Tanner Tomassi’s Backhand Drive Secrets: Professional pickleball player Tanner Tomassi recently shared a tutorial on Instagram detailing the mechanics of an effective two-handed backhand drive. His step-by-step approach provides actionable insights for players seeking to enhance this powerful and versatile shot, emphasizing technique, balance, and body mechanics.
Step One: The Right Grip
Tomassi began by highlighting the importance of a proper grip. He recommended holding the paddle with one finger resting on the back, ensuring a firm and controlled handle. “We don’t want to overlap our hands, and this grip is perfect for achieving maximum control and accuracy,” he explained. The correct grip lays the foundation for the rest of the stroke.
Step Two: Generating Power with Body Movement
A key component of the backhand drive, according to Tomassi, is stepping into the shot. He emphasized the need to engage the shoulders and hips to generate power. “We never want to be stationary swinging. Always step into it so we can get our shoulders and body behind the ball,” he advised. By utilizing full-body motion, players can achieve power and consistency in their shots.
Step Three: The Arm Extension Technique
Tomassi detailed an essential distinction between forehand and backhand mechanics. “On the backhand, we want to prioritize extending our arms and coming over the shoulders, not whipping them like on a forehand,” he explained. This pickleball technique ensures a clean, controlled strike while maintaining the accuracy and placement of the drive.
Step Four: Footwork and Positioning
Tomassi underscored the importance of footwork in executing a successful backhand drive. He encouraged players to exaggerate getting underneath the ball with their legs. “The death of the shot is poor footwork. If you don’t get under the ball, you’ll have no power just swinging with your arms,” he warned. Proper positioning allows players to hit with precision and confidence.
News in Brief: Tanner Tomassi’s Backhand Drive Secrets
Professional pickleball player Tanner Tomassi shared a detailed Instagram pickleball tutorial on mastering the two-handed backhand drive, emphasizing grip, body movement, and footwork. He highlighted the importance of a firm grip with proper hand placement for control and accuracy. Power generation comes from stepping into the shot, and engaging the shoulders and hips.
Tomassi advised focusing on arm extension rather than whipping for clean, accurate strikes. Proper footwork, including positioning under the ball, is essential to avoid weak, arm-only swings. His step-by-step guide offers players a practical approach to improving their backhand drive, with additional insights available through his free newsletter.