Ever wondered what your favorite players actually do in practice? How much time is spent playing versus drilling?

For most pros, it’s not even close. Drilling is a staple. Whether they’re refining fundamentals or dialing in advanced shots, consistent reps are the foundation of their game.

So I asked some of the top pros: What’s the one drill every amateur should be doing?

Here’s what they said.

Connor Garnett

“I like a wall volley drill. Stand about two steps away from the wall and hit one backhand, one forehand, and just keep alternating that back and forth. It allows you to keep the body fully engaged, and if you can do 50 of them consecutively pretty easily, then you’re starting to engage the kinetic chain. Don’t take too big of a swing or try to poke the ball, just try to be in a more flowy natural kind of swing.”

Chris Haworth

“For singles, I do a lot of drop feeding drills. All you need is a partner and a basket of balls. Have them stand on the same side of the net as you, and they drop balls in and you hit 100 balls in five minutes. Then pick them up, move to a different spot, and do it again. Hit forehands down the line, forehands cross-court, etc. It’s all about repetition and hitting as many balls as you can.”

Greg Dow

“Everyone should play more skinny singles because it encompasses all facets of the game. You’re hitting serves, thirds, mid-court, and kitchen stuff. If there’s one drill more people should do, it’s just playing skinny singles.”

Mary and Maggie Brascia

“We’re pretty basic. We love to simply dink down the line and dink cross-court,” shared Mary. “You can never go wrong with working on the basics.” 

“I also recommend going out and drilling with a buddy,” mentioned Maggie. “It makes drilling a lot more fun.”

Michael Loyd

“You need to hit baskets of balls on serve and return. Nobody does it, and it’s the best thing to help you jump a half level if you’re a beginner. You’re going to jump up a half level, I swear.”

Riley Newman

“I recommend hitting against the wall. I know it’s kind of boring and mundane, but if you think about it, if you stand from the kitchen line to the wall, it’s 50% shorter distance, so it’s going to make your hands faster.”

Yates Johnson

“Get your reps in as much as possible. Get a ball machine or have someone feed you balls, and run all the basics. That’s going to pay off. The more times you can hit the ball, the better technique will set in and it’ll happen naturally during a match.”

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