BACKSPIN
TOPSPIN
SIDESPIN
CORK SPIN
opponent’s paddle, it has a huge effect if the ball
hits the ground. The bottom surface of the ball is
spinning rapidly to the right or left, so the ball will
skid hard to the side. It’s impossible to hit a ball
with pure cork spin because you must impart some
forward speed to the ball. So, cork spin can only be
used in combination with other spin, typically with
sidespin.
To combine cork spin and sidespin in a serve
return, wait for when a serve is hit wide to your
forehand (right-handed player). Step into the ball,
extend your right arm out, then draw the paddle
back down at a 45-degree angle to the net, striking
the ball low and on the right side. (If the ball were a
human head, you’d be hitting it on the jawbone on
your right side.) The ball will curve to your right,
and then when it hits the ground the cork spin will
cause it to skid even farther to the right, making for
a difficult adjustment for the server. The same shot
can be hit on the backhand side by striking the left
“jawbone” of the ball.
Remember, be careful with spin. It can give you an
advantage, especially over a naive opponent, but it
also adds risk. If you want to use spin in a competitive
situation, make sure you are in a position of strength,
and only use spin shots that you have practiced and that
you can use with confidence. •
Jeff Pepper ([email protected]) is an advanced pickleball and table tennis player
who lives in Pittsburgh, PA.
AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2020 | MAGAZINE 63