I get questions about how to handle spin all the time from my students so today we are going to dive deep into the so various questions about spin Top Spin slice grips all that kind of stuff first thing I want to say I have literally just filmed an entire series course for my members. Sarah ansbury dcom so a lot of these questions are much more in.
Depth okay and uh we’re talking about different shots and also drills uh check out my membership site uh those are much more in depth on how to answer some of these questions how to work on some of these things but I do want to touch base on a few things that I feel are pretty pretty important and one the question I get a lot is uh how do I handle spin.
Coming at me if I’ve got a heavy slice or a heavy Top Spin any of those types of things what’s really important about anything creating spin managing spin redirecting spin all these types of things grip is really important contact point is really okay so so most often players struggle when a ball is spinning into their paddle especially farther.
Back because their paddle faces closed towards the ground okay so this is an open paddle face this is closed so once the face of the paddle is pointing down that is going over the ball so if I’ve got let’s say slice okay coming into my paddle it’s often going to actually counter and pull right back in So what’s really important is when I know that.
That spin is coming at me number one I need my lower body to be stable and able to keep my paddle in front I don’t want to be running into that ball or uh falling back any of that kind of stuff so once I see that spin is coming I want to make sure my paddle face is in front of me number one and it’s open okay so if that ball gets that padle gets back.
Here that’s going to cause a pulling action that kind of counters it and creates errors okay that’s really really important so a lot of it can be absorbed and redirected by simply paying attention to the face of your paddle and really really engaging your lower body more and that means weight forward okay you want your body kind of leaning into.
It you don’t want weight onto your heels okay you want to be able to kind of catch it and not try to overdo it that’s what a lot of people do they try to create excess when creating that ball okay now another thing to think about because I got a little questions in here about I hit a lot of flat balls I have trouble creating slice and Top Spin uh.
That is actually usually related to your grip but also your non-dominant hand so if your non-dominant hand hangs at your side the tendency is people like manipulate their paddle with their thumb or their elbow so that causes a lot of whipping and flat motions okay so we always want to use the non-dominant side of our body so that we’re creating.
Proper contact okay we want to remember the basics okay of slice and Top Spin number one Top Spin it’s low to high okay so you see a lot of tennis players let’s say I come from tennis you’re hitting that classic tennis player contact point in grip where it’s a little bit over and basically we’re having to hit that ball on the side more.
Okay this is a little bit more difficult to manage with a pickle ball paddle because you really have to make sure your paddle doesn’t go over the ball too quickly okay so I’m going to kind of grab a ball just so you can see it okay so if I’m kind of got like more of a tennis player style okay so my grip is not a continental but it’s kind of like.
This over here okay that ball is now coming over like this all right so when I’m hitting that Top Spin the goal is I’m brushing up on the ball okay now much simpler way to think about it okay especially in pickle ball is I want that paddle face okay open in front of me so that actually lifts the ball that creates a low to high motion which.
Generates Top Spin without creating that brushing overball so that’s really important let’s say if I’m making my contact here on the side of my body and I want to hit a Top Spin shot someone hits a slice ball now I’m basically countering the exact same spin that often pulls it back into the net so if I have an opponent let’s say that’s got.
Like that tennis grip and they are hitting a heavy Top Spin drive I’m often going to slice my return to make it more difficult to manage that shot okay so remember it’s low to high that’s the basics of it so what we’re really looking at is the angle of the paddle on contact that’s your priority okay so from a classic on the side contact we’re.
Looking at kind of this Angle now when we’re looking at in front of us now we’re still creating a good angle that lifts it low to high but without that going over the ball okay so the percentages of clearing the net are much much greater okay now what we’re looking at what’s the basics of slice high to low it’s just the opposite of what we’re.
Talking about so in all of these shots whether um it’s uh you know tennis player style non-tennis player style uh what we’re really thinking is where’s the tip of the paddle on Preparation okay so if I’m hitting a classic kind of tennis player shot I’m going to drop the tip of my paddle on the side and lift if I’m hitting Top Spin I’m still dropping.
