Master the Art of Misdirection

Unleash surprising shots and stay a step ahead of your opponents.

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PICKLEBACKCLUB

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Hey PICKLEBACKers! 🏓

👋 Ready to add a surprising twist to your game? This week, we’re diving into the inside-out forehand—an ace technique to keep your opponent guessing!

Learn how to master the footwork, paddle angle, and placement to add unpredictability to every rally. Gear up, and let’s bring a little mischief to the court!

Flip the Script: Nail the Inside-Out Forehand

The inside-out forehand in pickleball is a great technique for adding unpredictability and making it tougher for opponents to anticipate your shots. Below we provide a breakdown on how to hit it effectively.

1. Positioning and Footwork

  • Position yourself slightly behind the ball so you can hit around it with ease.

  • Step out with your back foot slightly to create the necessary angle, allowing your paddle to move from inside (close to your body) to outside (away from your body) as you strike.

2. Grip and Paddle Angle

  • Use a slightly open paddle face to direct the ball to the opposite side of your natural forehand direction. This helps guide the ball across your body, making it seem like it’s going one way before it changes direction.

3. Swing Path and Motion

  • Start with your paddle behind you and near your body, aiming to create an “inside-out” motion.

  • Swing outwards, allowing your paddle to “brush” against the outside of the ball, creating a bit of side spin. This spin helps the ball curve to the side rather than going straight.

4. Weight Transfer

  • Shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot, maintaining balance as you hit. This weight transfer adds extra control and power to the inside-out motion.

@wavepickleball

Learn the Inside-Out Forehand with Pickleball Coach @devoueted, add this offensive pickleball shot to your game! This shot can be used off... See more

5. Follow-Through

  • Let your follow-through go naturally outward (toward the direction you want the ball to go) and slightly to the side. This extension will add to the spin and placement.

6. Placement Practice

  • Aim for deep in the opponent’s court, targeting the opposite side or their backhand (often their weaker side).

  • Practice with different paces—hitting both softer, angled shots and more powerful ones to keep your opponent guessing.

The inside-out forehand is highly effective for catching opponents off guard, especially if they’re anticipating a standard forehand to their forehand side. Regular practice will help you master the spin and placement, boosting your offensive game!

Tip of the Week: Perfect Your Forehand Smash in Pickleball

1. Position Early

Move quickly to get the ball in front, around shoulder height.

2. Power from Your Core

Shift your weight forward, using your whole body for force.

3. Aim Low and Steep

Target your opponent’s feet or an angled spot to make returns tough.

@s2pickleball

Whatever you do, don’t hit into the net. 😂😂😂#potd #socal #pickle #pickleball #pickleballtips

4. Controlled Follow-Through

Extend your paddle forward to keep the ball down.

5. Pick the Right Ball

Only smash high, easy-to-reach shots to avoid errors.

Master these steps, and turn those high balls into winning smashes!

That’s a wrap for this week, Pickleballers! Now you’re ready to put your new inside-out forehand skills to the test. Don’t forget to practice, mix up the power and placement, and let the spin take your shots to the next level.

Until next time, keep swinging and surprising out there!

See you next week, and happy playing!

The PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾

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