Pickleball Technique Basics

Occasionally, I find it is a good idea to go back to the basics, especially after digging deep into strategies for an extended time. Coach Mo has written tips that remind us of the basics of shot-making called 10 Ways to Improve Your Pickleball Technique.

10 Ways to Improve Your Pickleball Technique

1. POINT YOUR SHOULDER.

Point your shoulder towards your target when hitting on the backhand side on all shots and point your left shoulder toward your target on forehand side on all shots.

2. AIM YOUR PADDLE MOTIONLESS.

Aim your paddle motionless where you think you will be making contact with the ball early before the ball comes over the net on all shots. Early preparation is very important.

3. BEND YOUR KNEES.

Do not drop the paddle below the wrist and bend your knees on low balls. Pretend you are sitting in a chair and stay down until you completely follow through toward your target.

4. KEEP YOUR CHIN UP DURING AN OVERHEAD SHOT.

If you drop your chin too soon then the ball will tend to go into the net.

5. KEEP A FIRM WRIST.

Set the angle with your wrist on ALL shots then lock the wrist back into place an do not let it move forward until you have completely followed through.

6. SPIT STEP.

Every time, at the exact point of your opponent touching the ball get into a balanced ready position with both feet parallel about shoulder width apart ready to hit a low ball on your right or left.

7. MAKE A SOUND AT THE EXACT POINT OF CONTACT OF YOUR SHOTS.

When you exhale it gives you a little more power and it also stops you from making one of the most common mistakes in pickleball which is lifting your chin too soon and not watching the ball hit your paddle.

8. PUNCH YOUR VOLLEYS and STROKE YOUR GROUND STROKES.

Do not swing at your volleys unless you are a 4.5 or 5.0 player and practice an hour a day and can make the shot very consistently.

9.STEP TOWARD YOUR TARGET and FOLLOW THROUGH.

Pretend you are hitting four balls glued together.

10. CONTACT THE BALL WHERE YOU PLANT YOUR FRONT TOE.

Step forward to the ball and make contact out in front of you.