The tip of my paddle it’s just lifting from here okay now with slice we want the tip of the paddle up okay so I basically think I want the tip of the paddle to come up to my ear or my chin okay so now the angle of my paddle is coming under the ball okay so now that’s your Brushy motion notice that my elbow’s fully extended okay that.
Especially on a dink is what creat creates that consistency okay in the length that we want off the ball so it’s not a chopping motion when we’re developing that spin it’s more of a brushing motion so if I’ve got that slice that I’m coming I’m getting on high to low it’s underneath the ball okay so also pay attention this.
Non-dominant hand what I’m using my non-dominant hand is to kind of pull the paddle back so I’m not pulling the butn or the elbow of the paddle to go this way I want that brushing motion down so now my arms are moving in opposite directions that creates more length on my shot okay so at the same time when you’re developing that Top Spin shot I.
Don’t want to just be open like this and my body Square because that’s going to lock my wrist backwards and my shoulders are here okay so I want my non-dominant side to kind of create the space in front of my body so that it’s lifting from here and creating the angle that want on contact okay so again uh spin is a lot of topics uh and I this is.
Probably one of the more important things to remember about spin when you hit the ball properly okay spin’s actually going to naturally happen on its own okay so this is where good technique comes from so a lot of players they’re trying to hit spin by chopping this is where tennis elbow comes from and it kind of Pops the ball and gets.
Kind of crazy we want to use our shoulders okay and we want to use the lifting of our body our weight transfer and our contact Point number one that’s what generates most of the energy for us okay at the end of the day simplify okay it’s not that insane it’s not that stressful as long as your paddle is in front of your body you can pretty much.
Do anything that’s what matters okayy when my paddle is back here that’s where trouble ensues so utilizing both hands okay right or left to move your body turn your shoulders and move your paddle the right way okay don’t forget way more options for you check out the link below members. anb.com I know Finding good pickle ball.
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The way you grip your paddle and your contact point are vital. Imagine this: a ball spins toward you with a heavy slice, and as it approaches, your paddle face is slightly angled downwards. This closed face, typical when the paddle points toward the ground, actually exacerbates the spin rather than mitigating it. To counter this, the solution lies in how you position and move your body, as well as in the orientation of your paddle.
Stabilize and Position: Your lower body’s stability is key. You need to be poised, with weight forward, ready to engage. This is not just about being static but actively leaning into the play. The tendency to fall back or move away from the ball only diminishes your control.
Open Paddle Face: When you see the spin coming, ensure your paddle face is in front and open. This setup doesn’t just help in handling the spin; it enables you to redirect it effectively. A closed paddle face, pointing downwards, tends to follow the ball’s motion, causing more errors.
Adjusting to Topspin: For those transitioning from tennis, topspin in pickleball might feel a bit different due to the paddle’s design. Instead of a brush-up motion, aim for a low to high swing with your paddle face open ahead of you. This approach helps lift the ball gently, enhancing control and reducing errors.
Handling Slice: The slice shot is all about a high to low motion. It’s a delicate balance, where your paddle tip points upwards before sweeping down under the ball in a brushing motion, not chopping. This creates the length and consistency needed in your shots.
Utilizing Non-Dominant Hand: Your non-dominant hand isn’t just along for the ride; it plays a crucial role in stabilizing and guiding your paddle. By engaging both sides of your body, you ensure a balanced, effective shot, minimizing unnecessary wrist or elbow movements that lead to errors or even injuries like tennis elbow.
Technique Over Power
Often, players get caught up in the idea that more power equals better play. However, in pickleball, especially when dealing with spin, finesse and technique are your best allies. By focusing on your paddle’s position and movement, along with a proper stance, you can handle almost any spin thrown your way.
So, next time you find yourself facing a spin-heavy shot, remember these tips. Keep your paddle in front, your body engaged, and your movements smooth. Spin can be a challenge, but with the right technique, it can also be a significant advantage.
Remember, the more you practice these fundamentals, the more natural they will become in your game strategy. Spin isn’t just about reacting; it’s about using what comes at you to your advantage. So take these tips, hit the court, and turn those tricky spins into winning shots!
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