Zane Navratil’s Pickleball Tips: Professional pickleball player Zane Navratil predicts a major shift in 2025, dubbing it “the year of the two-handed backhand.” Navratil emphasizes its growing importance, noting that almost every pro player integrates the technique into their game to gain an edge.
Revolutionizing Power and Precision
Zane Navratil highlights the two-handed backhand as a key to generating extra power and stability.
“Adding the second hand on the paddle helps us generate a little bit more pop.” – (Zane Navratil)
This extra control is particularly useful when dealing with high balls, a situation where one-handed strokes often fall short. Another crucial benefit, he notes, is improved deception.
“This left hand is super important for making last-minute adjustments to your paddle angle, which can really deceive your opponents.” – (Zane Navratil)
Technique Breakdown
Zane Navratil shared a step-by-step tutorial to help players adopt this game-changing stroke.
- Grip: Most players use a continental grip with the dominant hand and place the non-dominant hand above it for added support.
- Preparation: Proper coiling and weight transfer are essential for power. “We’re rotating with our core, not just swinging our arms,” Navratil advises.
- Drills: Beginners are encouraged to practice with their non-dominant hand for better control and coordination.
The technique applies across various scenarios, including baseline drives, aggressive dinks, and speed-ups at the kitchen line.
Expert Opinions and Broader Impact
Zane Navratil’s claims align with trends observed in professional pickleball. Many top players have already incorporated the technique to boost their versatility. He predicts that mastering one-handed and two-handed backhands will distinguish the best players in 2025 and beyond.
Beyond technique, Navratil announced he’s donating December earnings from Cameo to Stop Alzheimer’s Now. His tutorial, available on YouTube, includes detailed explanations and practice drills.
News in Brief: Zane Navratil’s Pickleball Tips
Zane Navratil predicts 2025 will be “the year of the two-handed backhand” in pickleball, highlighting its growing importance in pro-level play. He explains that the two-handed backhand generates more power, stability, and deception, especially against high balls.
Navratil offers a step-by-step tutorial on mastering the technique, emphasizing grip, preparation, and drills to enhance control. As top players incorporate this stroke into their game, Navratil believes it will be crucial for success in the coming years. Additionally, he’s donating his December Cameo earnings to Stop Alzheimer’s Now, supporting a good cause while teaching pickleball.
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