More Spin, Less Work
In today’s lesson, I want to talk about something that often gets overlooked: keeping things simple. Pickleball players tend to overcomplicate their mechanics, especially when trying to generate spin or power. The truth is, with just a few small tweaks, you can create better consistency, more spin, and more control—without working harder.
Stop Doing Too Much
One of the biggest mistakes players make is doing too much at the line. Excess movement doesn’t help—it hurts. When you try too hard to generate spin or power, you often end up out of position, creating unnecessary errors like hitting into the net or pulling the ball wide.
Your Body Position Matters
Let’s talk about positioning—knees, hips, and shoulders should all be lined up toward your target in a forward motion. This alignment allows your follow-through to be smooth and intentional, keeping your paddle on target and helping you add arc and lift over the net.
What we want to avoid is squaring up too much or coming across the ball, which breaks down that alignment and control.
🔁 Consistency Rule: Your paddle should always finish above the net, not below it.
This concept applies to everything—dinks, drives, drops, volleys, and full swings. The goal is to always be in a position to adjust and respond because the ball is coming back.
Control Starts with Your Non-Dominant Side
A great way to check your shoulder movement and body stability is to hold your non-dominant hand near your heart or even hold your shoulder as you practice your swing. You can also hold a ball in your non-dominant hand and keep it in your peripheral vision. This helps maintain your spacing and upper-body control, improving both your rotation and net consistency.
Use Your Legs to Generate Natural Power
A lot of spin and power comes from your inside leg. For example, if you’re right-handed, using your left leg to slightly lift your hip through the shot can add natural lift and length to your swing. This gives you more control and lets you generate spin and power without forcing it.
🎯 Tip: Stable feet = controlled hands. If your feet are moving during contact, you’re likely losing control.
Make Contact In Front, and Higher
The further in front you contact the ball—and the higher that contact point—the more options you have. When your paddle is low and behind you, you’re limited. But when it’s out front and above the net, suddenly you have the ability to:
- Redirect the ball
- Attack the opponent in front of you
- Speed it up through the middle
- Add spin or lift
- Control the pace
This is where you gain options, power, and consistency all at once.
Final Thoughts: Frame It Up
Control in pickleball doesn’t come from your wrist—it comes from your frame. When you maintain a stable upper body and follow through above the net, you’ll find that your shots feel easier, more controlled, and more effective.
So remember:
- Keep your paddle face towards your target
- Finish above the net
- See the target clearly
- And always keep it simple
Your game will thank you.
