Hey there! Zak here. Pickleball is an extremely physically demanding when considering the amount of quick turns, spins, reflexes, and energy exertion needed. Considering that, one of the best ways to improve your in-time agility and reflexes is through agility drills, which focus just on that. Read along to learn about some of my favorite drills, which I perform before and after practices, to get me better on my toes!
Side-to-Side Shuffle: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and shuffle from side to side, moving your feet quickly and keeping your knees bent. This drill will help improve your lateral movement and footwork.
Figure Eight Drill: Set up two cones or markers about 6-8 feet apart in the shape of a figure eight. Start at one cone and weave your way through the markers, making tight turns and pivots as you go. This drill will help improve your agility, balance, and coordination.
Cross-Step Drill: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and take a cross-step with your left foot, stepping in front of your right foot. Then take a cross-step with your right foot, stepping in front of your left foot. Continue alternating cross-steps and moving forward or backward. This drill will help improve your footwork and quickness.
Quick Start Drill: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and shuffle to the right or left for a few steps. Then, quickly stop and sprint forward for a few steps. Repeat this pattern, shuffling in one direction and then sprinting forward in the opposite direction. This drill will help improve your ability to change direction quickly.
Cone Drill: Set up four cones or markers in a square shape, about 5-6 feet apart from each other. Start at one cone and sprint to the next cone, touching it with your hand or racket, then shuffle sideways to the next cone, touch it, shuffle to the next cone, touch it, and then sprint back to the starting cone. Repeat this pattern as quickly as you can. This drill will help improve your speed, agility, and footwork.
I hope these drills help you improve your agility and performance on the pickleball court, Happy Pickleballing!
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