advanced clinic. Last week, we highlighted their open tryout camp in the Sunday article. They are now offering a 60+ team, and other playing options. On March 13-14th, Kim is running an advanced drill clinic at the Palm Desert Resorter, along with Scott Burr. If you mention my name, I will get credit for the referral. If interested call them at 442-227-5105 or go to www.scorpionpickleballcamps.com.
• If this is not your cup of tea, I am offering a 3.5 level clinic on March 14 at Paradise Pickleball Club. I have a few spots left. Email me to enter: [email protected]
• Then, on Sunday, March 15 Paddle for St. Paddy’s Day RR at Rancho Mirage Community Park! Email me to enter: [email protected]

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Drills and tips for better volleying is this week's pickleball tip

Continue reading...