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Although the pickleball community is growing, there are times when you don’t have someone to play with. Whether your pickleball friends are out of town or you are starting the sport on your own, this doesn’t need to get you down! 

Like any other paddle sport, consistent practice with your equipment is the key to improving – even if you are the only person on the court.

Players can practice pickleball alone through solo drills. Solo drills are the technical and repeated exercises that give a player confidence and a deeper knowledge of their equipment. When a pickleball player practices alone consistently, their skills will improve when playing with a group.

In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through the best ways to practice pickleball alone. Next time you want to play the nation’s favorite paddle sport but don’t have the people to do it with, rest assured you can still improve your technique.

But first, why bother practicing alone? What makes solo drills work so well?

Why Practice Alone?

As mentioned before, pickleball solo drills are basic routines where players can practice proper form with their equipment. Practicing alone may seem redundant at first because pickleball is a social game. However, these kinds of drills are what sets professional pickleball players apart from beginners.

The passion of practice when no one else is looking is how you become an advanced player. This is what solo drills are all about.

Solo drills work well because they fire neurons. The more a pickleball player practices a drill, the quicker neurons will fire. When the drills are done correctly over a long period of time, a pickleball player’s skills will improve when working with a partner.

Keep in mind that it is not possible to play pickleball with one player. According to the official rules from USA Pickleball, pickleball is a social and friendly game. The purpose of this paddle sport is to connect with the players around you.

While practicing with others may be the rulebook’s ideal, solo drills are nothing to be ashamed of. Like we said, practicing when no one is looking is how you get better.

The bottom line is this: practicing alone helps you become a better pickleball player. To learn more about how neurons fire during drills, and 18 drills you can use to practice with a partner, check out our article here.

What Equipment Do I Need To Do Solo Drills?

Solo drills may require different kinds of equipment. For example, when improving a serve, a pickleball net may be required. Other drills require a pickleball machine. Most solo pickleball drills can be completed with a paddle, pickleball, and a wall. Not all drills require a pickleball court.

The ways you can practice pickleball alone vary, which is why we provided modifications with each solo drill. We will explain other ways to practice a certain area of the game if you don’t have access to a court.

How to Practice Pickleball Alone: 5 One-Person Drills For Beginners

Whether we convinced you to practice pickleball by yourself or you have no other choice, you’re in luck! Here at Paddletek, we put together five of the best solo drills to improve different techniques – all from the perspective of professional pickleball players. 

The first solo drill we chose focuses on is great for overall technique. It helps you improve confidence with your paddle, hand-eye coordination, and overall feeling of being on the court. All drills below are great for beginners.

Solo Drill 1: Static Drop Feed

A static drop feed is dropping the ball in front of your feet, letting it bounce once, and hitting the ball in the center of your paddle.

Simple, right? It is once you get the hang of it! A Static Drop Feed is best for improving serves, rallies, and groundstrokes because it helps the player gain confidence that they can clear the net and continue a rally. A rally is a continuous play that occurs when the ball is served until a play ends. A groundstroke is when the player hits the ball after one bounce.

The Static Drop Feed improves hand strength and helps the player learn proper form. This solo drill gives the platform for players to practice different kinds of underhand serves.

In the end, a Static Drop Feed is a foolproof solo drill because it builds the basics for pickleball technique. This can be done anywhere, but this drill, like most of our solo drills, is best used on the court.

How to Perform Static Drop Feed

• Step 1: Drop the ball in front of your feet
• Step 2: Let the ball bounce once
• Step 3: As it bounces upward, hit the ball in the center of your paddle
• Step 4: Focus on technique and form, not passing the net
• Step 5: Pick up another ball, or walk to the opposite side of the court where your ball is and repeat

Modifications

For those that have multiple pickleballs, you can place them on the ground next to you before you begin the drill. If you have a pickleball machine, this is an appropriate solo drill to use that for. If you don’t have a pickleball machine and you don’t want to lay your pickleballs on the floor, a box can work.

