Topspin Fade Pickleball Serve Technique: A new serve called the Topspin Fade is gaining popularity in pickleball. It combines topspin and sidespin, making it hard for opponents to return. Inspired by a TikTok video of Anna Leigh Waters, the serve quickly grabbed attention for its tricky movement and fast speed. It can give players more control and variety when serving.
What Makes the Topspin Fade Unique?
The Topspin Fade mixes the power of a topspin serve with the curve of a sidespin or “screwball” serve. When done right, it moves fast and curves in a surprising direction. One player who tried it said,
“I tried it and I immediately realized that it works insanely well. If you do it right, you get all the power of a top spin, but with the added confusion and trickiness of a screw ball serve.”
This pickleball serve is different because it spins on a diagonal axis, not just sideways or straight up. This diagonal spin causes the ball to dip and fade during flight. It requires a new way of hitting the ball and a special grip to work properly.
How to Do the Topspin Fade
To hit this pickleball serve correctly, players must change their grip and toss. The grip used is a mix between an Eastern grip and a Continental grip.
“Personally, I’m using something between an eastern grip and a continental grip,” the server explained. He also warned,
“Just don’t be doing a western grip or you know something like a semi-western grip because you want to make sure that you have the proper angle so that you can get around the ball.”
Players must toss the ball more in front of their body and use a brushing motion. The paddle should move from low to high and twist slightly to spin the ball diagonally. The paddle’s butt cap should point up while hitting.
“You need to make sure your butt cap’s facing up and your paddle is lagging behind as you carve around the ball.”
To learn this, players can first try soft swings to feel the spin, then move to full-speed serves once they’re consistent.
“Start off going slower like this… maybe focus on getting the right spin.”
Power, Height, and Targeting
The right mix of power and height is key for making this serve work.
“I would say 80% power on a top spin serve is best for most people,” the server shared.
When using the Topspin Fade, a player should hit it about a foot and a half above the net, adjusting based on how much sidespin or topspin they use.
“The golden spot to aim is probably a foot and a half over the net.”
Targets are also important. Aiming at the opponent’s right foot works well because it forces them to move and makes returns harder.
“That was a good one. I went right at his body and it curves a little bit. So he might expect to be getting a forehand, but because it’s curving into him, he has to back up a little bit.”
While going down the middle is possible, it’s harder to hit every time.
“I mean, that was a super good serve, but are you really going to be able to hit that in 10 out of 10 times? Probably not.”
On the left side of the court, the same right foot target works well and is safer.
“Just right at the right foot. Pushes them back a little bit.”
Players can also aim out wide if their opponent struggles with backhands.
“You can try this out wide serve where it kind of bends off the court.”
Paddle Matters: Try the Gen 4.5
For more spin and easy power, players can try the Gen 4.5 paddle. It has a foam core, giving a good feel and control.
“This is a first-of-its-kind foam core paddle.” It helps players who want spin but also want extra pop.
“If you want a paddle upgrade and you want to try foam, but you don’t want to break the bank, you want a little bit more power, go check out the Gen 4.5.”
The paddle will be available for pre-order on August 1, and players can use the code “foam” to get it for $155.
Why It Matters
The Topspin Fade is a smart new serve that gives pickleball players a fresh way to challenge opponents. It mixes speed, curve, and power to make returns harder. While it may take practice, players say it’s worth learning.
“This is just good way to change it up and a good way to give your opponent different looks so they’re never sure what you’re going to throw at them.”
The creator calls it the Topspin Fade, comparing it to a golf shot.
“We decided to call this serve the top spin fade because it sort of fades like a golf shot and it also has a little bit of top spin.”
But they also ask for feedback: “If you can think of a better name, make sure to drop it in the comments.”
News in Brief: Topspin Fade Pickleball Serve Technique
A new serve called the Topspin Fade is trending in pickleball. It mixes topspin and sidespin for a tricky, powerful shot. Inspired by a video of Anna Leigh Waters, the serve uses a special grip and toss. It’s best aimed at the opponent’s right foot and needs practice to master.
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