Pickleball Game Plan
Foundations · Skill 7 of 8

Backhand

Opponents target your backhand at the kitchen and in transition, so early preparation and a stable, extended paddle keep your blocks and dinks low.

Think about this while you play

  • Turn shoulders early; paddle ready before the ball crosses
  • Step toward the ball, knees bent, weight moving forward
  • Elbows away from ribs, firm wrist, compact high finish

Common mistakes and fixes

Late preparation: you feel rushed and contact happens beside your hipFirst Move Shadow: from ready position, turn shoulders and set the paddle back the moment you picture the ball, 30 reps with the turn done before your step.
Tucked elbows (chicken wing): cramped swing and wobbly paddle face on blocksWall-Reach Extension: stand an arm's length from a wall and touch it with the paddle tip at contact, 20 reps with elbows at least 6 inches from your ribs.
Weight on back foot: backhands sail long or pop up highStep-Over Finish: after each swing take a full step forward with your back foot toward the target, 15 reps ending a step closer to the net.

In the app

For subscribers

The Stationary Backhand Hit and Left-Hand Only drill, a 10-minute warm-up, and a challenge you can count in your next open play, so you know when you've got it.

Practice it, don't just read it

Pickleball Game Plan gives you one skill at a time with a drill, a warm-up and a challenge you can count, plus gym and match-day plans.

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