If you have just one ball, players can complete a static drop feed and walk to the other side of the court to repeat the drill. If you don’t have a court, you can bounce the pickleball off a wall and try to complete a rally. If you don’t have a wall nearby, use the garage or side of a house. It is discouraged to complete a static drop on the driveway or near the road because the pickleball can easily roll away. Always have a wall or fence of some kind when doing this solo drill.

Pro Tips

• Swing low to high: After dropping the ball, swing your paddle low to the ground but without touching it. As the ball travels upward, the paddle needs to hit the ball mid-air. After making contact, let the paddle “follow through” and swing it high. This gives you a strong groundstroke.

• Keep strokes light and relaxed: Pickleball at its best is a lighthearted and sociable game. It’s best to play the game in the same manner. Keep your groundstrokes relaxed but intentional. Doing so will give you the correct power behind your groundstroke – not too weak, but not too aggressive.

• Hit across the court: Doing Static Drop Feed drills at a pickleball court is preferred. This is because players can practice hitting the ball diagonally, in the center, or directly across the court. Like mentioned before, this also gives players confidence that they can cross the net and aim the ball where they want it to go.

Solo Drill 2: Topspin Drive

The next solo drill we chose focuses on improving the strength of your serves. In other words, practicing a Topspin Drive will properly build your best aggressive shot in pickleball.

A Topspin Drive is getting the pickleball to dip low quickly after clearing the net. This forces the opponent to hit the ball lower, making it hard to continue the rally. Doing a topspin also helps a player serve deep. Serving deep means pushing the opponent behind the baseline.

To do a Topspin Drive, begin with a Static Drop Feed. However, keep the serve low to the ground but high enough to clear the net. You can do this by having a loose wrist and following through with your serve. 

Having a loose wrist, or not gripping the paddle so tightly, allows the ball to stay low. This gives you a stronger momentum than the arm and elbow as you hit the ball. Following through with your serve means swinging low to high as mentioned earlier.

How to Perform Topspin Drive

• Step 1: Drop the ball in front of your feet
• Step 2: Let the ball bounce once
• Step 3: As it bounces upward, hit the ball in the center of your paddle with a loose wrist
• Step 4: Use just enough technique to let the ball pass over the net, but that it stays low to the ground after
• Step 5: Pick up another ball, or walk to the opposite side of the court where your ball is and repeat

Modifications

This solo drill requires a pickleball net and cannot be practiced on a wall. If you do not have access to a court, consider using a portable net. You can also practice Topspin Drives over a barrier of some kind, like a low couch or chair. 

Remember, it is best to practice pickleball drills in an enclosed space to avoid hazards. Do not practice this in the driveway.

Pro Tips

• Keep the paddle at 90 degrees: When you hit the ball after it bounces once on the ground, hit it at a 90-degree angle. This allows your groundstroke to be stronger, and therefore more aggressive. A topspin can be completed with a simple underhand serve but altering your paddle to a 90-degree angle gives the player more control.

• Step into the serve: As you drop the ball and it contacts the ground, step into the serve. This gives the point of contact more momentum and gives you a stronger groundstroke. Begin the serve further behind the baseline to do this.

• Find your footing: Some players choose not to move their feet, but simply shift their weight as they do a Topspin Drive. This allows a player greater momentum and feeling of control. Others prefer to step further behind the baseline and do a simple two-step to give the Topspin Drive power.

Solo Drill 3: Rolling Shot

For a less technical solo drill, try the Rolling Shot. A Rolling Shot in pickleball is performing a ground stroke just before the non-volley zone. The non-volley zone is the box before the net.

This solo drill is great practice for rallies. In pickleball, once you get into the motion of consistently passing the ball back and forth, there may be times where you and your opponent are close to the net but away from the non-volley zone. Practicing the Rolling Shot teaches a player to have control when that close to the net.

