Tanner Tomassi’s Misdirect Forehand Tutorial: Pickleball coach Tanner Tomassi recently took to Instagram to break down one of the most effective shots in the game—the misdirect forehand attack. In a short video, Tomassi offers a quick, step-by-step guide on how to execute the tricky shot, aiming to help players refine their skills on the court
Key Steps to Master the Misdirect Forehand
Tomassi’s technique focuses on three main components to create a deceptive forehand shot that curves away from opponents:
- Maintain Consistent Form: Tomassi emphasizes the importance of keeping your body language consistent. “You want your body language to be exactly the same as if you were hitting it straight,” he explains. This ensures the opponent cannot predict the shot based on your stance.
- Cock the Wrist: The key to this shot lies in the positioning of the wrist. “When you make contact with the ball, your wrist should be cocked,” says Tomassi. He demonstrates the difference between a standard forehand and a misdirect, showing how the angle of the wrist can change the ball’s trajectory.
- Drag Before Contact: Tomassi’s final tip is to add a wrist drag just before hitting the ball. “If my normal shot looks like this, now when I hit the ball, I’m dragging then snapping,” he notes, demonstrating how the extra drag sends the ball wide.
Breaking Down the Technique in Slow Motion
To further clarify, Tomassi offers a slow-motion view of the misdirect forehand. The clip shows how subtle adjustments in wrist position and movement can result in a significant change in ball direction, making the shot a powerful tool for players looking to add more deception to their game.
Insights from a Pro
Tanner Tomassi’s Instagram tutorial provides an accessible way for players of all skill levels to learn a shot that can make a difference in competitive play. His focus on body language, wrist positioning, and the drag technique underscores the intricacies of pickleball and the importance of mastering deceptive tactics to gain an edge on the court.
Players looking to elevate their game may find this quick guide helpful in perfecting the misdirect forehand and keeping their opponents guessing. For a visual demonstration, viewers can check out Tomassi’s full video on Instagram.
News in Brief: Tanner Tomassi’s Misdirect Forehand Tutorial
Pickleball coach Tanner Tomassi recently shared a tutorial on Instagram about mastering the misdirect forehand attack. In his video, Tomassi breaks down the shot into three key steps: maintaining consistent body language to avoid giving away the shot, cocking the wrist to alter the ball’s trajectory, and adding a wrist drag before contact to create deception. He provides a slow-motion demonstration to show how subtle adjustments can significantly impact the ball’s direction. Tomassi’s guide offers valuable insights for players at all levels looking to enhance their game with this effective and deceptive shot.
