Improving Pickleball Skills: Drills vs. Open Play

Is it beneficial to treat open play as drill sessions? Let’s dive into the discussion and see what the pickleball community thinks.

Summary

  • Combining drills and open play can help build muscle memory and adaptability
  • Open play allows for real-game conditions that drills may not simulate
  • Communication with partners about focused practice can enhance the experience

Drills Are Essential

According to throwaway__rnd, drills offer unique benefits that open play cannot match. The repetition and muscle memory built through drills are crucial for skill development. They emphasize the importance of the mechanical aspect of practice that is hard to replicate in a game setting.

Open Play Can Work Too

Some users like vc_bastard and chrispd01 find value in practicing specific skills during open play sessions. They highlight the benefits of being able to work on certain shots in a more dynamic environment. Effective communication with partners is key to ensuring a productive practice.

Benefits of Both Worlds

As NobleWolf1 points out, a combination of drills and open play can offer a well-rounded training experience. While drills focus on building muscle memory, open play provides the adaptability and pressure of real-game situations. Finding the right balance between the two can lead to significant improvements in gameplay.