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Unlock the Power of the Inside-Out Forehand
Master this game-changing shot to dominate your pickleball matches.
PICKLEBACK CLUB
May 13, 2025
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Hey Picklebackers! 🏓✨
Want to keep your opponents on their toes and add a new weapon to your pickleball arsenal? The inside-out forehand is a dynamic shot that can turn the game in your favor when executed correctly. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can make this advanced maneuver part of your game.
Whether you’re pulling opponents wide or targeting their backhand, mastering this shot will elevate your play.
✅ What Is an Inside-Out Forehand?
An inside-out forehand is when you hit a forehand shot away from your body’s natural crosscourt path, usually from the backhand side of your body (the "inside" position) and aim diagonally toward your opponent’s backhand sideline (the "out" direction).
Instead of going cross-court or down the line, you curve the shot away using topspin and angle.
🏃♂️ HOW TO HIT IT — Step-by-Step
1. Anticipation & Court Awareness
Read the opponent’s shot early.
You’ll typically use this shot when the ball is hit to your backhand zone, but is not too deep or fast.
2. Footwork: Get Around the Ball
Take quick lateral steps to move to your left side (if you're right-handed) so the ball is now in your forehand strike zone.
You may need to rotate your hips and shoulders so you're side-on to the net.
Think of it as moving "around" the ball so you can hit it with your stronger forehand from a position you’d usually hit a backhand.
3. Body Positioning
Plant your back foot (right foot for righties).
Stay balanced with your knees bent and core engaged.
Keep your paddle head up and shoulders turned.
4. Swing Mechanics
Use a low-to-high motion, brushing the outside of the ball to generate topspin and side spin.
Your paddle should go outward toward your target on the opponent’s backhand side, then wrap around your body in the follow-through.
5. Follow-Through
Follow through high and around your opposite shoulder.
You should end up facing the net again, ready for the next shot.
🧠 STRATEGIC USE — When to Hit It
🔹 1. When Your Opponent Is Leaning Middle
If your opponent shifts to cover the middle or anticipates a cross-court shot, the inside-out forehand can catch them off balance by going the other way.
🔹 2. When You Want to Target Their Backhand
Many players have weaker backhands. If you're on the right side of the court and your opponent is a righty, the inside-out forehand targets their backhand corner.
🔹 3. To Open Up the Court
After hitting inside-out, you’ve pulled them wide. Their next shot will likely be weak or return to the middle—giving you a putaway opportunity on the next ball.
🔹 4. When You Get a Floater or Attackable Ball
If the opponent gives you a short dink or a slow drive that lands near the middle or on your backhand side, this is a perfect time to pivot and hit an aggressive inside-out forehand.
@tanner.pickleball This is the craftiest pickleball shot!🤯😳 It’s an Inside out forehand dink. 🧠 If you can set this up throughout the match.. it is DEADLY. ☠... See more
❌ COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
Poor footwork – Not getting around the ball fully results in a cramped or off-balance shot.
Over-rotation – Overdoing the spin can make the ball sail wide.
Using it when rushed – This is a setup shot. If you’re on defense or off balance, stick to neutral shots.
Telegraphing – If you set up too early, a good opponent will read it and adjust their positioning.
🧩 Bonus Tip: Combine with Inside-In
Once you've made your opponent respect the inside-out, mix it up with an inside-in forehand—same footwork, but hit it down the line instead. This keeps them guessing and makes you unpredictable.
Next time you're on the court, practice this shot and watch your game transform! With the right anticipation, footwork, and technique, you'll start seeing your opponents struggle to keep up. Don’t forget: when they start anticipating your inside-out forehand, surprise them with an inside-in shot to keep the pressure on.
Keep practicing, and soon, you’ll be controlling the court with your new favorite shot.
Happy playing!
Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾
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