Today, I want to talk about something I see all the time—players flipping their paddle to roll the ball, especially when it’s dropping below net height. I get it. I want to do it too. But here’s the deal: most of the time, that move gets you in trouble.
What’s the Problem?
When the ball is arcing downward—maybe it’s an offensive dink or a dipping topspin drop—your instinct might be to flatten your paddle and roll over it. And yeah, sometimes it works. But more often? That ball ends up in the net or flying off course.
If your contact point is below the net and your paddle face is flat, there’s no lift. You need to change your paddle angle to get the ball back up and over.
Let the Paddle Angle Do the Work
Your paddle face does most of the work for you—if you set it right. When you’re taking a ball below net height:
- Open your paddle face slightly.
- Use your wrist to guide the ball—not snap it.
- Think of a natural wrist flexion, not a forced wristy shot.
That open paddle face creates the low-to-high lift that gets the ball over the net and adds topspin. And remember—spin isn’t created at the end of your swing. It’s created at the start, at the point of contact.
Avoid the Windshield Wiper
Another thing I see: players start to roll their paddle across their body like a windshield wiper. When that happens, your paddle finishes away from your body, and guess what? That ball’s coming back, and now you’re out of position.
Instead, keep your body and paddle aligned. That way, you’re balanced and ready for the next shot.
Backhand Fixes
Backhands can be trickier. Most players try to roll over with a closed paddle face, which usually sends the ball right into the net. Instead, open the paddle a bit—even a little bit helps. That subtle lift is what lets you stay aggressive from below the net without losing control.
Bottom Line
If you’re hitting a forehand or backhand from below net height, don’t flatten the paddle and try to roll it. Open your paddle face and use that low-to-high motion. It gives you lift, spin, and keeps your shot alive.
Let the paddle do the work, and you’ll stop seeing those low shots die in the net.
