Training Plan for Hua Hin Pickleball Tournament

Duration: 90 minutes per session
Frequency: 1-2 sessions per week (leading up to the Hua Hin tournament in Jan 2025 )
Learning Objectives: 

1. Master third shot drops, drives, and lobs with precision.

2. Execute effective reset shots to regain court control.

3. Develop consistent serves and aggressive return strategies.

4. Execute overhead smashes and blocks strategically.

5. Apply shading techniques to anticipate and cover the court.

BYC Members Competing: 

1. Sherry

2. Steve

3. Mod

4. Christian

Session Structure:

1. Warm-up (15 minutes)

   • Dynamic stretching and cardio exercises to prepare the body for pickleball movements.

2. Skill-Specific Drills (60 minutes)

2.1 Third Shot Mastery (20 minutes)

• Focus: Drop, Drive, Lob

• Drills:

  • 1. Drop Shot Practice: Players practice placing drop shots softly over the net, aiming for the non-volley zone (NVZ).

    2. Drive Shot Practice: Players practice hitting drive shots with power and accuracy, aiming deep into the opponent's court.

    3. Lob Shot Practice: Players practice hitting high lob shots over the opponent's head, forcing them back and creating offensive opportunities.

2.2 Reset Shot Domination (20 minutes)

• Focus: Returning to a neutral position after an attack

• Drills:

1. Baseline Reset Drill: Players practice hitting a reset shot from the baseline, aiming for a deep, high return to allow them to return to a ready position.

2. Transition Reset Drill: Players practice hitting a reset shot while transitioning from offense to defense or vice versa.

2.3 Serve and Return Power-Up (20 minutes)

• Focus: Consistent serves, aggressive returns

• Drills:

1. Target Practice: Players practice serving to specific targets on the court, aiming for accuracy and consistency.

2. Return of Serve Placement: Players practice returning serves deep and with purpose, setting up their partner for the third shot.

3. Advanced Techniques and Strategy (45 minutes)

3.1 Overhead Smash and Block (20 minutes)

• • • Focus: Attacking and defending overhead shots

    • Drills:

1. Overhead Smash Setup: Players practice setting up overhead smashes with high, deep shots, and then executing the smash with power and accuracy.

2. Overhead Block Positioning: Players practice positioning themselves to block overhead smashes, focusing on timing and paddle control.

3.2 Shading Like a Pro (25 minutes)

• Focus: Anticipating opponent's shots, covering court effectively

• Drills:

  1. Reading the Opponent: Players practice reading the opponent's body language and paddle position to anticipate their shots and adjust their court coverage accordingly.

  2. Poaching Practice: Players practice poaching shots at the non-volley zone line, anticipating the opponent's shot direction and intercepting it.

4. Cool down and Review (15 minutes)

• Light stretching and discussion of key takeaways from the session.

References from Youtube