The Benefits of Using a Pickleball Ball Machine for Practice and Drills
If you’re serious about improving your pickleball skills, a pickleball ball machine can be a good option. While playing with a partner is great, a ball machine gives you a consistent feed of shots, allowing you to focus on specific drills and techniques. Here’s why adding a ball machine to your practice routine and as part of your lesson plan can help take your game to the next level. Coach Luke says: Use a ball machine as part of your drills and practice routine but not to replace lessons or drills with another player.
1. Consistency in Practice
One of the biggest benefits of a ball machine is that it delivers the same shot repeatedly, which helps build muscle memory. Whether you’re working on dinks, volleys, or groundstrokes, a machine lets you refine your technique without worrying about an inconsistent feed from a partner.
2. Solo Training Anytime
Sometimes, finding a practice partner isn’t easy. With a ball machine, you can train whenever you want, without relying on someone else’s schedule. It’s perfect for players who want extra court time to sharpen their skills.
3. Targeted Drills for Specific Skills
Most ball machines allow you to adjust speed, spin, and trajectory, meaning you can tailor your drills to focus on weak areas. Some great drills include:
Dinking practice: Set the machine to feed soft, low shots to perfect your control (add side to side movement to make this more advanced).
Third-shot drop drills: Work on your soft game by consistently hitting drop shots from the baseline (set the machine to give you different speeds and heights to simulate game play).
Volley drills: Increase reaction time and control by practicing fast volleys at the net.
4. Improves Footwork & Reaction Time
A ball machine forces you to move quickly and adjust to different ball placements. Practicing with varying speeds and spins helps improve your reaction time and footwork, making you a stronger all-around player. Coach Luke tip: Remember that ready position!
5. Builds Endurance
Since a ball machine feeds balls continuously, you’ll get a great cardio workout while improving your game. Extended rallies will help build stamina and keep you in top shape for matches. Coach Luke tip: Don’t over do it. If you become too tired your technique goes out the window!
Final Thoughts
While a ball machine isn’t a substitute for real match play, it’s an excellent tool for refining technique and consistency while you are waiting for your next lesson! Just be careful to shop around for the right machine for you - check the product reviews before buying!
Want to improve even faster? Join our pickleball coaching lessons in Auckland for personalized training and expert tips!
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