Are you weary of employing the same old backhand approach in pickleball? Is it time to make a change and inject some diversity into your game? Look no further! We are here to help you with this blog post.
We’ll be taking an in-depth look at the numerous types of backhanded shots that can be used while playing pickleball. Whether you’re just starting or a pro, there is always space for progress, so let’s get into the thrilling realm of backhand shots!
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What Is a Backhand in Pickleball?
In pickleball, the backhand stroke is hit with the face of one’s paddle on the backside of the body. It can be done with either one or two hands. This shot is often employed defensively due to its lack of power, but if executed well, it can become quite effective offensively.
Various types of backhand are available in pickleball, each with advantages and disadvantages. One-handed strokes often provide more accuracy and control than two-handed ones; however, they may lack the strength of a two-handed backhand. On the other hand, two-handed shots have more power but require precise control for optimum results.
Methods of Backhand
There are several different types of backhand strokes in pickleball. The most common is the one-handed backhand, which most recreational players use. The two-handed backhand is used by more advanced players and is often considered more robust. There are also variations of the one-handed backhand, such as the slice backhand and the topspin backhand.
Here are some other methods-
- Underhand Serve:
It is the most basic serve in pickleball and is usually used by beginners. It involves hitting the ball underhand, generally starting at waist level and ending with your arm extended above your head.
- Overhead Serve:
This type of serve involves hitting the ball from above your head, making it difficult for your opponent to return it. It requires more practice than an underhand serve but can be effective if done correctly.
- Backspin Serve:
A backspin serve is a more advanced technique that involves giving the ball a backspin as it leaves your paddle, making it difficult for your opponent to control their return shot. To do this, you must twist your wrist just before contact with the ball so that you are pushing down on top of it as you hit it away from you toward the other side of the court.
- Lob Serve:
A lob serves similar to an overhead serve. Still, instead of hitting the ball straight over, you aim at a higher angle so that when it lands on the court, its trajectory will cause an arc up before bouncing downwards onto the other side of the court near or past the baseline area in front of netting line which makes them difficult to return due to their height and spin on them when served correctly!
- Drop Serve:
A drop serve is a more advanced technique that involves hitting the ball softly with a backspin so it drops quickly and lands short of the service line on the other side of the court. It requires practice to perfect and can be very effective when done correctly, as it gives your opponent less time to react.
What Are the Benefits of Backhand Serving?
Regarding the backhand serves in pickleball, many advantages make this technique a great choice. The backhand can catch opponents off guard since it is less typical than the forehand serve. It gives you a strategic edge if your competitors are still waiting to anticipate it.
Additionally, the backhand serve allows for better control over where the ball goes compared to a forehand serve. It makes it harder for your opponents to return shots and helps keep them off-balance. Lastly, you can put more spin on the ball with a backhand serve, making it more difficult for opponents to send it back.
The Backhand Serve Rules
There are a few variations of the backhand serve in pickleball, but the most common is the underhand version. This type involves gripping the paddle with your non-dominant hand and making contact with an underhanded swing. The other variations include overhand and side-arm serves, each of which has specific rules.
Generally, you must stand behind the baseline on one side of the net from your opponent and wait for them to return before striking it below net level while keeping it within court boundaries, above your waist height, and diagonally towards their court. If you remember to practice and keep these general guidelines in mind, you should have no difficulty executing a successful backhand serve!
How to Hit a Backhand Serve in Pickleball?
There are two main types of backhand serve in pickleball: the one-handed backhand and the two-handed backhand. Every kind of serve has its unique benefits and drawbacks. In general, the one-handed backhand is more challenging to master but provides more power and spin, while the two-handed backhand is easier to learn but lacks some of the force and spin of the one-handed backhand.
To hit a successful one-handed backhand serve, start by positioning yourself so that your non-dominant hand is closest to the net. Then, toss the ball into the air and strike it with an overhand motion using your dominant hand. Make sure to snap your wrist at impact for extra spin.
The key to a successful one-handed backhand serve is using a light grip and keeping your elbow close to your body throughout the motion. Try using a two-handed grip if you want an easier way to hit a backhand serve. To do this, position your hands on the handle of your paddle as if you were going to shake someone’s hand.
When you swing, use both hands together in a synchronized motion. This type of serve is much easier to keep consistent but provides less power or spin than a one-handed backhand serve.
FAQs
The backhand serves as an essential technique to have when playing pickleball. It can be done by gripping the paddle with both hands and striking the ball with the opposite side. This move is usually used when a forehand stroke isn’t possible, and if done correctly, it can be very successful. That being said, it’s best only to use this maneuver when needed because overusing it may cause you to tire out more quickly and ultimately lose the match.
There are two main types of grips for backhand serves: the continental grip and the Eastern forehand grip. For a continental grip, you will hold the paddle in your left hand with your palm facing down and your thumb and first finger wrapped around the handle. For an Eastern forehand grip, you will hold the paddle in your right hand with your palm facing up and your thumb and first finger wrapped around the paddle handle.
A legal backhand serve must be hit below the waist and behind the non-volley zone line. The ball must also clear the net by at least four inches. If you are using a continental grip, you will hit the ball with the face of the paddle closest to your body. If you use an Eastern forehand grip, you will hit the ball with the front of the paddle farthest from your body.
Some typical faults with backhand serve include not hitting below the waist, not clearing the net, not hitting behind the non-volley zone line, or taking too long to hit the ball.
Conclusion
Pickleball is a great game for any age and skill level. Knowing the different methods of backhand in pickleball can give you an edge over your opponents, so take some time to practice the different styles and figure out which one works best for you. With enough practice and dedication, soon you will be mastering all the different backhands and dominating on the court!
I am a professional physiotherapist and the author of the BallSportsPro. I worked with athletes of all levels, from amateur to professional, and i helped them overcome injuries and improve their performance. I am a certified Pickleball instructor and has been playing the sport for over 10 years.
