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Hey Picklebackers! 🏓✨

Imagine stepping up to the net with the confidence of a seasoned pro—every volley precise, every shot intentional. In today’s newsletter, we’ll guide you through mastering both the forehand and backhand volleys, the secret ingredients to upping your game. From the correct grip to the controlled ‘punch’ shot, these insights and drills are designed to help you progress from a solid 3.5 to an unstoppable 4.0.

Ready to serve up some success? Let’s go!

Mastering the forehand volley and backhand volley in pickleball is key to improving your net game and control. Since you're aiming to move from a 3.5 to a 4.0 level, refining these shots with better technique, consistency, and strategic placement will be crucial.

Forehand Volley in Pickleball

A forehand volley is executed when you hit the ball out of the air on your dominant side before it bounces. This shot is crucial for quick exchanges at the net, putting pressure on your opponents, and maintaining control during volleys and dinks.

Technique Breakdown:

1. Ready Position

   • Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.

   • Paddle should be held up and in front of your chest (not down at your waist).

   • Keep a slight forward lean for quicker reactions.

1. Grip

   • Use a continental grip (like shaking hands with the paddle).

   • This grip allows for quick transitions between forehand and backhand volleys.

2. Minimal Backswing

   • Unlike groundstrokes, volleys require a short, controlled motion.

   • The power comes from your forearm and shoulder, not a long swing.

3. The Punch Technique

   • Instead of swinging, imagine punching the ball forward using a firm wrist.

   • The movement should be compact and controlled, not a slap.

   • Your paddle face should be slightly open to keep the ball low over the net.

4. Contact & Follow-Through

   • Make contact in front of your body, not beside you.

   • Your follow-through should be short and controlled, keeping the ball low and directed toward your target.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Too much backswing – Leads to loss of control.

• Overuse of wrist – Causes inconsistent shots.

• Hitting too hard – Often results in sending the ball out of bounds.

• Not keeping the paddle up – Slows reaction time.

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Backhand Volley in Pickleball

The backhand volley is executed when the ball is on your non-dominant side and taken out of the air before bouncing. This is essential for quick reactions at the net, defensive volleys, and redirecting play.

Technique Breakdown:

1. Ready Position

   • Same as forehand volley: Feet shoulder-width apart, paddle up, knees slightly bent.

   • Body should be balanced and ready to react to both sides.

2. Grip

   • Stick with the continental grip for smooth transitions between forehand and backhand.

   • Adjust the grip slightly for more control if needed, but don’t switch grips mid-play.

1. Paddle Position

   • Keep the paddle face slightly open for better control and placement.

   • Avoid letting the paddle drop below your waist.

2. Controlled “Punch” Motion

   • Just like the forehand volley, a short, firm punch (rather than a big swing) is key.

   • Use your shoulder and forearm rather than flicking your wrist.

3. Contact Point & Follow-Through

   • Hit the ball in front of your body, not beside or behind you.

   • Keep the follow-through short and controlled, guiding the ball where you want it to go.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Letting the paddle drop – Makes it harder to react quickly.

• Over-swinging – Reduces control and can pop the ball up.

• Not angling the paddle correctly – Can send the ball too high or into the net.

Key Strategies for Better Volleys

Once you’ve got the technique down, you need to use your volleys effectively in a real game.

1. Keep Opponents Back

   • When your opponents are at the baseline, use firm volleys to keep them back rather than letting them move forward.

   • Aim for deep volleys to prevent them from getting to the net.

2. Angle Your Volleys

   • Instead of hitting straight at your opponent, use angled volleys to force them to move.

   • Sharp angles are great for winning quick points at the net.

3. Soft Touch When Needed

   • Not all volleys should be hard. Sometimes a soft, controlled volley (especially against hard hitters) can disrupt their rhythm.

4. Attack Pop-Ups

   • If your opponent pops the ball up, be ready to put it away with a firm volley directed at their feet or an open court.

Drills to Improve Volleys

Practicing the right drills will help you get to the 4.0 level.

1. Wall Volley Drill

🔹 Stand about 5-7 feet from a wall and volley the ball continuously against it.
🔹 Focus on keeping short, controlled strokes.
🔹 Alternate between forehand and backhand volleys.

2. Kitchen Volley Rally

🔹 With a partner, stand at the non-volley zone line (kitchen line).
🔹 Rally with only volleys, keeping the ball in play.
🔹 Try to place shots to the sidelines and force movement.

3. Reaction Drill

🔹 Have a partner feed balls at different speeds and directions.
🔹 Your goal is to react quickly and control the volley.
🔹 Keep your paddle up and focus on keeping your shots low.

4. Offensive & Defensive Volleys

🔹 Practice hitting firm, offensive volleys deep into the opponent’s court.
🔹 Then switch and focus on soft, controlled volleys to reset a point.

Final Tips to Improve Faster

✅ Watch the ball – Focus on its spin and speed.
✅ Stay on the balls of your feet – Don’t stand flat-footed.
✅ Keep your paddle up – Quicker reaction time.
✅ Mix up your volleys – Combine soft and firm shots for variety.
✅ Play against better opponents – Helps develop faster reflexes.

If you master these volley techniques, your net game will improve significantly, helping you transition from a 3.5 to a 4.0 player.

Now that you’ve got the techniques and drills in your playbook, it’s time to hit the court and put them into practice. Remember, every great volley starts with dedication and a little bit of fun. Keep working on your form, experiment with your shots, and most importantly, enjoy every moment on the court.

Until next time, keep volleying and stay unstoppable!

Your PICKLEBACKCLUB Team 🥒🎾

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