In pickleball circles, there’s a bit of controversy about players who are known as ‘spinners’—those who spin most of their shots. Some say these players add a challenging twist to the game, while others think they make the game less enjoyable. So, do most players really dislike playing against a spinner?
Understanding the ‘Spinner’
A spinner in pickleball uses a variety of spins to control the game and challenge their opponent. This can include topspin, backspin, and more extreme spins (side spins, corkscrew spins etc) that can make the ball behave unpredictably.
It’s a tactic that can frustrate new and casual players who aren’t yet skilled at reading and returning spin-heavy shots.
The Controversy
Does Spin Stunt Growth:
There’s a notion that relying heavily on spin can stunt a player’s development. A seasoned player explains, “It’s hard to break free of that mindset and start using other shots.” This implies that over-relying on spin can limit a player’s tactical versatility.
Annoyance at Higher Levels:
At higher play levels, extreme spin is seen not just as ineffective but as a nuisance. “At higher levels (3.5 and certainly 4.0 and above), it’s a completely useless strategy,” one player comments. It’s viewed as more of a gimmick than a legitimate strategy among advanced players.
Strategic Use of Spin:
However, it’s essential to differentiate between excessive spinning as a crutch and strategic use of spin in normal strokes. Topspin and backspin are part of high-level play and are necessary skills to master.
What Do Pickleball Players Say About Playing Spinners?
Embrace the Challenge:
One player suggests, “Play your opponent regardless. It’s up to you to overcome what they throw at you. Once you do, it won’t be a concern.”
This sentiment is echoed by another who views playing against spinners as a learning tool, similar to playing against ‘bangers’ (players who hit the ball hard). The idea here is that learning to handle spin makes you a better player.
Appreciation for Skill:
Not everyone dislikes spin. One enthusiastic player says, “I love playing against spinners! Spin the ball at me, I spin the ball back at them… Then I hit a junky slimy spin ball at their partner who has no idea what to do with it. It’s like a gravity assist.” This player highlights the fun and strategic depth spin can add to the game.
Skill Level Matters:
The tolerance for spin seems to increase with skill level. As one player points out, “At levels 3.5-4.0+, spin is just part of the game.” This suggests that while beginners might struggle with spin, advanced players expect it and integrate it into their strategies.
How to Handle ‘Spinners’ Effectively
Playing against a ‘spinner’ in pickleball can definitely throw you off your game if you’re not prepared. Spinners use their skills to manipulate the ball’s movement, making it more challenging to predict and return shots.
Here’s how you can adjust your playstyle and strategy to handle spin effectively:
1. Improve Your Observation Skills
- Watch the spinner’s paddle closely. The direction, angle, and speed of their paddle at the point of contact will give you clues about the spin.
- Notice how the ball behaves after bouncing—does it kick to the side, or does it shoot forward more rapidly? These observations will help you anticipate the spin.
2. Adjust Your Paddle Angle and Speed
- When returning a spin shot, adjust the angle of your paddle to counteract the spin. For instance, if the ball is coming with topspin, angle your paddle slightly upward to counteract the downward force.
- Sometimes, changing the speed of your swing can help neutralize the spin, using a softer touch for heavy spins to prevent overreactions.
3. Stay Patient and Let the Ball Bounce
- Give yourself more time to react correctly by letting the ball bounce if possible. This can help reduce the effect of the spin as the ball loses some of its initial spin after hitting the ground.
4. Practice with Spin
- Regularly practice with a partner who can impart different spins on the ball. The more you practice against spin, the better you’ll become at reading and returning such shots.
- Use wall drills to practice on your own. Aim to hit the ball with varying spins and try to return it successfully.
5. Position Yourself Strategically
- Stay in a neutral position where you can move quickly in any direction. Being too close to the net or too far back can limit your ability to react to spun shots effectively.
- Adjust your positioning based on the spinner’s patterns—if they tend to spin the ball deep, be ready to step back quickly.
6. Use Their Spin to Your Advantage
- Sometimes, you can use the opponent’s spin to your advantage by redirecting it where they might not expect. For example, if you receive a heavy sidespin from the right, angle your paddle to redirect it to the left side of their court.
7. Stay Calm and Don’t Overcommit
- Spin shots can be frustrating. It’s important to stay calm and focused, not allowing frustration or impatience to lead to errors.
- Avoid overcommitting to a direction or shot type until you’ve clearly read the incoming spin.
Check out the video below for more insights on how to return difficult spin shots.
Is Spin Good or Bad for Pickleball?
I find spin to be a double-edged sword. It adds a strategic depth to the game, enhancing the challenge and the need for precise skills. However, it can also be daunting for beginners and potentially lead to over-reliance or even injuries if not practiced correctly.
My recommendation? Embrace spin cautiously. If you’re new to pickleball, focus first on mastering the basics like shot placement and footwork. As you become more comfortable, gradually incorporate spin to challenge your opponents and improve your game tactically.
Just remember, balance is key—ensure you’re not compromising fundamental skills for flashy spins.
