Mastering the Backhand in Pickleball: A Comprehensive Guide

Backhands are among the hardest shots to master in pickleball, but with the right techniques and consistent practice, you can turn this potential weakness into a strength. Most players struggle with their backhand because they lack proper form, making improvement nearly impossible. This guide will walk you through various types of backhands, including the drive, slice, drop, and two-handed backhand, along with the common mistakes players make and effective drills for practice.

The one-handed backhand drive starts with the high Continental grip, ensuring your paddle points straight behind you while standing sideways to the net. For the slice, primarily used on returns, maintain a compact motion without much shoulder turn. The drop shot, another essential, requires turning sideways with a compact, straight motion under the ball. Additionally, the two-handed backhand, favored by many high-level players, involves the Continental grip with your right hand and an Eastern grip with your left, focusing on a strong shoulder and hip rotation.

Common mistakes include using the wrong grip, failing to turn your shoulders, hitting with a bent arm, over-rotating, and over-relying on your forehand. To correct these, practice with specific drills like drop feeds, back-and-up rallies, and return serves. Whether you're new to pickleball or an experienced player, refining your backhand with these techniques and drills will significantly enhance your gameplay.