Advanced Pickleball Techniques from Pros: Pickleball players Himanshi and Drew, both former college tennis athletes, are sharing new strategies top pros use to gain an edge. Techniques from players like Gabe Tardio and Ben Johns focus on improving hand speed, control, and reaction time at the kitchen line, making the modern game faster and more precise.
Choke-Up Grip Enhances Hand Speed and Control
A popular method among top players is choking up on the paddle. Himanshi explained, “When I bring my hand up higher, it’s essentially making the swing weight go down.” This reduces swing weight, allowing faster hand movements.
Choking up also improves control on dinks and drop shots. Himanshi said, “If you’re choking up a little bit, you should become more consistent on your dinks and your drops.” However, it reduces power on serves and drives, so players must choose between control and power. Most pros use elongated paddles, which allow this adjustment more easily. Himanshi added, “A lot of the best players in the world don’t do this. So, it’s more of a preference thing.”
Switching Grip for Spin and Reach
Top players like Ben Johns and Gabe Tardio also change grips depending on the shot. Slow balls allow time to switch from a continental to an eastern grip, giving more topspin and reach. Himanshi noted, “Whether or not it bounces or you take it out of the air, it makes it easier to get top spin.” This works for both forehand and backhand shots and even when the ball bounces. Adjusting grip improves accuracy and attacking options.
Pro Ready Position Improves Reaction
Leaning slightly forward and keeping the paddle lower improves reaction at the kitchen line. Himanshi explained, “When I’m standing straight up, my elbow is here. So, if someone hits it right at my right shoulder, right hip, in order to hit this shot, I need to move my elbow very drastically.” Leaning forward places the elbow naturally ahead of the body, reducing movement and speeding up reactions.
Lowering the paddle also helps. Himanshi said, “When I’m right here, my paddle is right above the net and I can react very quickly. The other thing is when I’m right here, I’m more relaxed.” Being relaxed allows the arm to move faster and respond to opponents’ shots more efficiently.
Tips Are Personalized
Himanshi emphasized that these tips are optional. “For me, they’ve helped a lot. I actually like using all these tricks, but it might not be for you. Give each one of them a try, and I guarantee maybe one or two of them will actually work well in your game.” Players are encouraged to experiment and find what works best for their style.
News in Brief: Advanced Pickleball Techniques from Pros
College tennis players Himanshi and Drew share advanced pickleball techniques from pros Gabe Tardio and Ben Johns. Tips like choking up on the paddle, switching grips for slow balls, and leaning forward at the kitchen improve control, spin, and reaction time. Players are encouraged to test these strategies for personal improvement.
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