Pickleball Power Ground Strokes Training: The game of pickleball is changing fast. Players across the country are hitting the ball harder, and the need to learn strong ground strokes has become more important than ever. A recent instructional video shared online urges players to focus on power hitting—starting with the basics of a whip-like swing.
The lesson, recorded by a well-known pickleball coach, offers clear advice to anyone feeling unsure about where their game is headed. “Pickleball has changed – this is your #1 skill to learn NOW!” he says, encouraging viewers to think carefully about whether power shots are needed in their local games.
The coach reminds players to consider their playing level before jumping into trends. “I want you to learn a ground stroke and learn how to hit the ball harder because you feel compelled to do so because you think it would be a great addition to your game, not because it’s the trendy thing going on,” he says.
Why the Ground Stroke Matters
In the video, the coach explains that a good ground stroke starts with understanding the power of the whip motion. He shows how a relaxed arm and wrist can give the ball more power without swinging hard. Using a ball-throwing example, he demonstrates how a locked elbow limits throw distance, while a loose arm lets the ball fly.
“The reason why this is happening is because of this whip,” he says. “When you whip a throw like this and you loosen up your elbow and you loosen up your wrist you can throw the ball a long way.”
He also says that even a soft throw with the right motion can go far. “I mean you saw how much effort I put into that first one with my elbow locked—hardly any effort—and I was able to get it back there.”
Learning the Motion
To help players practice, the coach recommends holding a bag of balls and mimicking an underhand throw with a relaxed wrist and elbow. Once that feels right, he suggests repeating the same motion while holding a paddle.
“Do not convince yourself that you’re not holding a paddle. Convince yourself that you’re holding a ball,” he says, showing how to swing with a loose grip and a smooth follow-through. “Notice how my elbow is not locked or anything like that. My elbow is loose, my wrist is loose and I’m letting it whip through the ball.”
Don’t Forget the Footwork
The coach adds that footwork is just as important as technique. Players must move quickly to get into position. “If you can’t get to the ball or if you can’t get positioned then nothing else really matters,” he explains.
He describes something he calls the “anchor foot” method. For right-handed players, this means stepping back with the right foot and pointing it to the side. “You want to have it anchored here to where it’s pointing towards the side and that allows my non-dominant foot to come forward and then when I’m ready to swing I just do that whippy motion like I’m throwing a ball.”
Training Support and Encouragement
The coach invites players to join him for in-person lessons, offering full training weeks. “I’ve done like 10 hours, 12 hours for people. It’s amazing. Come see me if you want to get some personal training,” he says.
He also encourages players not to overthink while on the court. “When the ball is coming over I’m not thinking to myself ‘Oh man I’m gonna crush this ball.’ No, what I’m thinking is big strides to get my feet in position.”
A Necessary Change for the Game Ahead
The coach ends the video by stressing how vital it is to learn these skills. He believes the game will only keep getting faster and more powerful. “You need a ground stroke—it’s really non-negotiable at this point guys,” he says.
He adds that the game’s future depends on these changes. “Unless they change something about these paddles or they change something about the balls or they raise the height of the net… the ground stroke game, the hard game, the power game is not going anywhere. It’s just going to get harder and you have to catch up.”
News in Brief: Pickleball Power Ground Strokes Training
Pickleball players are being urged to develop powerful ground strokes as the sport becomes faster. A coach explains how a whip-like swing using a relaxed arm and wrist boosts power. He says footwork and practice are key.
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