If you’re a right-handed pickleball player, you might find yourself wondering what to do with your left hand while playing. For many beginners, the non-dominant hand seems like an afterthought—it just hangs there!
However, using your non-dominant hand effectively can enhance your game tremendously, improving balance, power, and control.
Let’s dive into how to make the most of your left hand on the court.
Why Your Non-Dominant Hand Matters
In sports like pickleball, tennis, or even baseball, your non-dominant hand plays a crucial role in balance and technique. Many pickleball players admit that their left hand doesn’t seem to do much, but proper use can help you:
- Improve Balance: Using your left hand helps counterbalance movements, making your shots more stable and accurate.
- Add Power to Your Shots: By involving your whole body—including your left hand—you can generate more power.
- Enhance Control: Your left hand can also assist in positioning and preparing for shots, helping you transition faster.
5 Practical Ways to Use Your Non-Dominant Hand
Here are some tips and techniques to start using your left hand more actively during your pickleball games:
1. Balance and Counterbalance
- When extending your right arm to hit a shot, extend your left arm in the opposite direction. This helps maintain balance and keeps your body stable, preventing overrotation.
- During forehand swings, use your left hand to guide your movement. Think of it as a counterweight that keeps everything centered.
2. Two-Handed Backhand
- Many players use a two-handed backhand for added power. If you haven’t tried it yet, consider giving it a shot! The extra support from your left hand helps guide the paddle and makes your shot more consistent.
- However, this isn’t for everyone—some players find it cumbersome. Practice both methods and see which works best for you.
3. Forehand Preparation
- When preparing for a forehand drive, use your left hand to guide your shoulder turn. As the ball approaches, get your feet planted and reach your left hand across your body. This movement sets up your shoulders and hips, allowing you to unleash a powerful shot.
- A common tip is to keep your left hand pointed towards the incoming ball. This helps sync your movement and engages your core.
4. Overhead Shots
- When defending a lob or preparing for an overhead shot, point at the ball with your left hand. This helps improve your tracking of the ball and sets up your body to execute a solid overhead swing.
- Once you’re ready to hit, pull your left hand down to activate your shoulders and core, giving more power to your shot.
At the Kitchen Line
- When dinking or volleying at the kitchen line, many players place their left hand on their hip or even in their pocket. This helps keep you relaxed and prevents you from gripping the paddle too tightly.
- Alternatively, you can keep your left hand on the paddle during the ready position. This “ready stance” keeps you prepared for quick volleys.
Pro Tips for a More Effective Left Hand
- Stay Active, Not Idle: A “dead” left hand that just hangs by your side isn’t doing you any favors. Always try to keep it engaged, whether it’s for balance, guiding your body, or aiding in preparation.
- Practice Makes Perfect: At first, it might feel awkward to use your non-dominant hand in these ways. Practice deliberately—think about what your left hand should be doing during each shot.
- Experiment with Different Techniques: Not every technique will work for everyone. Some players swear by keeping their left hand on the paddle for stability, while others prefer to use it for balance or pointing. Try different approaches and figure out what feels most natural to you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is ignoring your left hand completely. It’s easy to just let it hang there, but that means you’re missing out on a lot of balance and power that could improve your game.
Make sure your left hand is always engaged, whether it’s pointing at the ball, guiding your shoulders, or helping with balance.
Another mistake is overthinking it. It can feel overwhelming when you try to focus on every little detail your left hand should be doing. Instead, work on incorporating one aspect at a time—like using your left hand to guide your forehand or help with your backhand.
Over time, these movements will start to feel more natural, and you won’t have to think about them as much.
Wrapping It All Up
Your non-dominant hand might not seem like much, but it’s actually one of the best tools you have to improve your pickleball game. By staying mindful and practicing deliberate movements, you can transform your left hand from a passive bystander to an active contributor on the court. Remember, every little bit of balance, control, and power adds up to a stronger overall game.
Bonus Tip: Use your left hand to help track your footwork. As you move around the court, let your left hand guide your body’s direction—almost like an invisible rudder. This helps keep your movements coordinated and smooth, ensuring that your feet are always in the best position for the next shot!