Players can also practice their drives with the Rolling Shot. A drive is a shot that is straight ahead and low. It goes deep into the opposing backcourt. The goal is to push the opponent off the court.

How to Perform Two-Step

• Step 1: Drop the ball in front of your feet and before the non-volley zone
• Step 2: Let the ball bounce once
• Step 3: As it bounces upward, hit the ball in the center of your paddle with a loose wrist. Focus on performing a drive.

Modifications

This solo drill generally requires a pickleball court as it relies on the non-volley zone line. However, you can practice this solo drill with a portable pickleball net and complete a Rolling Shot approximately four feet behind the net. This represents the traditional non-volley area you find on the court.

Pro Tips

• Practice on opposite court sides: After completing a Rolling Shot, it’s encouraged to repeat the stroke on the opposite side of the court where the ball landed. This helps beginners become confident serving on both sides of the court.

• Serve aggressively: A Rolling Shot is your time to shine! At this point in the rally, the game is getting intense. Being this close to the net allows a player to more easily perform a drive than behind the baseline.

• Reduce steps: Many players find it easier to shift their weight between their feet rather than taking a step. Try both ways when practicing this solo drill.

Solo Drill 4: Serve

The arguably most important solo drill is the Serve and it is how every pickleball game starts. It is a vital part of the game, and the better your serve, more likely the better your game will be.

How to Perform a Serve

• Step 1: Stand at the right or left corner of the court
• Step 2: Drop the ball in front of your feet behind the baseline
• Step 3: As it bounces upward, hit the ball in the center of your paddle with a loose wrist
• Step 4: Focus on technique and strength to pass the net
• Step 5: Ensure the ball passes the net and hits the opposite corner of the court
• Step 6: Pick up another ball, or walk to the opposite side of the court where your ball is and repeat

Modifications

If you cannot be at a pickleball court, use a portable net for this. You can practice serving outdoors in a grassy area. Because a serve is such a long shot, it is not encouraged to practice serving indoors as it can damage the walls. If you cannot be outside and do not have a net, practice Static Drop Feed instead.

Pro Tips

• Serve hard: Being away from others gives the player room to practice hitting the ball hard without hurting anyone or stopping the game. Practicing a Serve alone is a safe space for the beginner pickler.

• Serve to the corners: Although there is no official game going, it is best to do solo drills like it’s the real deal! Serve to the corners of the court as if your opponent was physically here.

• Switch hand placement: As you Serve, try switching hands between right and left. Try Serving with one or two hands. Seeing what works for the player can help beginners Serve deep.

Solo Drill 5: Shadow Swing

A Shadow Swing is not as mysterious to do as it sounds. Simply, a shadow swing is swinging a pickleball paddle without hitting anything.

What’s the purpose of swinging a paddle if you have nothing to hit? It may seem silly, but it’s all for practice and comfort. The purpose of a shadow swing is to get confident with swinging a pickleball paddle and using proper form.

How to Perform Shadow Swing

• Step 1: Firmly grip the paddle with a loose wrist
• Step 2: Swing the paddle low to high
• Step 3: Repeat as needed

Modifications

This drill does not need to be done at a pickleball court. It may be helpful to do so to keep you familiar with the pickleball environment, but this solo drill can be done at any time.

Pro Tips

• Try different paddles: Sometimes, we don’t have our go-to paddle when playing a game. Doing a Shadow Swing with different makes of paddles can help you be confident in any situation. From cheap paddles to professional equipment like Paddletek, it’s good to be prepared.

• Use imagery: Some players find it helpful to practice the motion without any equipment at all! Imagining a successful serve while completing the proper motion is helpful for beginner picklers.
• Do this at home: Don’t wait to do this at the court! Shadow Swinging is a great way to practice proper technique away from other pickleball players. Best of all, this can be done in the driveway unlike other solo drills.

Practicing Alone Isn’t So Lonely After All

Pickleball is popular for a reason. It’s easy to learn and can be practiced with others or completely alone. Whether it’s the convenient Shadow Swings or technical Topspin Drives, there is plenty of benefit to practicing alone.

