Pickleball is a fast-paced, exciting sport that requires quick reflexes and smart strategies. One of the most aggressive shots in the game is the roll shot, and it's a technique that many professional players, like Porter Barr, use to keep their opponents on their toes. Mastering this shot can be challenging, but with practice and perseverance, you can perfect it. In this blog post, we will break down Porter Barr's instructional YouTube video on the two ball drill, designed to improve your roll shot and help you gain an edge in pickleball.
The Two Ball Drill:
The two ball drill is designed to improve your fast hands and help you become more aggressive on the court. To perform this drill, you'll need a drilling partner, two balls, and three cones placed strategically on the court. The drill involves two main steps: reset and punch.
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Reset: Your partner hits a drive at you with the first ball, and your goal is to reset and block it into the kitchen. To reset effectively, you should absorb the ball with your paddle, adding a little backspin if needed. It's important not to hit the ball too hard, as it may fly out of the kitchen.
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Punch: After the reset, your partner hits the second ball at you. Your goal is to punch it out at one of the three cones on the court, depending on the direction of the incoming shot. The punch shot should be short and quick, with minimal swing. You want to hit the ball and push through it to your desired target.
Common Mistakes and Corrections:
When practicing the two ball drill, it's essential to pay attention to the paddle's face during both the reset and punch steps. If your paddle face is slightly open during the reset, the ball may go high and fly out of the kitchen. Keeping your paddle face parallel to the net will help keep the ball in bounds.
For the punch shot, try to generate a bit of topspin by bending your wrist slightly. This will cause the ball to skip forward and travel lower to the net, making it more challenging for your opponents.
One key to success with the reset is to not just rely on your paddle to absorb the ball, but to use your entire body to catch and absorb the shot, directing it into your opponent's kitchen.
Conclusion:
Porter Barr's two ball drill is an excellent way to practice and improve your roll shot in pickleball. By focusing on the reset and punch techniques, you'll be able to put your opponents off guard and become a more aggressive player. Remember, mastering the roll shot takes time and practice, so don't be discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep drilling and working on your technique, and you'll soon see improvements on the court. Happy practicing!
