Former tennis instructor here and topspin has allowed me to improve very fast. 3rd shots drops has a learning curve but topspin for tennis players gave me another option. 3rd shot drives followed by a partner “baking” or a 5th shot drop is much more my style at this point in development. One topspin shot you forgot to mention (VERY advanced skill) is the topspin lob. Having a swing that can disguise so many different shots is very helpful. The dipping shots make opponents really press to close the net so a well timed topspin lob can really offset this. Thanks for the vids …as a teacher myself …you put out good content
I know two oppenents that have pretty much perfected that top spin lob. They pick their spots and it is devastating. I would also appreciate a tutorial on how to counter top spin drives, dinks and serves.
for someone who is only a few months into playing, the top spin shot has always been in my arsenal thanks to playing ping pong and dabbling in tennis years ago....now I get a video that reinforces my style....it's funny because I use the top spin on my serve all the time and it's not really fast but so many people have trouble with the return....mostly lesser skilled players but occasionally I will get an advanced player to flub it
Glad you got on the "topspin train" early in your game. It works and will continue to work. Keep using it and developing it. Like you say, it really messes with people.
Coming to pickleball from tennis two years ago, I used topspin right off. Felt so natural. That said, the hardest drive for me to return is a backhand slice with power (talking to you, George S).
Please make videos on topspin dinks and topspin drops, with proper technique and a progression of drills you could do for training. This would be so helpful! Thanks!
I use backspin against players that topspin. It actually increases their topspin to the point where they often hit the ball into the net. If you backspin with a flat slicing motion you can add velocity to the shot. The downside is the difficulty of executing the shot without piping the ball up.
paddle tech i feel like is adding to this too. Its like Borg + poly's (raw carbon) impacting the sport at the same time. I wonder how long it will continue to be universally good guidance to crash the net on return of serve if access to high percentage passing shots continues to increase; reminds me of the transition from serve/volley in tennis to the modern baseline grinding game. Feels like its already kind of happening in singles. My favorite shot is still the heavy topspin offspeed drive (after a few full speed drives) that ends up going between the opponents' legs....
Paddle technology advancements have DEFINITELY had a hand in adding to topspins benefits in the game. Great point! Getting to the net after return is certainly getting harder and harder but the court is so small that it's still a good strategy. Most high level players can handle the 4th ball quite well despite the increased spin/pace. That heavy topspin off speed is magic! and yes, when preceded by a few full speed drives, even more magical. I like where your heads at ;)
I'm really glad I just watched this video again. I have a couple of comments/questions... You talk about topspin dinks and even show some in the video BUT you only show the players dinking directly across from each other. I ended up foolishly ignoring that advice because if I'm receiving a dink from an opponent who's directly across from me and hitting a dink back to that person, I find that topspin is maybe a little helpful but not helpful enough to make up for the occasional mis-hit where I end up hitting the ball pretty high. On the other hand, I've recently started hitting a majority of cross court "dinks" with top spin (both forehand and backhand) and that works really great! They're not really dinks anymore because I'm hitting the ball quite hard. If you could do a video someday focusing on cross court top spin "dinks" (kitchen shots) that'd be really great! The next question has to do with the 3rd shot drop. I've spent a lot of time and effort learning what I'll call the classic drop that doesn't have much if any spin, peaks at about 5 feet (or possibly more) a few feet before the net and then drops into the kitchen. I'm actually pretty good at it at this point but I'm now wondering why I bothered to learn it. Well, ok, it is somewhat useful. BUT. I find it fairly rare when it's a better choice for me than the topspin drop which has a lot more energy and is a lot harder to handle. Am I missing something? Most players I know hit classic drops and almost nobody I know hits topspin drops. Why? If I ask them they either give me a blank look as though they never thought about it or say it's "too risky" or something like that. Also, if you could someday do a video focusing on topspin drops would be great as well. Once again, I find your videos to be the best Pickleball videos on the net. Lots of videos show and talk about the "how" but your videos are much more thoughtful and have a great balance between the "how" and the "why." Your "9 Popular Pickleball Tips That Are Actually Ruining Your Game" should be required viewing for anybody who wants to play at a pretty high level (4+). Knowing what I know now, I could've progressed to where I am in half the time and your videos helped me break out of my ruts that were caused by well intentioned but truly terrible advice (for me - for others it was probably perfectly fine advice). So thanks again for that!
