Independence Pickleball (IPBC)

Wall Drill - DINK and Volley

 SET UP

 Open area 8' x 8' space with a flat surfaced wall to hit against. Draw a line or tape a "net" line on the wall to simulate net height. Draw a NVZ line 7' from the wall. Have one or two balls available.

DESCRIPTION

Standing in a compressed "ready" position behind the drawn NVZ line away from a wall, player will continuously tap or dink the ball to a target area above net height. Ball will bounce softly to wall and back to floor as player continues to use a squat lifting action with the legs and a firm but gentle lifting action with the paddle.

 Ball shall bounce to wall and drop short of the drawn NVZ line.

Player will use various paddle positions for attack: open forehand lift, open backhand lift, a 'scoop' lift from directly in front of the body,

 Player will repeat this action for a timed period and/or a set amount of repetitions.( ie. 10 backhand, 10 forehand)  

FOCUS

Stay in 'Ready' position and in a compressed squat position low to net height.

 Hit ball and RETURN paddle back to PADDLE READY position. (paddle facing flat to net in front of chest) This is important to be READY for the next attack.

Keep eyes on ball..

Work to have ball bounce in the NVZ before returning

Stay on your toes and stay in motion  

PROGRESSION of SKILL

 1. Start with hits that return SHORT of the NVZ line or as close to wall as possible. Player will need to step into the NVZ. Be sure to ANCHOR the base foot behind the NVZ. Step in with the non anchored foot, play the dink and return to paddle READY position behind the NVZ line with shoulders and hips square to net. REPEAT this for ALL shots in front of the body and both forehand and backhand shots

 2. Hit a bit harder so that the return bounce is closer to the NVZ line and your feet.

a. Short hop the return without a step or

b. Drop step to make the return with a forehand or backhand

3. VOLLEY shots. Repeat this series only hit the ball slightly harder and VOLLEY the ball without a bounce back to the wall so that the ball clears just above the net. Again be sure to stay on the balls of your feet, balanced and in READY position. Hold your ground and stay balanced as you reach into the NVZ to receive any ball that is playable on a volley shot.

Be ready to drop step if needed to either side.

 GOAL

Consistency in 80% or better of your shots.