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Hey PICKLEBACKers! 🏓

Mastering the overhead smash in pickleball can be the difference between winning a critical point and giving your opponents an easy return.

Whether you're a beginner learning the ropes or a seasoned player refining your skills, nailing the right positioning and follow-through is key. This week, we’re breaking down the essential tips to help you perfect your overhead and dominate the court!

Hitting Proper and Effective Overheads

To hit a proper and effective overhead in pickleball, it's essential to focus on positioning, technique, and follow-through. The below breakdown offers key tips to improve your overhead.

1. Positioning

• Get into position early: As soon as you recognize that a lob is coming, start moving your feet and getting into position behind the ball. Ideally, you want the ball to drop in front of you so that you can step into your shot.

• Stay balanced: Don’t backpedal. Instead, turn sideways and move with side shuffles to maintain balance and control. Try to square your body to the net before hitting the overhead.

2. Set Your Stance

• Non-dominant arm as a guide: Point your non-dominant arm toward the ball to help track its trajectory and keep your balance. This helps you stay aligned and positioned correctly for the shot.

• Side-on stance: As you prepare to strike, your body should be side-on to the net, with your shoulders turned and feet staggered (dominant foot slightly back).

3. Racquet Preparation

• High racquet position: Raise your paddle high and slightly back behind your head, similar to preparing for a serve in tennis or a smash in badminton.

• Compact backswing: Don’t take a huge backswing; it should be controlled and quick to allow for good timing and balance.

4. The Strike

• Hit at the highest point: Strike the ball at its highest point or slightly in front of you. The goal is to generate power by hitting down on the ball, which will make it harder for your opponents to return.

• Snap your wrist: For added power and control, snap your wrist at the point of contact. This helps generate speed and a steeper angle on the ball.

• Hit through the ball: Don’t just tap it—hit through the ball with a full follow-through.

5. Follow-Through

• Complete the motion: Your paddle should follow through down toward your opposite hip, with your body naturally turning forward toward the net.

• Recover quickly: After the shot, move back into position, ready for your next shot in case your opponents manage to return the ball.

6. Angle and Placement

• Target deep or to the sides: Try to direct the overhead to open spaces—either deep in your opponent's court or toward the sideline. Avoid hitting directly at your opponents, as this makes it easier for them to block.

• Mix up your shots: Vary the speed and placement of your overheads to keep your opponents guessing. A well-placed softer overhead can be just as effective as a powerful one.

7. Practice Timing and Consistency

• Timing: Proper timing is key for accuracy and power. Drill your overheads in practice to develop good timing.

• Consistency: Focus on making clean contact and landing your shots in the right spots. Avoid swinging too wildly, which can lead to errors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Backing up awkwardly: Try not to backpedal when going for an overhead. Instead, turn and move your feet quickly to maintain balance.

• Rushing the shot: Take the time to properly set up your overhead rather than trying to rush and hit an off-balance shot.

• Hitting flat: Aim for a downward angle. Hitting the ball flat can make it easier for your opponents to counter.

Focusing on fundamentals unlocks improvement in your ability to hit powerful, well-placed overheads that are difficult for your opponents to return!

Tip of the Week: How to Find the Best Pickleball Paddle for Your Game

Choosing the right paddle can significantly elevate your pickleball performance. We break down how to find the right one for you.

1. Identify Your Playing Style:

   • Power players should look for paddles with a heavier weight (8.0-9.0 oz) for more forceful shots.

   • Control players should opt for lighter paddles (7.0-8.0 oz) that provide precision and maneuverability.

2. Consider Paddle Material:

   • Graphite paddles are lightweight and responsive, ideal for finesse players who focus on ball control.

   • Composite paddles offer a balance between power and control, suiting players with varied styles.

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3. Grip Size Matters: A proper grip size ensures comfort and control. Use a paddle with a small grip (4-4.25 inches) for more wrist action or a larger grip (4.5+ inches) for stability.

4. Test Before You Buy: Try out a few paddles before committing. Local clubs or shops often offer demo paddles for you to test different weights, grips, and materials to find your ideal match.

It’s crucial to select a paddle that complements your game, since you can enhance both power and precision on the court.

Ready to bring more power to your game? With consistent practice and a solid understanding of the mechanics, your overhead smash will soon be one of your most reliable shots.

Keep hitting the courts, and stay tuned for more tips on elevating your pickleball prowess.

See you next week, and happy playing!

The PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾

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