Which Shot is Shaping Pro Pickleball: Professional pickleball is undergoing a transformation. The game seen today is markedly different from what it was just five years ago. As with any sport, pickleball evolves; while the dimensions of the court and the net remain unchanged, the shots—and, consequently, the game itself—have significantly evolved. A glance back at matches from even five to ten years ago reveals a striking contrast in gameplay.
The Evolution of the Two-Handed Backhand
One of the most notable developments in the last five years is the rise of the two-handed backhand, affectionately known as the “twoey.” Once a rare sight on the court, the twoey is now a staple in the women’s game, particularly from the baseline.
Players like Ben Johns and Federico Staksrud, who historically relied on their one-handed backhands, are increasingly incorporating the twoey into their moves. Just a year ago, finding them executing a twoey was nearly impossible; now, it’s common for both to utilize it even in dinking scenarios.
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The Impact of Quang Duong
The twoey is not merely a passing trend; it is fundamentally altering the dynamics of the game. The potential for this shift over the next five years increases. Currently, nearly 50% of players have adopted the two-handed backhand, with that number rising even higher among women. The most significant impact of this evolution will be felt in the dink game, largely due to one individual: Quang Duong.
Quang Duong, a long-time supporter of the twoey, showed its transformative power during the Bristol Open final, where he and Christian Alshon won over the formidable Johns brothers. Playing on the left side, Quang Duong executed offensive twoey dinks that were nothing short of revolutionary.
Unlike previous players who employed softer, topspin-heavy dinks, Quang Duong’s approach is characterized by aggressive drives that maintain a low trajectory and tremendous speed, making it difficult for opponents to respond effectively. This was clearly shown when he managed to catch Ben Johns off-guard with several of these dinks—a feat that is almost unprecedented in the professional matches.
A New Era in Dinking Strategy
Players are acutely aware of this trend and are actively adapting. At a recent tournament in Las Vegas, Dylan Frazier, known for his one-handed backhand, expressed his intention to work on the twoey, largely inspired by Quang Duong’s performance at Bristol. He articulated the strategic shift that accompanies this evolution: the twoey offers a new offensive avenue.
Historically, dinking to an opponent’s backhand was considered a safe play—an established strategy for maintaining control. But with the emergence of the twoey, that safety net is evaporating, as opponents can now respond with rapid, aggressive shots that threaten to exploit any defensive lapses.
The Future of Pickleball
Looking ahead to 2029, it’s conceivable that players with a one-handed backhand will become anomalies on the professional circuit. The field of pro pickleball is shifting towards a future where two-handed backhands dominate the game. Expect to see more players executing powerful crosscourt rolls in an effort to outperform their opponents.
This evolving trend is not just for the elite level; amateurs should take note and start incorporating the twoey into their games. As the twoey becomes more prevalent, those who adapt early will find themselves ahead of the curve when facing increasingly skilled opponents.
News in Brief: Which Shot is Shaping Pro Pickleball
Professional pickleball is evolving, with the two-handed backhand shot, or “twoey,” becoming a game-changer. Once rare, it’s now widely adopted, especially among women, and nearly 50% of players are using it. Quang Duong has notably influenced this trend, showing aggressive twoey dinks in key matches, including a victory at the Bristol Open.
This shift is altering dinking strategies, as players now face rapid, offensive responses to traditional plays. As the sport moves toward a future dominated by two-handed backhands, both pros and amateurs are encouraged to adapt their techniques to stay competitive.
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