Pickleball Forehand Roll 101: Many think of dinking as a safe, defensive play. But that’s not the full story. A little-known shot is changing that idea. Thanks to insight from top players like Zach Marceau and Richard Livornese Jr., the forehand roll is becoming a go-to tactic. It can create pressure, force mistakes, and open up new paths to winning rallies. Mastering this shot might be just what your kitchen game is missing.
Key Highlights
The forehand roll dink adds aggression to a typically soft shot
There are two styles: hard roll and soft roll, each with a purpose
Footwork and body alignment are essential for consistent execution
The shot is best used to exploit gaps and apply pressure from the net
Avoid using the wrist to prevent pop-ups and stay in control
Understanding the Forehand Roll’s Purpose
Pickleball may be known for soft dinks, but the forehand roll challenges that norm. Marceau explains that this shot gives players a way to “create pressure and dictate play from the net while disguising our speedups.” The key is control. By adding topspin and keeping the ball low, the forehand roll forces the opponent to respond from a compromised position. It can look like a harmless dink, but it moves fast, spins hard, and opens up angles that passive play can’t.
The main targets for the roll are between the feet, down the middle, or sharply outside. These placements test the opponent’s balance and footwork. “This allows me to create opportunities and opens up the court in ways that allow us to find holes and gaps in the opposing defense,” said Marceau.
Hard Roll vs. Soft Roll: When and Why
There’s not just one way to hit the forehand roll. In fact, there are two distinct versions—each with its own purpose depending on your opponent’s style.
The hard roll is meant to bounce just past the kitchen line—ideally six to eight inches beyond. It’s perfect against players who prefer to retreat and let the ball bounce. The topspin pulls the ball down quickly, making it bounce fast and stay low. That makes it nearly impossible to attack.
The soft roll, on the other hand, is more about finesse. It lands shallower in the kitchen. This is effective against opponents who try to take dinks out of the air. Marceau explains: “We’re going to aim a little bit lower on the ball and really spin it, so it lands shallower… they’re forced to take a step back and just dink it back.” That reset gives the attacker another opportunity to shape the rally.
Mechanics and Movement
Hitting the forehand roll well is more about movement and arm control than it is about flash or wrist flicks. Marceau advises getting fully around the ball and keeping it in front of your body. A key point: don’t overuse your wrist. “When we’re not using our wrist, we tend to be a lot more consistent,” he said.
The wrist should stay softly locked. Let the arm and shoulder generate the spin and direction. This makes the shot more stable and reduces chances of giving your opponent a ball they can attack.
Footwork is just as important. Marceau emphasizes the need to move into position: “Get around the ball and make sure you’re square to the ball and the ball is not to the side of you.” When players stand still, they lose the ability to guide the shot precisely.
Turning the body to match the intended shot line—especially for crosscourt shots—is critical. This alignment allows the paddle face to naturally point in the right direction while creating the ideal swing path.
News in Brief: Pickleball Forehand Roll 101
The forehand roll is proving itself as one of pickleball’s most strategic net tools. It pressures defenders, disguises intentions, and helps shape rallies. Two styles of the shot—hard roll and soft roll—offer flexibility depending on your opponent’s habits. According to Zach Marceau, footwork and avoiding wrist flicks are essential for consistency. Placement is everything, with targets like middle, outside, or at the feet offering the best results. Mastering the forehand roll can completely change how a player commands the kitchen.
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