Pickleball Tips - 4.0 To Pro, A Pocket-Sized Pickleball Podcast 59: If You Want To Get Better At Pickleball This Year, Start HERE
Jan 6, 2026
Focus on setting clear, achievable rating goals for 2026 to enhance your game. Dedicate one day a week to intensive drilling, emphasizing technical skills and decision-making patterns. Film your practice and matches for valuable feedback on footwork and shot selection. Plan to participate in local and major tournaments as key learning experiences. Incorporate simple portable fitness routines, like jump roping, to boost foot speed and stability. Shift your mindset to embrace the journey of becoming a competitive player.
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Make One Drill Day Non-Negotiable
- Commit 25–35% of your weekly pickleball time to a dedicated drill day for 60–90 minutes.
- Make that day non-negotiable and focus on one technical skill plus one decision-making pattern.
Pair A Skill With A Decision Pattern
- During drills work on one specific technical skill and one decision-making pattern each session.
- Integrate match-like scenarios (3 players) to practice when to deploy the technical shot under pressure.
Lower Your 'X' To Expand Shot Utility
- Lower your 'X' — the minimum ball height you can execute a specific shot — by drilling it repeatedly.
- As you lower the X you widen the scenarios where that shot becomes a reliable weapon in matches.