New Year Resolution: Get Better at Pickleball—The Gear To Get You There

If your New Year goal is to win more points, limit unforced errors, and feel more confident at the kitchen line, the fastest path is simple: more quality drilling and more consistent setups. The right equipment can turn “I should drill” into "I WILL drill" with the tools that build and refine your skills through consistent reps—even if you don’t always have a partner or the perfect court.

Ball Machines: The Fastest Way to Get Better (Even Without a Drilling Partner)

If you’re serious about leveling up this year, a ball machine is the closest thing to “extra coaching time.” It creates repeatable reps for touch, footwork, timing, and confidence—especially for dinks, drops, drives, and resets. Investing in a ball machine pays dividends—and fast! There are multiple machines available, so we've put together this guide to hopefully make it a bit easier to choose.

Ball Machines Summary (Features, Benefits, Price)

*Prices shown are current at time of writing this article. Availability and pricing may change.

Nets: Consistent Height + Tension = Shots That Translate to Real Games

Don't have easy access to a court for drilling? Don't settle! Building muscle memory is crucial when drilling, and quick access to reliable net—with consistent height and tension—can make all the difference in your game. Setting up a court with a regulation size net will ensure your skills are being perfected with the correct court conditions. Whether you need a portable option, or have a more permanent solution, Pickleball Central offers nets for any set up. The following are just a few good options, but there are many more options here.

Nets Summary (Features, Benefits, Price)

*Prices shown are current at time of writing this article. Availability and pricing may change.

Essential Training Gear: Making The Best Use of Your Time Drilling      

The best “resolution gear” is the stuff that makes drilling easier to start and easier to repeat. These picks help you spend less time chasing balls and more time hitting quality reps.

Training Gear Summary (Features, Benefits, Price)

*Prices shown are current at time of writing this article. Availability and pricing may change.

Wrap-Up: Your New Year, New You Improvement Stack

If you're serious about leveling up this year, think in layers:

• Invest in a Ball machine for increasing reps—with or without a drilling partner. The investment will pay off with more consistency and confidence.
• Guaranteed access to a quality net helps your drills build muscle memory and consistency.
• The right training gear makes the most of your time when drilling and reduces friction (less chasing and more learning).

FAQ

What’s the best gear upgrade for getting better fast?

If you’re focused on rapid improvement, a ball machine delivers the most skill-building reps per hour—especially for dinks, drops, drives, and resets.

Do I need a premium net to practice effectively?

Not always. A value portable net works in a pinch and is better than nothing. But if you want practice to feel like tournament play, consistent height and tension matter more than most players think.

What training gear is most “worth it” for consistency?

Anything that reduces friction helps you practice more: rolling caddies speed up drill resets, while a training paddle and rebounder add feedback you can feel immediately.

How should I structure a weekly improvement routine?

Aim for 2–3 short sessions per week. Keep it simple: 10 minutes touch (dinks/resets), 10 minutes drops, 10 minutes drives/blocks. Consistency beats marathon sessions.