Getting the Hang of the ‘Inside Out’ in Pickleball

The inside out shot is one of those advanced techniques that you see in pro pickleball. It’s a deceptive move, used to throw off opponents by making it seem like the ball is headed in one direction, only to curve in the opposite.

Whether you’re playing singles or doubles, this shot can help you take control of the rally and surprise your opponent.

What is the Inside Out Shot?

In pickleball, an inside out shot is when you hit the ball across your body, causing it to move in the opposite direction of what your opponent expects. This is often used as a misdirection shot to catch them off guard. For a forehand inside out shot, the ball is hit with a slight delay, making contact on the inside of the ball and sending it crosscourt.

Essentially, this shot tricks the opponent into thinking you’ll hit down the line or toward the middle but instead you hit wide and crosscourt at the last moment.

Check out pro player Tyler Loong’s inside out forehand:

Key Components of an Inside Out Shot

The inside out shot relies heavily on paddle angle, timing, and wrist movement. Here’s how it works:

1. Ball Positioning: In a standard forehand, you hit the ball earlier for a crosscourt shot (3 to 6 o’clock). But in the inside out shot, you wait slightly longer and hit the ball later (6 to 9 o’clock), striking it on the inside to redirect the shot.
2. Paddle Angle: The paddle face is crucial. To hit an inside out shot, open your paddle face at the last second, which directs the ball crosscourt.
3. Wrist Mechanics: A flexible wrist allows you to add side spin, making the ball curve more sharply, increasing the shot’s misdirection effect.

How to Execute the Inside Out Shot

Executing the inside out shot requires practice and precision. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you master it:

1. Set Up: Position yourself as though you’re going to hit a typical crosscourt or down-the-line shot. This will help sell the misdirection.
2. Wait for the Right Moment: Timing is everything. As the ball comes toward your forehand (or backhand for a backhand inside out shot), wait just a split second longer than you normally would. This helps ensure you strike the ball slightly later than a typical forehand or backhand.
3. Contact Point: Aim to hit the ball between 6 and 9 o’clock on the forehand side of the ball (for right-handed players). The goal is to get the ball to travel outward toward the sidelines.
4. Paddle Face and Follow-Through: Open your paddle face at the last moment and follow through across your body to add the side spin. A smooth, controlled follow-through is essential for adding accuracy and power.
5. Recovery: Once the shot is executed, be ready to reset. The inside out shot is often used offensively, so getting back into position quickly is key to continuing the point or setting yourself up for the next shot.

Watch Nick from The Picklr break down the inside out shot in a super simple way:

Common ‘Inside Out’ Mistakes

The inside out shot can be tricky to master, especially if you fall into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes players often make and how to avoid them:

1. Rigid Wrist: One of the most frequent mistakes is keeping the wrist too rigid during the shot. This can result in a ball that goes straight or sails out.
   • Solution: Keep your wrist loose and flexible to generate the side spin needed to execute the shot properly.
2. Poor Timing: Hitting the ball too early or too late can ruin the misdirection and make the shot ineffective.
   • Solution: Practice delaying your contact point just enough to hit the inside of the ball without sacrificing control.
3. Telegraphing the Shot: Some players make it obvious that they’re about to hit an inside out shot by shifting their stance or paddle position too early.
   • Solution: Sell the misdirection by setting up as if you’re hitting a normal crosscourt or down-the-line shot, then switch to inside out at the last second.
4. Lack of Follow-Through: Stopping your paddle too early or having an awkward follow-through can cause the shot to lose its accuracy.
   • Solution: Commit to a smooth, full follow-through to ensure the shot has both spin and control.

When to Use the Inside Out Shot

The inside out shot is most effective in the following scenarios:

1. Misdirection: Use this shot when you want to keep your opponent guessing. If you’ve been hitting consistent crosscourt or down-the-line shots, an inside out shot can break the rhythm and force an error.
2. Approaching Shoulder-Height Balls: This shot works well when the ball comes to your forehand at shoulder height, giving you enough time and space to execute it with power and spin.
3. Poaching in Doubles: If your opponent is hitting crosscourt and you’re moving to poach the shot, an inside out shot can catch them off guard, especially if they expect a middle or down-the-line return.

Advanced Tips and Variations

1. Backhand Inside Out: While less common, the backhand inside out shot can be just as effective. Instead of hitting crosscourt from your backhand side, delay your shot and send it down the line to throw off your opponent’s expectations.
2. Inside Out Drop Shot: For an added layer of misdirection, try mixing in an inside out drop shot. This shot is particularly useful in slowing down the game and forcing your opponent to scramble forward unexpectedly.
3. Inside Out Dink: The inside out dink is a great way to add finesse to your short game. When your opponent is expecting a standard crosscourt dink, an inside out dink sends the ball softly to the opposite side, often catching them out of position. Use a quick wrist flick for precise placement and spin.
4. Spin Variation: Experiment with different degrees of side spin to control how much the ball curves. More spin can make the ball dive away from your opponent, while less spin keeps it more controlled and accurate.

Watch coach Tanner Tomassi demonstrate his killer inside out dink:

Why the Inside Out Shot Matters

The inside out shot is one of those secret weapons every pickleball player should have in their arsenal. It’s all about creating misdirection, keeping your opponent guessing, and adding a layer of unpredictability to your game.

Sure, it takes some practice and finesse to perfect, but once you’ve got it down, it can completely change the flow of a rally in your favor.

Stay patient, keep practicing, and soon the inside out shot will be one of your go-to moves for controlling the court!