Inside-Out vs. Inside-In Shots in Pickleball

If you’ve played pickleball long enough, you’ve probably heard someone mention “inside-out” or “inside-in” shots—usually right after your opponent bends space and time to hit a ball where you swore no angle existed. And while those terms might sound like tennis lingo or something from a biomechanics textbook, they’re actually critical tools for smarter, more strategic play.

Whether you’re a 3.0 player looking to mix things up or a seasoned competitor fine-tuning your angles, understanding these two shot types can completely shift how you build and win points.

Let’s break down what they really mean, why they matter, how to hit them correctly, and when to use (or definitely not use) them.

First, What Do “Inside-Out” and “Inside-In” Actually Mean?

Let’s demystify the terms.

These labels describe where you’re hitting the ball from—and where you send it in relation to your own body, not the court lines.

Basic Definitions:

• Inside-In Shot: You hit the ball on your dominant side (your “inside”) and send it in the same direction—straight ahead or down the line. Think: forehand on the right side going to the right sideline.
• Inside-Out Shot: You still make contact on your inside (forehand side), but you angle your paddle to send the ball away from your body—typically crosscourt to your opponent’s backhand corner. Think: a forehand hit from the right side that arcs left, crosscourt.

Shot Type	Contact Side	Ball Path	Crosses Your Body?
Inside-In	Dominant side	Down the line	❌ No
Inside-Out	Dominant side	Crosscourt	❌ No
Outside-In	Non-dominant side	Crosscourt	✅ Yes
Outside-Out	Non-dominant side	Down the line	✅ Yes

It’s all about deception, paddle angle, and direction. The ball may start in the same spot, but it ends up somewhere totally different—and that’s where the magic happens.

Why This Matters Strategically

These aren’t just fancy terms. They shape your point construction, court positioning, and opponent manipulation.

Benefits of Understanding and Using These Shots:

1. Creates angle pressure: Inside-out shots pull opponents wide, opening up the court.
2. Improves rally control: Inside-in shots are safe and fast—perfect for resets or finishing down the line.
3. Disguises intent: Both shots look similar on setup, making it harder for opponents to anticipate.
4. Expands tactical variety: Adds depth and flexibility to your shot selection.

Put simply: inside-in keeps your play efficient; inside-out makes your game unpredictable.

Mechanics: How to Hit an Inside-Out Shot (Forehand Example)

This is one of the trickier shots to master—but it’s also one of the most fun and effective.

Technical Breakdown:

1. Footwork First
   Stay balanced with an open or semi-open stance. Your feet should allow for torso rotation, not restrict it.
2. Contact Point
   Make contact slightly in front and to the side of your body—not directly in front like you would with an inside-in shot.
3. Paddle Face Angle
   At contact, angle your paddle slightly outward, and swing across your body path while maintaining a low-to-high motion for topspin.
4. Wrist Action
   Add a touch of wrist roll to arc the shot crosscourt and keep it deep.
5. Target Zone
   Aim for your opponent’s backhand corner or midcourt gap—whichever gives them the worst angle.

Pro Insight:

The inside-out shot relies on finesse and disguise, not raw power. It’s most effective when you sell it like you’re going inside-in, then pivot last-second.

Check it out:

Be sure to check out our full guide on inside-out shots as well.

Mechanics: How to Hit an Inside-In Shot

The inside-in is the simpler of the two but no less important.

Technical Breakdown:

1. Neutral Stance or Closed Stance
   Allows for full forward extension. This is your bread-and-butter forehand or backhand drive setup.
2. Contact Point
   Make contact slightly in front and in line with your shoulder. Minimal angle manipulation needed.
3. Paddle Path
   Straight through the line of the ball. Use topspin or flat depending on your style and the situation.
4. Target Zone
   Down the line or right into the body to jam your opponent.

💡 Best Used When:

• Your opponent is off balance or leaning crosscourt
• You want to speed up the rally
• You’re set up well and not reaching

Volley Dinks & Net Play: Yes, It Applies Here Too

Inside-out and inside-in concepts aren’t just for baseline shots—they matter a ton at the kitchen line.

• Inside-out dinks: Redirect to opposite corners to stretch your opponent.
• Inside-in dinks: Push down the sideline to apply pressure and challenge footwork.

Mastering both lets you control tempo and territory without needing a power shot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s where players get in trouble:

1. Telegraphing the Shot

If your paddle face starts wide early, your opponent will read it instantly. The key to deception is a neutral setup and late paddle adjustment.

2. Using Inside-Out When Off-Balance

You need a strong base and clear contact. If you’re scrambling, stick with a safe inside-in reset instead.

3. Overusing One Shot

Predictability kills strategy. Mix both shots to keep opponents guessing and expose gaps.

4. Swinging Too Flat

Inside-out especially needs spin and arc—otherwise, the ball goes long or straight into the net.

Tactical Scenarios: When to Use Each Shot

Situation	Best Shot	Why?
Opponent is cheating crosscourt	Inside-In	Catch them leaning, go down the line.
You want to change direction	Inside-Out	Opens up the court, adds angle.
Quick volley exchange at net	Inside-In or Out	Redirect based on position—add surprise.
Hitting from the middle of the court	Inside-Out	Keeps them guessing and pulls them wide.
Your forehand is dialed in	Inside-Out	More creative angles = more opportunities.

Which One Should You Use More?

Both—but with intention.

• Use inside-in for pace, consistency, and setting up positional advantages.
• Use inside-out for deception, creativity, and court opening plays.

Think of inside-in as your foundation and inside-out as your flair.

Start practicing both in drills—use targets, test your angles, and build muscle memory. With time, you’ll stop thinking about them altogether and start using them naturally, intuitively, and tactically.

Because when you can hit both shots at will?

That’s when the game gets really fun.