Master these 5 shots before 2026

Author

Paul from Pickleball Daily
November 04, 2025

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Tip of the day

This lesson highlights five essential shots that players must add to their game to apply pressure and avoid being left behind as pickleball evolves.

The Backhand Flick is a high-pressure shot used at the kitchen line, executing a wrist-snapping or "Frisbee throwing" motion on balls near net height.

For the flick, maintain a wide, balanced base, drop the paddle head, and contact the ball out in front of the body.

The Two-Handed Backhand Top Spin Dink is the most aggressive dink, applying pressure to the opponent's feet or pulling them out wide.

To execute this dink, get your wrists below the ball's apex and use an upward brushing motion toward your right shoulder to generate topspin and pace crosscourt.

The Counter is necessary because the game is speeding up; it stops opponents from crushing the ball repeatedly and forces them to change their attack.

When countering, use a wide, stable base and a slight forward lean to attack the ball, adjusting the paddle face angle based on the ball's height.

The Forehand Top Spin Dink allows you to gain an immediate advantage by applying pressure, pulling opponents out, or attacking their feet.

To set up, relax your fingers and wrist to allow the paddle tip to drop into a laid-back position, then swing vertically from low to high to brush up on the ball.

The Two-Handed Backhand Drive is a powerful backhand weapon that opens up opportunities, especially when catching opponents in the transition zone.

Key technique points include stepping into the shot, using a unit turn to point your right shoulder at the target, and relaxing the upper body to let power flow from the legs and hip rotation.

Key Points:

  • Use the Backhand Flick by snapping the wrist forward on a ball at net height, moving the paddle like you are throwing a Frisbee.

  • The Two-Handed Backhand Top Spin Dink requires getting low, placing your wrists below the ball, and brushing upward toward your shoulder.

  • When hitting a Counter, use a wide base, lean slightly forward, and adjust your paddle face based on the ball's height to get the ball down.

  • The Forehand Top Spin Dink requires a relaxed, laid-back wrist position, with the paddle tip down, to ensure a vertical, low-to-high swing.

  • Power the Two-Handed Backhand Drive by stepping in, rotating your shoulders and hips, and keeping your upper body relaxed.

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That’s it for today! As always, thank you for reading. 🙏

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Happy pickling,

Paul