Don't Neglect Your Backhand

I often see players avoiding backhand strokes. Some players crowd their backhand side when they are receiving a serve to make it harder for the server to target their backhand. Sometimes, they run around their backhand to take a shot with their forehand. Other players switch hands and take the shot with a non-dominant hand as a forehand.

While these strategies might work to help you win a point, having a weak or inconsistent backhand is a vulnerability that better players can exploit. Your game will be improved in the long run, by developing your backhand so that it is dependable, consistent, and potentially an unexpected weapon.

Relying on strategies to avoid hitting backhand shots tells your opponent you don't want to hit backhands and it makes your backhand side a target for astute opponents, it can pull you out of position which opens the court on your forehand side, or if you are a hand-switcher, your reaction will be slower, and your grip can be compromised in the transition (I have even seen a paddle or two dropped while players were changing hands).

In this image, I positioned myself to receive the ball with my backhand. If I had run around the ball to take it with my forehand, it would have pushed me outside the court, exposing a wide lane in the middle for my opponents to target.

What to do instead:

1. Make sure your backhand stroke mechanics are right. If you are not executing your stroke properly, that could be a big part of the problem. Watch some videos of pro level players, then practice the motion in a mirror. Ask a more experienced player if you are executing your backhand strokes properly. Or take a lesson with a qualified instructor. Find a coach and take a lesson where you specifically focus on that facet of your game. Practicing the wrong motion can be counter productive, so getting the mechanics right is an important first step.

2. Drill. This is the fastest way to get control, consistency, comfort, and confidence with your backhand. You can use a wall, a partner, or if you want to spend the cash, a ball machine. There are many videos on YouTube with drills you can do to focus on your backhand (hint, search for "pickleball backhand drill"). Pick one kind of stroke (ground strokes from the baseline, volleys at the net, dinks, etc) and focus on that specific shot. Can you hit it 5 times with consistency and control? Yes? How about 10 times? 20 times? Ideally, you are working to make your backhand as consistent as your forehand.

3. Be willing to lose some points and even some games in rec play while you are working on improving your backhand. It won't get better unless you use it. If you have the choice between hitting with your forehand or backhand, intentionally choose your backhand. You will gain control and confidence by using it.

It can be frustrating and hard work (welcome to the "No Fun" zone), but I promise this kind of hard work will pay dividends in your game over the long haul. I don't have a formal background in racket sports, but I did play a lot of table tennis in my parents basement. My dad would not allow me to run around my backhand, and he targeted my backhand for weeks until I gained control. That practice, some 30 years ago, was sufficient to give me a leg up with my backhand as I started playing pickleball (thanks Dad!). If you did not have that opportunity or other formal racket sport training, that does NOT mean you are out of luck. You can make up for it now with focused practice. Avoiding your backhand is not to your advantage. Focused work to develop your backhand will pay off.

See you on the courts,
No Fun David