Master Your Pickleball Backhand: Grip, Topspin, and Slice Techniques

Mastering your pickleball backhand is one sure way to improve your pickleball game. Will you use a one handed backhand or a two handed or a combination of both? It all starts with the correct grip. Move away from the frying pan grip and turn your knuckles so they face the court for a good foundation. From there you can use this grip for topspin or a slice backhand. As you watch the video it becomes a choice of your swing path. Low to high for top spin or high to slow for slice with a slightly more open face.

Here is a summary of the pickleball backhand video:

• Grip: The video advises against the "frying pan" grip [00:09] often used by beginners, as it can strain the elbow. Instead, it suggests turning the hand so the knuckles face the court [00:21].

• Topspin: To create topspin, use a low-to-high motion, stepping in with the right foot, using the shoulder, and following through high [00:36]. A paddle with a carbon fiber surface can enhance spin [00:40].

• Two-handed backhand: This is recommended for deep balls or when more strength is needed [01:07]. Add the second hand for power, keep the same grip on the right hand, and use a low-to-high motion [01:15].

• Slice: Use the same grip as the topspin backhand, but with a high-to-low motion [01:56]. This shot is useful for returning serves, stepping in with the right foot, and approaching the net, or as a change-up to create under spin [02:12].

Many girls use the 2 handed backhand from tennis to pickleball for the extra strength it provides