How to Improve Your Backhand in Pickleball (FULL GUIDE)

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide to mastering the backhand in pickleball, covering both one-handed and two-handed techniques. It explains different backhand shots—including drives, slices, chips, and drops—highlighting proper grips, footwork, shoulder rotation, and arm positioning to maximize consistency and power. The instructor identifies the top five common mistakes, such as incorrect grips, poor shoulder rotation, over-bending the arm, over-rotating, and over-relying on forehands. Practical drills are demonstrated to help players practice each shot effectively, emphasizing repetition, proper technique, and gradual progression. By following these instructions, players can transform their backhand from a weakness into a reliable strength.

Takeaways

• 🎾 Backhand shots in pickleball are challenging, but mastering them can turn a weakness into a strength.
• 🏓 There are different types of backhands: the drive, the slice (chip), the drop, and the two-handed backhand, each requiring specific techniques.
• ✋ The correct grip is essential: use a high Continental grip for drives and a Continental grip for chips and drops. Avoid Western grips for better control and topspin.
• 🔄 Proper body positioning and rotation are key: turn shoulders and hips sideways to generate power instead of relying solely on the arm.
• 💪 Keep your arm nearly straight when hitting the ball to improve consistency and allow proper extension.
• 🚫 Avoid over-rotating during the swing; rotate your shoulders and hips after contact rather than during the swing.
• 🤚 Don't rely exclusively on forehands—training the backhand is necessary for balanced gameplay.
• 🏋️ Practice drills are crucial: drop feeds, wall rallies, and partner drills help develop consistent technique for drives, drops, and chips.
• 🤝 Two-handed backhands require a Continental grip on the dominant hand and an Eastern grip on the non-dominant hand, with the non-dominant arm generating most of the power.
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• 🔁 Focused, repetitive practice with correct technique is more effective than unstructured practice; proper fundamentals must be established first.

Q & A

What are the three main types of backhand shots covered in the video?

The three main types of backhand shots are the drive, the slice (chip), and the drop. Each requires slightly different techniques.

Why is the backhand considered one of the hardest shots to master in pickleball?

Most players use improper technique on their backhand, making it difficult to improve. Without correct grip, footwork, and shoulder rotation, the shot is inconsistent and weak.

What grip should be used for a one-handed backhand drive?

The high Continental grip should be used for a one-handed backhand drive. It allows proper paddle positioning and the ability to generate topspin.

What is a common mistake players make when hitting a one-handed backhand?

Common mistakes include using the wrong grip, not turning shoulders, relying on the elbow for power, hitting with too bent an arm, over-rotating, and only using the forehand instead of practicing the backhand.

How should the paddle be positioned during the takeback of a one-handed backhand?

The paddle should point straight behind the player while standing sideways to the net, resembling a surfboard stance. This prepares the body to swing correctly.

What is the key difference in motion between a backhand drive and a backhand chip/drop?

For a drive, players use full shoulder and hip rotation and aim for a slightly bent arm for power and consistency. For chips and drops, the motion is compact, with minimal shoulder rotation, focusing on precision rather than power.

What is the recommended way to practice a one-handed backhand for beginners?

Beginners can start with drop feeds, where they drop the ball to themselves to isolate the technique. Practicing against a wall or with a partner in a slow rally can also help improve footwork and consistency.

How is the two-handed backhand grip different from the one-handed backhand?

For a right-handed player, the right hand uses a Continental grip while the left hand uses an Eastern grip or places fingers on the paddle face. The left arm becomes the primary source of power in the swing.

What role does shoulder and hip rotation play in both one-handed and two-handed backhands?

Shoulder and hip rotation generate the main source of power, reduce reliance on the arm, and help maintain control and consistency in the shot. For one-handed drives, rotation adds power; for two-handed drives, rotation is essential due to limited ability to arm the ball.

What are some drills recommended to improve backhand technique?

Drills include drop feeds for self-practice, wall practice, rally practice with a partner focusing on consistency, and using serves to practice backhand chips. The emphasis is on repetition, footwork, and maintaining proper technique.

Why is it important to use the backhand in games even if it feels weaker than the forehand?

Regularly using the backhand in games helps train the stroke under realistic conditions. Although it may be challenging initially, consistent practice during gameplay strengthens the shot over time, making players more versatile.

How should the follow-through be executed for a one-handed backhand drive?

The follow-through should finish out in front of the body, slightly above the point of contact. Avoid flaring over the shoulder or over-rotating, as that reduces control and makes it harder to keep the ball low.