But when practicing alone, you don’t have a partner to rely on ­– it’s just you and your equipment. That’s why you need the right paddle that can get the job done. Check out our top-tier paddle inventory by clicking here.

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Pickleball is a loveable and easy-to-learn paddle sport. But just like other games, it comes with its rules. There is some confusion in the pickleball community on how to properly serve, but in this easy-to-read guide, we will go over the basics.

For a pickleball serve to be legal, there are three rules to follow. First, the server must not touch the baseline. Second, the ball must be hit underhanded and below the server’s waist. Finally, the ball must hit the quadrant diagonal of the serving player and never served the non-volley zone.

To get more details on pickleball serving, the controversy behind a proper pickleball serve, and other rules to know for beginners, continue reading below!

What Are The 3 Things I Need To Know For A Pickleball Serve?

As mentioned before, there are 3 rules for a legal pickleball serve.  They are:

1. Both feet to be behind and not touch the baseline in anyway.

2. The server must hit the ball with an underhand stroke that is below the waist.

3. The ball must hit the quadrant diagonal from the server and never served the non-volley zone.

Reading this over, it may not sound too hard to complete a legal serve. However, let’s go in depth for each rule so that you can better understand the game.

Rule #1: Do Not Touch The Baseline

Every pickleball serve starts with the placement of the player. While there is no perfect way to set up a serve, and everyone likes to do this a little differently, there is only one rule that applies here: The server cannot touch the baseline.

To clear things up, the baseline is a line that separates your quadrant from the non-volley zone, otherwise known as the kitchen. If the server touches the baseline, this is known as a “foot fault”.

Another term to know in pickleball is a fault. A fault is when the pickleball or player violates a rule. This causes the game to stop, otherwise known as a “dead ball”.

After a dead ball, the round ends, and the opposing player can serve. Additionally, if the receiving team commits a fault, then the serving team earns a point.

Keep in mind, the serving player can serve the ball anywhere in their quadrant, as long as it is behind the baseline. Additionally, the player cannot touch the baseline in anyway. Many pickleball players can use this to their advantage.

The final pickleball rule to keep in mind for this section is that the paddle can never touch the ground. This is also considered a fault.

Rule #2: The Ball Must Be Served Underhanded And Below The Waist

When making a serve, the ball must be hit with an underhand stroke. Most pickleball players find this to be a more natural way of serving than with an overhand stroke, however, if the ball is hit overhanded, this is a fault.

The reason the ball must be served underhanded is because the ball must be hit below the waist. Additionally, the top of the server’s paddle must be in line with their wrist. This helps keep the energy of the game cool, calm, and collected.

The game of pickleball follows the famous “double-bounce rule”. The double bounce rule means that the pickleball must hit the ground once before passing the net for it to be considered legal.

However, this is different when making a serve. The double-bounce rule does not apply when a player is serving, but it is still legal if the server uses it. The double-bounce rule is then required when the ball reaches the receiver.

Rule #3: The Ball Must Hit Diagonally From The Server

In pickleball, you must always keep your eye on the ball and be sure of the direction you are going.

In a doubles game, or a pickleball game with four players, the server will hit to the person in the designated diagonal quadrant. The players will only alternate sides when a point is won.

In a singles game, or a pickleball game with two players, the server will always hit diagonally. The server and receiver will continue to alternate sides of the court, even if a point is won.

Remember, even if the ball hits the diagonal and opposite quadrant of the server, it cannot be served in the non-volley zone. You cannot hit the pickleball in the air without it bouncing on the court in the non-volley zone first after a serve is made.

However, there are times pickleball players can be in the non-volley zone. If the server follows the double bounce rule in their quadrant, they can hit the pickleball after it bounces in the non-volley zone. Then, the player can legally step into this area.

Pickleball Serving Strategies

Pickleball is a game of minimal and intentional movements. The energy of the game is friendly, calm, and goodhearted. To keep aggression out of gameplay, there are a few tips for beginners to keep in mind.

