When coaching strength classes or teaching strength workshops, we talk a lot about drills—small movements, focused practice, intentional reps. But the word “drill” itself has a deeper meaning.

Think about it: A drill isn’t just a tool you find in a toolbox or on a construction site. It’s also a way to dig deep—to break through the surface and create something solid underneath.

This hit us recently on a drive home from teaching kettlebell group training. We spotted a giant drill on a construction site at a nearby college, working deep into the ground to lay the foundation for something big. That’s exactly how we see drills in the StrongFirst system—and why we use them so often at OMP.

Why Drills Matter (and Why We Love Them)

Drills aren’t just warm-ups or filler work. They help you:
✅ Slow down and refine key skills
✅ Create a “safe space” to practice without pressure
✅ Learn how a movement should feel before adding weight or speed
✅ Strengthen your foundation so that future lifts are easier to learn
✅ Build confidence in your strength practice

Drills build confidence and control before loading a movement with a lot of weight or reps. They let you fine tune your foundation so that your working sets are as solid as possible. No need to leave working reps to chance - know that they are set up for success and will therefore be maximally effective in getting you closer to your strength or health goals. When precision is high in your strength practice, time spent in the gym brings more results and stays safer at the same time.

🎥 Watch: Kettlebell Deadlift Drill – Static Stomp
Build stronger connection to the ground and reinforce your deadlift foundation.

🎥 Swing Drill: Dead-Stop Swing
Practice timing, control, and explosive hip power.

🎥 Get-Up Drill: Shoes Get-Up
A focused drill to improve balance, control, and alignment in your Turkish Get-Up.

Because drills help you succeed so effectively, they aren’t just for beginners. In fact, advanced athletes benefit just as much—if not more—from returning to these fundamental drills. Drills are an essential tool for success at every level, from brand-new students to seasoned lifters looking to refine their craft. Whether you're learning a movement for the first time or sharpening the finer points of your technique, drills provide the structure and feedback needed for lasting progress.

Final Thoughts

Drills aren’t just something we throw into class for fun—they’re part of our coaching DNA here at OMP.

They remind us that strength isn’t just about grinding reps. It’s about practicing with purpose, digging deeper, and laying a strong foundation—so when it’s time to lift, your technique holds up under pressure.

Next time you catch yourself rushing through a drill, pause. That’s where the real work begins.

Keep practicing, keep drilling, and stay patient. It always pays off.