How to forehand punch

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Tip of the day

This video features professional pickleball player Riley Newman as he teaches how to hit his signature shot: the forehand pancake counter.

Learn the key techniques and tips to master this game-changing shot.

Riley emphasizes a ready position that is more centered, avoiding a "backhand heavy" stance.

He also addresses the common "chicken wing" issue, advising players to pinch their elbow in, turn their shoulders, and get separation from the ball.

The video details the execution of the pancake shot, stressing the importance of staying low, keeping the paddle out in front, and ensuring the paddle tip is always up.

While a continental grip is acceptable, Riley uses a semi-western grip to help get the ball down.

The motion should be more "out" than "down," and the follow-through should stop at the nose to ensure readiness for the next ball.

Riley also provides advice on handling balls to the body by staying low and turning your shoulders, and when to use a forehand versus a backhand.

Finally, he shares a strategic tip about "baiting" opponents by favoring your forehand side, which forces them into lower-percentage shots.

Key Points:

  • Ready Position: Sit more in the middle, avoiding a "backhand heavy" stance.

  • Avoiding the "Chicken Wing": Pinch your elbow in, turn your shoulders, and get separation from the ball, keeping your paddle out in front.

  • Pancake Shot Execution: Stay low, pinch your elbow in, turn your shoulders, and keep your paddle out in front with the paddle tip up.

  • Grip: A semi-western grip can help get the ball down, but staying low, out in front, and keeping the paddle tip up are most important.

  • Contact and Follow Through: The motion should be more "out" than "down"; stop the follow-through at your nose.

  • Handling Balls to the Body: Stay low and turn your shoulders to avoid getting jammed.

  • Strategic Cheating/Baiting: Favor your forehand side to bait opponents into hitting lower percentage shots, allowing you to cut off balls in the middle.

Deal of the day

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The best kind of pickleball! 🤣

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Happy pickling,

Paul