Keep Movements Light

First, it is not recommended to twist your body or hit the ball aggressively, as this ruins the true intention of the game.

One way to follow this is to keep your all of strokes underhanded, not just serves. The official underhand rule originated from badminton, which is the “parent game” of pickleball.

For those who are unsure of their serving abilities, and want to remain peaceful in the game, you can practice with a partner beforehand. Even a 15-minute warm-up that is just focused on serving will be useful.

 Serve Deep

The next strategy for a good pickleball serve is to serve deep. Serving deep means to push the receiving player behind the baseline.

This strategy catches the opposing player off-guard, and when playing a game of doubles, forces the receiver’s partner to hit the ball to get it back across the net.

Many players prefer to serve deep in the chance that the opposing partnership does not communicate properly, of the ball becomes a dead ball. Even better in a singles game, serving deep puts the receiver on defense and forces them to make quick and exhausting movements across the court.

Play Unpredictably

While the nature of pickleball is calm and friendly, you can still make unpredictable moves. However, there is still plenty of room for creativity. This can throw the opposing team off their game.

The first way you can do this is by mixing up the pace of your serves. Try serving slow in some rallies and faster during others. When returning the ball, you can mix up the pace as well.

You can also complete a pickleball spin serve. A pickleball spin serve is when a player serves the ball while it is rotating. This creates a faster ball that is controlled, yet surprising.

Another way you can play unpredictable is to keep the pickleball low. Low balls are harder to hit than high balls. While you get a legal serve, the receiver has a harder time keeping the ball alive.

So What Do I Need To Know?

To make a legal serve, you must hit the ball underhanded, below the waist, be behind the base line, and serve to the opposing quadrant.

To keep the receiving team on their toes, keep movements light and intentional, serve deep, keep the ball low, and mix up your strategy.

Pickleball is a friendly and light-hearted sport. By keeping tips like these in mind, you can play a smart game all while using legal serving skills.

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Backcountry hunting is the ideal field sport for hunters who crave the great outdoors, hiking, and quiet time to reflect. This isn’t just a physically demanding activity – going backcountry will give you intellectual endurance and precision.

The term backcountry is thrown around loosely, and the barrier between wild terrain and our favorite hunting spots are increasing. Technology is growing and maps are expanding, which is helpful when planning out your trip. That also means there is more foot traffic from those wanting to learn the sport, and true backcountry can be hard to find. What does “backcountry hunting” mean and how can it help your mental toughness?

Backcountry hunting is a style of hunting that requires backpacking, camping, and hiking into terrain to catch wildlife. Common game animals include deer, elk, bear, and turkey. This trip can last anywhere from 3 to 10 days and requires physical and mental training beforehand for success.

Going “backcountry” means something different depending on your hunting experience and physical location. For some, backcountry hunting is going to where you can find pockets of wilderness – it may not be too far from your truck. For others, backcountry hunting is an all-immersive experience. It’s the 7-mile hike each day, living completely off the supplies on your back, and away from the comforts of home. Today, we are sharing how to prepare mentally for the extensive backcountry hunting trip. We will explore just how backcountry improves your mental toughness and ways to prepare for the challenge.

How Does Hunting Help Mental Health?

Backcountry hunting promotes mental well-being by building physical strength and mental endurance in nature. This form of hunting sharpens decision-making skills, gives a platform away from technology, and has social bonding benefits. 

Americans spend around 90% of their day inside, but studies show that actually being outside improves our mood, gives us more energy, and lessens our physiological stress responses. This includes a lower heart rate, improved cortisol levels, immune resilience, and a longer attention span. No wonder we crave the adventure of the hunt!

Backcountry hunting helps in more ways than one. It not only lessens physical stress responses, but it calms the mind. Going backcountry provides opportunities for stress relief, disconnection from technology, mental endurance, and lasting social benefits.

