Do You Have a Weak Backhand?

So many players come to me asking for help with their weak backhand. It is a very common challenge. But with focused practice, it can be overcome.

weak backhand

 

First, Focus on your non-dominant hand

If you follow this blog you know I have written before about your non-dominant hand. But it is especially important when you are hitting a backhand. It doesn’t matter if it is one-handed or two-handed. Each requires the use of your non-dominant hand. First, your non-dominant hand supports the paddle movement during the backhand. It ensures balance and brings the paddle back to the proper position. If you allow your non-dominant arm to just hang by your side, you have a tendency to take the paddle back too far behind you.

Utilizing both hands also promotes the mobility of your shoulders which is key to consistency. If you prefer a one-handed backhand, guide the paddle back by supporting the paddle with your non-dominant hand and then separate your hands. This motion promotes power and balance.

Second, Consider your elbow

Many players who struggle with an effective backhand fail to turn their shoulders. Instead, they simply bend their elbow, face the net and swat at the ball. This motion relies on the forearm to generate all power…typically not a very powerful part of our bodies.  Not only will this generate weak shots into the net, but it can also lead to injury.

How to practice

In addition to exercises off the court to strengthen your shoulders, consider adding focused backhand dinks to your typical practice why do you dinkroutine. When you practice, keep your feet still, extend your arm and move the paddle with your shoulder. You want a nice smooth, slow motion guiding the ball to your target. Imagine spreading warm butter on a piece of bread using long strokes.  Let your shoulder extend and feel the ball on the paddle a bit longer. Remember to have a loose grip in the fingers (not the palm) of your hand. The ball is light. It doesn’t have far to go. Stay relaxed and slow. Continue to practice a crosscourt motion. As you become more advanced, change things up by occasionally hitting the ball down the line. Don’t move your feet or bend your elbow. Simply, move the paddle to change the ball’s direction.

 

Offensive Dinking Air vs. Bounce Strategy

How To Improve Offensive Dinking: Air vs. Bounce Strategy

Today, we’re diving into offensive dinking and how to make it a weapon in your pickleball game. There’s a lot of theory out there about dinking, but I want to focus on two key approaches: dinking in the air and offensive dinking off the bounce. Understanding when to use each

Read More »
The Serve - Bounce or In The Air

Pickleball Serve: Bounce It or Take It In Air?

One thing I often see from players is the reliance on the bounce serve. While there are times when the bounce serve can be useful, it often limits your ability to be more offensive. Today, I want to dive into how transitioning to hitting the serve in the air can

Read More »
The Pickleball Serve Key Progressions for Consistency

The Serve: A Simple Progression for Consistency

In pickleball, the serve is one of the most fundamental aspects of the game. However, as adults, we often complicate what should be a straightforward motion, making it trickier than it needs to be. Today, we’re going to break down the serve into a simple progression that will help you

Read More »
The Pickleball Overhead

The Overhead In 3 Steps

Hitting an overhead in pickleball can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to the sport or haven’t played other racquet sports like tennis. However, with the right progression and practice, you can develop a strong and effective overhead shot. In this post, I’ll walk you through a simple

Read More »
Pickleball Forehand Volley - Key Progressions for Success

Forehand Volley: Key Progressions for Success

Today, we’re diving into the progression of the forehand volley. This can be a bit tricky for new players, but with the right approach, you’ll nail it in no time. Understanding the Basics First, let’s clarify the difference between a dink and a volley. A dink is a low to

Read More »
The Dink A Step-by-Step Progression

The Dink: A Step-by-Step Progression

Elevate Your Dinking Skills with These Fundamental Techniques Today, we’re diving into the fundamentals of progression in pickleball, starting with the dink. I often get asked, “How do you teach a dink?” Well, it’s all about developing a progression of movement, ensuring we’re coordinating our paddle and footwork simultaneously. Let’s

Read More »

Sign Up For My
FREE Email Tips!

In One Click...
Subscribe To My Channel!

Recent Posts