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Hey Picklebackers! 🏓✨

If you’ve ever caught yourself running around a backhand or bracing when the ball comes fast to that side, you’re not alone. The backhand is one of the most misunderstood shots in pickleball—but also one of the most rewarding to master.

The good news? You don’t need more strength or fancy tricks—just smart technique, better footwork, and purposeful practice. Let’s break down how to turn your backhand into a shot you actually trust.

Tips and Tricks to Master Your Backhand in Pickleball

If there’s one shot that separates intermediate players from advanced ones, it’s the backhand. Many pickleball players instinctively favor their forehand, but opponents quickly learn to target the backhand side—especially at the kitchen line. The good news? The backhand doesn’t have to be a weakness. With proper technique, footwork, and shot selection, it can become one of your most reliable weapons.

Whether you use a one-handed or two-handed backhand, mastering the fundamentals will dramatically improve your consistency, confidence, and court presence.

1. Start with the Right Grip

Everything begins with the grip. For most players, a continental grip is the best option for backhands, especially at the non-volley zone. This grip allows you to hit dinks, blocks, volleys, and resets without constantly adjusting your hand position.

Avoid gripping the paddle too tightly. A relaxed grip (around a 4–5 out of 10) improves feel, control, and soft-touch shots—critical elements for successful backhands.

2. Get Your Body Involved (It’s Not Just Your Arm)

One of the most common backhand mistakes is relying solely on arm strength. Instead, think of the backhand as a body-driven shot.

• Turn your shoulders sideways to the net

• Load your weight on your back foot

• Rotate through the shot using your core

• Finish balanced and facing your target

This kinetic chain generates power while maintaining control, even on soft shots like dinks.

3. Master the Backhand Dink First

Before worrying about drives or passing shots, master the backhand dink. It’s the foundation of winning pickleball.

Key backhand dink tips:

• Keep the paddle face slightly open

• Contact the ball in front of your body

• Use a short, compact swing

• Aim high over the net with a soft arc

Cross-court backhand dinks are especially effective because they give you more margin for error and pull opponents out of position.

4. Improve Your Footwork (This Is Huge)

Great backhands start with great footwork. If you’re reaching or leaning, you’re already at a disadvantage.

Focus on:

• Staying on the balls of your feet

• Using quick shuffle steps instead of lunging

• Getting your body behind the ball whenever possible

At the kitchen line, avoid stepping backward for backhands. Instead, slide laterally to maintain balance and keep your paddle in front of you.

5. Decide: One-Handed or Two-Handed Backhand

Both styles can be effective—it comes down to comfort, strength, and consistency.

One-Handed Backhand

• Excellent reach and finesse

• Ideal for dinks and soft volleys

• Requires good timing and wrist stability

Two-Handed Backhand

• More power and stability

• Easier for players with tennis backgrounds

• Great for drives, returns, and counters

Whichever you choose, commit to it. Switching back and forth often leads to mishits and hesitation.

6. Learn the Backhand Block and Reset

In fast-paced exchanges, your backhand block can save points. When opponents speed the ball up at your backhand:

• Keep your paddle out in front

• Soften your grip at contact

• Let the ball hit the paddle—don’t swing

For resets, focus on absorbing pace and dropping the ball softly back into the kitchen. A calm backhand reset can neutralize even the hardest drives.

7. Use the Backhand as a Setup Shot

Your backhand doesn’t always need to be aggressive. Sometimes its best role is to set up your next shot.

Examples:

• A cross-court backhand dink to open space

• A deep backhand return to buy time to get to the net

• A controlled backhand volley aimed at an opponent’s feet

Smart placement often wins more points than power.

8. Drill with Purpose

Improvement doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through focused repetition.

Try these drills:

• Cross-court backhand dink rallies

• Backhand-only kitchen games

• Backhand block-and-reset drills

• Target practice down the line

Ten focused minutes on backhands each session can lead to noticeable improvement within weeks.

9. Trust Your Backhand in Matches

Finally, the mental side matters. Many players avoid their backhand in games, even after practicing it. Trust the work you’ve put in. The more you use your backhand in real play, the faster it improves.

Remember: confidence isn’t built by avoiding shots—it’s built by hitting them.

Your backhand doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be reliable. With consistent reps, intentional drilling, and trust during match play, you’ll start to feel the shift.

Opponents will stop picking on your backhand, rallies will last longer, and your overall game will feel calmer and more controlled. Stick with the process, embrace the learning curve, and remember: every great backhand was once a work in progress.

Dill-lighfully yours,
Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾

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