1. Backcountry Hunting Is a Form of Stress Relief

When backcountry hunting, most of your journey is set by following the course you planned, stopping for rest, looking to the sky, studying tracks, and setting up camp. Especially for first-time hunters, some backcountry trips have you turned up empty with no animal pelts to show for it.

Regardless, spending time in nature improves mental health by creating positive emotions, lowering physiological stress responses, and improving mental concentration. When going backcountry hunting, you will receive the most benefit when you have your mindset planned for enjoying the journey rather than the prize. 

Of course, the anticipation of elk at the start of the new season is exciting – we’ve all been there. But when you look at backcountry hunting as a type of long-form meditation, that is where the benefits come into play.

Dr. Randall Eaton, a psychologist who studies hunting and its mental health benefits, explains that the “conscious and deliberate humbling of the hunter to the level of the animals is a virtually religious rite.” And this rings true for hunters across the country. The quiet and solitude of backcountry hunting can help reduce the stress and anxiety of everyday life because of how immersive it is with physical nature and human nature.

2. Has Benefits of Disconnecting from Technology

Our world is filled with social media notifications, work emails, and screen time to “help” us unwind. Backcountry hunting intentionally takes these distractions away and gives the hunter a method to unplug from technology and the digital world.

But it’s more than just in your head. There are positive and traceable effects of disconnecting from technology and social media on your mental health. When you focus on the hunt and the physical world around you, your mind strengthens something called directed attention, or your intentional focus. 

According to the Attention Restoration Theory, mental fatigue can be restored and concentration improved when time is spent in nature. This theory proposes that natural environments encourage effortless brain function, which means that your directed attention is strengthened. 

The feeling of living off the land is priceless. When backcountry hunting, you have a sense of escape and relaxation from the everyday world. When we are out on the hunt, there is no distraction – just the sport. 

3. Training for Backcountry Hunting Builds Physical And Mental Strength

Besides the hunting and hiking, training for backcountry hunting can be an extremely rewarding process. There are psychological benefits to challenging yourself mentally and physically. It is even more rewarding to see your efforts work for you once on the land. The vindication you receive once you get the meat that you have worked so hard for is the fire behind a hunter’s passion.

True-blue backcountry hunting is a demanding sport. It requires patience and knowledge of the land and wildlife. It takes time to prepare for a trip and create a backup plan if things fail. This is needed when you lose the elk you were hunting, can’t hike as far as you originally planned, or run into physical or mental trouble. When things like this happen, it’s time to reevaluate and regroup, pulling yourself up by your bootstraps to make the best step forward. Some call it resilience – we call it mental toughness.

Mental toughness is a mindset that allows the individual to perform consistently when placed under stress. People can learn to be mentally tough by staying resilient in hard times and finding their passion. When someone is mentally tough, they achieve their goals and follow through with commitments.

Mental toughness is something that we value here at MTNTOUGH. While physical strength is critical to outdoor sports, you can’t truly have it without equal mental strength. This method of mental resilience becomes a lifestyle, where you never take the easy way out and push yourself to reach your goals. 

4. Mental Toughness Obliterates Emotional Barriers In The Woods

Your mental state is what will determine your hunting experience, even if you have the physical strength to do well. Days in the woods can be healing and invigorating, but some factors are out of your control. What happens when you’re in the backcountry and disaster strikes?

Backcountry hunting can be dangerous for mental health if the hunter is not prepared. When preparing for the trip, it is important to plan for weather, fatigue, and isolation. It is recommended that beginners travel in groups to deal with loneliness and clear decision-making.

As exciting as it is to chase after the hunt, it is critical to plan effectively for weather changes, food shortages, and your physical boundaries. Having a mental toughness mindset means pushing yourself to achieve your goals, yes, but it also means having enough wisdom to know when to rest, especially in times of anxiety.

If someone is experiencing anxiety before backcountry hunting, they can establish a good hiking and sleeping schedule, bring proper protection, have bright lighting, and adequate food storage. Connecting with other hunters before the trip can also lessen anxiety. 

