To Flick or Not to Flick: Unraveling Wrist Use in Pickleball

Should You Use Your Wrist in Pickleball? Here’s What the Pros Say

In the dynamic world of pickleball, technique can make or break your game. A common query among players is whether or not to use the wrist during play. The short answer? Generally, no. However, Tommy and Andre from ProXR, dive deep into the nuances of when wrist action might just work to your advantage. Their analysis reveals that while the pros often make it look easy, effective wrist use is nuanced and specific to certain types of shots.

Wrist Action in Pickleball: Analyzing the Pros

While the layman might admire a pro player's "flick of the wrist," Tommy and Andre clarify that such movements are often misinterpreted. Through a detailed review, they discuss how wrist usage is generally minimal during most shots. Instead, they emphasize maintaining a stable wrist through the contact zone of the swing. The discussion covers various strokes like serves, returns, and drives, detailing how and why minimal wrist action benefits each.

The Right Time to Use Your Wrist in Pickleball

There are exceptions to the rule. Andre, known for his wristy play, explains that he uses a lagging motion rather than a direct flick, particularly to enhance top-spin. The pros dissect each type of shot, distinguishing between using wrist in offensive plays like drives, where a controlled "windshield wiper" motion may be beneficial, versus defensive shots where stability is key. The video also includes practical demonstrations and tips on achieving the best outcomes for each play style.