A powerful one-handed backhand drive is crucial in pickleball, offering a competitive edge that can catch opponents off guard.
Pickleball pro player and seasoned coach Will East shares his expert insights to help players enhance their one-handed backhand drive, ensuring that their game is not only powerful but also strategically sound.
1. Pinching the Shirt: A Technique Borrowed from Golf
The first tip might sound unusual at first, but its effectiveness is undeniable. Will East advises players to “pinch the shirt,” a technique inspired by golf. This involves tucking a portion of your shirt under your arm on the side you’ll be hitting the backhand.
The purpose? To keep your arm close to your body.
This technique encourages players to focus on turning their body and exploding into the ball at the point of contact. The moment of impact is when you release the shirt, ensuring a powerful and controlled hit. This method not only improves the power behind the drive but also enhances precision, making each shot more formidable.
2. Hand to Target: Directing Your Power
The second tip is beautifully simple yet profoundly impactful: “hand to target.” Will emphasizes the importance of directing your hand towards your intended target during the swing. This straightforward approach ensures that your power is not wasted but instead is channeled directly into your shot.
By aligning your hand’s movement towards the target, the backhand drive gains additional force, making it more challenging for opponents to counter. This technique is about efficiency and precision, ensuring that power translates directly into performance.
3. Weight Transfer and the Reverse L: The Foundation of Power
The third and final tip revolves around the concept of weight transfer and the formation of a “reverse L” with your body. This technique starts by positioning your foot so that the insole points towards your target, naturally aligning your body for the shot. As you step forward, you create the long part of the “L,” effectively transferring your weight into the swing.
This motion not only maximizes the power behind your drive but also ensures stability and balance, crucial components for executing a successful backhand in pickleball.
Watching a Master at Work
Check out more videos and pro tips from Will:
- Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Third Shot Drop in Pickleball
- Kitchen Line Play: Using Open and Closed Stances
- How to Hit Pickleball Topspin Dinks
- Mastering Defense Against Overheads in Pickleball
Will East not only talks the talk but walks the walk. Watching him in action, players can see these techniques demonstrated with precision and skill.
It’s not just about brute force; it’s about smart, strategic play that leverages body mechanics to their fullest potential. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the sport, incorporating these techniques can lead to more dynamic and powerful gameplay.
