Ben “ gets low and loads with a unit turn ”
Ben Johns stretches to hit a shot against Riley Newman and Matt Wright during the Pro Men ’ s Doubles Final at the 2023 PPA Orange County Cup in San Clemente , CA . Johns “ gets low and loads with a unit turn ” for this backhand dink shot . He and his brother Collin defeated Newman and Wright to capture the gold medal . Photo by Bruce Yeung ; IG : @ yeungphotography .
Rotate & rise
The turn & load part of preparation is the most important part of the shot , since when you are turned and loaded , the rest comes more easily .
You generate the right amount of power and control when you rotate and rise ( straighten the knees ) through the forward motion of your shot , and as you do so , you extend and raise the arm throughout the follow-through . Climb the mountain The path of the paddle should go from low and near the body , to an extended and higher position ( climb the mountain ). However , before it does , there should be a slight circle with the paddle , just like in tennis . Much smaller than in tennis , but the paddle should not go straight down on the way back and then up on the way forward .
Most of the time when good tennis players become pickleball players , you will see them integrating a small circle into their swing . When more power is wanted , the circle is bigger than on a drop or dink , but even on those softer shots , it helps the continuity of the shot to have that tiny circle to the backswing . Once the circle is done , the mountain is ready to be climbed . If more topspin is desired , the mountain can be steeper .
Hopefully you ’ ll find this helpful when teaching players of all levels . Happy pickling ! •
Neil Witherow PPR and PTR Certified Professional Director of Racquets , The Club at the Township Jackson , MS
JULY / AUGUST 2023 | MAGAZINE 51