Tip of the day

Why Most Pickleball Players Can’t Hit Topspin

The Briones Pickleball Academy breaks down the most frequent technical errors that prevent players from generating effective topspin and provides the necessary adjustments for a more consistent game.

One of the biggest mistakes amateurs make is using their wrist as the primary source of topspin, which often leads to inconsistency and physical strain.

To hit a proper topspin dink or speedup, you should keep your wrist stable and rely on a low-to-high shoulder motion to brush the ball.

Pushing through the ball with a linear motion is another common issue that limits the amount of spin you can produce on two-handed backhands.

A vertical swing path is essential for creating topspin; you must start your paddle beneath the ball and move upward rather than forward.

Failing to prep the paddle early and low enough prevents you from getting the leverage needed to roll the ball effectively.

For shots like the topspin lob or a forehand speedup, ensure the paddle tip is well below the ball before you begin your upward stroke.

Maintaining a constant paddle angle throughout the contact zone is vital for accuracy, especially on advanced shots like the backhand flick.

Flipping the paddle face during impact requires perfect timing, whereas a stable face allows a larger margin of error.

Lastly, many players try to force aggressive topspin shots while they are off-balance or out of position, which usually results in unforced errors.

Key Points:

• Use a stable wrist and lead with your shoulder to create a smooth, repeatable low-to-high swing path.

• Focus on a vertical upward motion rather than a forward push to maximize the "dip" on your topspin shots.

• Drop your paddle head well below the height of the ball during the preparation phase of your stroke.

• Keep your paddle face angle consistent from the start of your swing through the follow-through for better accuracy.

• Ensure you are balanced and your feet are set before attempting to add aggressive topspin to a shot.

Watch the full tutorial here.

Deal of the day

• Women’s K-Swiss Express Light pickleball shoes for 10% off on Amazon

• Access exclusive deals and discounts for Pickleball Daily subscribers!

Meme of the day

No lights needed 🤣

Watch the full video here.

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

If you’d like to support Pickleball Daily and want to read ad-free, please consider a premium membership.

Happy pickling,

Paul