When you are prepared, the classic hunters-anxiety can decrease. Some hunters recommend bringing Tylenol or Advil PM to help them rest through the first night and reduce inflammation from hiking. Plus, asking other hunters for their tips and tricks for backcountry trips can be beneficial. But once you’re in the woods, how do you handle the mind games of isolation?

If someone is experiencing anxiety while backcountry hunting, they can practice mindfulness, keep a good sleep schedule, and be intentional where they set up camp. It is recommended to camp far from your vehicle on the first night to immerse yourself in the wood and reduce anxiety symptoms.

There are frustrating moments, but they are what make you human. When you practice mental toughness, you learn where you need to balance your limits. If you are having anxiety, practicing mindfulness and trusting that you came prepared may alleviate symptoms.

5. The Social Benefits of Backcountry Hunting

As individual as this sport can be, backcountry hunting can also be social. Bringing your friends along for the physical and mental exercise that this type of hunting requires can strengthen the bond of brotherhood. Best of all, you can share your experience with those you love by making videos, taking photos, and relying on one another for clear decision-making.

Even the best hunters can experience the pang of fear when alone in the woods. Backcountry hunting with friends can help hunters deal with homesickness and keep a positive mindset if they are not getting the results they are expecting. This positive social connection can improve your trip experience.

In fact, the social connection and community of hunting together has profound effects on our mental health. The Harvard Study of Adult Development shows that having genuine friendships and social connections when solving a task, completing a goal, or in daily encounters improves a person’s life satisfaction. 

This study also found that those who were connected with their communities had high levels of happiness. The same applies to those involved in the hunting community in person or online. Being around others who have the same passion for hunting can give you advice and direction when things get tough. They are there to pat you on the back and support you when things go right and pick you back up when things go wrong. Friends can be your biggest support, especially for first-time backcountry hunters. 

6. Backcountry Hunting Is A Goal During Post-season

Post-season workouts are important. If you do not take the time to prepare physically and mentally, and you take the first day of the season for a week trip with confidence and no training, hunters have a high risk of something that we call “bonking”.

Bonking is a hunter’s term that describes physical and mental burnout. Hunters “bonk” when they experience brain fog, mental confusion, panic attacks, and a physical breakdown. It occurs when the body and mind reach exhaustion. Bonking can happen to anyone, but those who prepare have a lower risk.

When preparing for the upcoming season, your training needs to be consistent, but it needs to be varied. In order to have the appropriate strength, endurance, balance, and mental toughness for your backcountry hunting trip, you need to be strong in more places than just one.

To get the proper training, consistent gym workouts are a must. At MTNTOUGH, we have prepared a Preseason Prep Workout to help with this. This 80-day product is the top online training program for backcountry hunters across the nation that keeps them fit during the off-season.

How Can I Prepare For The Mental Challenges of Backcountry Hunting?

Backcountry hunting has a plethora of mental health benefits. It is a form of stress relief, gives hunters time away from distracting technology, improves physical and mental toughness, and promotes community connections. Backcountry hunting is also a worthy goal to achieve for solo hunters. But how can we prepare for these challenges?

Being constant in exercise, setting goals, and achieving them are ways to increase your confidence and your mental strength. At MTNTOUGH, we create online workout plans to prepare you for the mental and physical challenges of backcountry hunting and other outdoor spots.
David Lindley, one of our online patrons from Arizona, has used MTNTOUGH workouts in his daily running routine and outdoor adventures.

“Those workouts no doubt helped me get in the mountains,” says Lindley. “Before I started doing MTNTOUGH, I hadn’t been successful in archery and now it’s been about four or five years into the program, into the community, and I’ve had success in only a short amount of time.”

To learn more about who we are and what our program provides, click here to check out our most frequently asked questions. To learn more about our backcountry hunter program, click here.
To start building our mental toughness and physical readiness today, check out our 14-day free trial.