Pickleball is a game of precision, control, and, surprisingly, the right body mechanics. One of the most impactful techniques you can learn as a beginner is how to properly use your hips to enhance your shots.
Pickleball pro player Dylan Goldman shares an important tip from his own journey from a pickleball beginner to a better player: hitting with your hips.
Why Hip Movement is Key for Beginners
A common mistake many beginners make is relying solely on their arms to swing. Whether hitting a drive or executing a drop shot, they tend to stay square and swing with their arm, which limits their power and control. Understanding that the energy you transfer to the ball comes from your entire body, particularly your hips, can revolutionize your game.
When you engage your hips, you not only generate more power but also more spin. This technique allows you to maximize the energy transfer from your body to the ball, resulting in more effective and precise shots. It’s a fundamental skill that separates novice players from advanced ones.
Implementing Hip Movement in Your Shots
To effectively use your hips in pickleball, follow these steps:
- Stance and Balance: Start with a stable and balanced stance. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, and your weight should be evenly distributed.
- Initiate with the Hips: As you prepare to hit the ball, initiate the movement from your hips. Rotate your hips toward the direction you want the ball to go. This rotation is the core of your power generation.
- Minimal Arm Movement: Allow your arms to follow the movement of your hips naturally. Avoid using your arm muscles to generate the swing. Instead, let the energy flow from your hips through your torso and into your arms.
- Practice the Motion: Practice this hip-driven movement with slow, deliberate swings. Focus on feeling the power coming from your hips rather than your arms. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the motion.
To see this technique in action, check out Dylan Goldman’s video below. Dylan showcases how he uses his hips to transfer power and spin to the ball:
Check out more videos and pro tips from our friends pro pickleball coaches:
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The Pitfalls of Only Using Your Arms in Pickleball
Relying solely on your arms to hit the ball in pickleball can lead to several issues that hinder your performance and overall game development. Here’s what happens when you neglect to engage your whole body, particularly your hips:
- Reduced Power: Shots are weaker and less effective, making them easier for opponents to return.
- Lack of Spin: It’s harder to add spin, resulting in flatter, less challenging shots.
- Increased Fatigue: Your arms tire faster, affecting your consistency and endurance.
- Higher Risk of Injury: Overusing your arms can lead to pickleball injuries like tennis elbow and shoulder pain.
- Poor Accuracy and Control: Shots lack stability and precision, making them harder to place accurately.
- Slower Reaction Time: You move and react slower, making it harder to keep up with fast rallies.
Mastering the fundamentals is the key to a great pickleball game, and understanding body mechanics is at the heart of these fundamentals.
As a beginner, focusing on how you use your body, particularly your hips, can set you on the path to long-term success on the court.
