Pro Pickleball Backhand Techniques: Professional pickleball players generate power on their backhands using precise technique, not just strength. A two-handed backhand allows players to hit stronger returns, drives, and counterattacks. Key elements include grip, preparation, wrist position, acceleration, swing path, contact point, and follow-through.
Importance of the Grip
Players begin with their dominant hand at the base of the paddle grip while placing as much of the non-dominant hand as possible on the paddle. “The more hand I have on the grip, the more wrist snap, power, and acceleration I can get on the shot,” the instructor explained. Many professionals also place one or two fingers behind the paddle face for added control.
Preparation and Wrist Position
Most of the shot’s strength comes from upper body rotation. Players are taught to point their right shoulder at the target and maintain a slight bend in the arms for flexibility. The left wrist should be laid back before swinging. Without this, players risk scooping the ball instead of hitting through it.
Swing Path and Acceleration
To generate power, players step into the ball while keeping the paddle face slightly closed. The focus is on the left arm pushing forward. “We want to swing in a straight line directly towards our target. Only once we’ve swung as far forward as we can go do our arms naturally then start to circle around our body,” the instructor said.
Contact Point and Follow-Through
Proper contact happens in front of the body, near the front foot. The swing should extend outward fully before curving across. When executed correctly, the weight transfer causes the left leg to rise, confirming proper balance.
Drills for Improvement
Two main drills help players develop this shot. First, using a ball machine to practice hitting straight returns builds consistency. Second, rapid-fire tosses from a partner improve quick acceleration, simulating counterattacks from the kitchen.
Lasting Impact
The two-handed backhand is now a core part of modern pickleball. By mastering grip, rotation, and swing path, players can add both speed and control to their shots. As training drills become more common, even amateurs can begin hitting backhands with the same confidence as professionals.
News in Brief: Pro Pickleball Backhand Techniques
Pro pickleball players generate backhand power through grip, torso rotation, and a straight-line swing path. Key steps include proper wrist position, contact out in front, and strong follow-through. Drills with ball machines and partners help sharpen this technique, making the two-handed backhand a vital shot for today’s competitive game.
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