Unlock the volleys of power behind a professional backhand. In this week’s Drop In, we break down the essentials of the two-handed backhand—a shot trusted by top pros like Connor Garnett and Anna Leigh Waters. Whether you’re driving returns, countering attacks, or holding the baseline, this technique can turn your backhand into a true weapon.
The Building Blocks of a Pro-Level Backhand
Grip:
Start with a secure, athletic grip that keeps your wrists firm but free to snap. The right hold sets the foundation for spin, stability, and power.
Preparation:
Forget arm-only swings. True backhand strength comes from rotation. Engage your torso and core so your whole body generates force through contact.
Wrist Position:
One mistake that kills accuracy? A collapsing wrist. Keep it solid and aligned to prevent sidespin and sharpen precision.
Acceleration & Swing Path:
Stay direct. Drive through the ball with a straight, clean swing path. The result—more control, more pop.
Contact Point & Follow-Through:
Meet the ball in front of your body, then extend smoothly through the shot. This gives you depth, consistency, and confidence under pressure.
Drills That Deliver Results
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Lobster Ball Machine Drill
Groove repetition and timing by feeding steady backhands. Lock in your wrist and focus on rhythm. -
Partner Toss Drill
Simulate real-game chaos. Train adjustments on unpredictable tosses while keeping swing mechanics sharp.
These drills build the muscle memory to make your backhand a weapon when the match is on the line.
Gear That Gives You the Edge
A dominant backhand is about footwork and balance too. That’s where the SQAIRZ XRZ™ Pickleball Shoe comes in.
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Patented stability tech keeps you planted through explosive swings.
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Roomy toe box frees your stance for better balance and comfort.
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SmartTraction™ outsole grips the court so you can rotate, pivot, and accelerate with confidence.
It’s the shoe built for today’s faster, more aggressive pickleball—and the perfect partner for a backhand designed to win.