Hi Bret! It is far easier and very effective to hit topspin dinks crosscourt, as you say, because you do have a little more length to your motion to actually impart the swing on the ball and since you have more space working crosscourt, that helps. Happy to hear you are able to do that on both your forehand and backhand side. Awesome! Yes, it is tougher to go straight ahead because as you say, a bit extra lift or a little further than you intended and they're attacking that ball. I would still keep at working on that skill to make it sharper and be more selective when you use it but yes, you will still use a lot of push dinks straight ahead. As far as drops, definitely hit a topspin drop whenever you can. As you have seen, it is a far more difficult shot for them to handle. But your time spend on mastering the classic drop has not been wasted because you do need it at times when the ball might be too low to get under it for topspin or when you're just not well setup to hit topspin. "blank stares" lol...yeah not everyone is understanding the big benefits of topspin yet. And thanks so much for you kind words and letting me know how helpful my instruction has been to you. That's exactly my goal so it's nice to hear that I'm hitting my mark. Cheers! 😁
I don't know how many times I have won points when my opponent thought for sure the ball was going to go beyond the baseline but the topspin forces the ball down faster and they are caught off guard when it lands in the 12-inch zone of the court. Really love the ones where they are totally overconfident and just watch it. That comes from my tennis days. I am currently working on getting better at using it when close to the NVZ. Great video!
As a former tennis player, my natural stroke was topspin. My tennis skills have helped me improve my pickleball game quickly, especially my serves, drives, and volleys. I seldom use topspin in dinking or lobs yet, but will drill on it. Do you have a video on topspin dinks and lobs? I really enjoy the way you present your material. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Here are two other videos we have on topspin: th-cam.com/video/marjWjAWfbk/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/Sw9Y9Q5XJ-c/w-d-xo.html Nothing on the topspin lob yet but thanks for the suggestion.
Thanks Nicole as always great video lots of information to consider. Trying to use topspin, need to practice more. Getting better especially on the serve.😀
oh, I totally agree with this topic. I use topspin on my drives (forehand). when I have good prep, my preference is a slight topspin (roll) volley off the forehand as well. my drop shot is less consistent, sometimes I feel like I get more of side spin than top spin. am still figuring out when to speed up off the dinking rally but usually I'm tempted to do it with a fore-hand topspin shot. would like to work on a top-spin backhand (maybe for dinking)... love to watch ALW dinking with top spin. also I feel like one of the most effective passing shots is when someone hits deep top spin (from the base line) pretty close to the body of the opponent at the net. the opponent lets it go bc at that height they think it's going out but it drops in (sometimes with a decent margin for error to boot). I love that (Colin Johns is pretty good with this shot).
Great stuff! Sounds like you have a great plan to build towards. Yes, get those roll drops down. They’re super effective. Backhand topspin is definitely worthy to work on as well. The game is headed this way and it’s not going back. Not to the exclusion of everything else but certainly these will be favored.
Interesting stuff. As a former tennis player, my game has used spin often and judiciously, mixed with flat swings etc., with good results. Taking classes with local PB pro’s, I was always scolded for using spin. “You’ll only advance so far using spin!” I understand that used incorrectly it can cause control problems. That was not a problem for me. Now most advanced players have adopted various spin techniques. I expect it and see it well. Usually! 😊 It makes the game more interesting and fun for me. So far, I’m still “advancing”!
Really great, intriguing video. I used to play tennis with a super western grip - hit FH and BH with same side of racket - and I've found pickleball both fun and frustrating (it's hilarious how mad people get when you "spin" the ball, and I'm literally just trying to get it in play). I use a much less western grip obviously. I've tried emulating Jack Sock, since somehow he's made the transition. You are correct that the sport will evolve super-fast given its popularity, but god I miss tennis.
Thanks for sharing! It's always interesting to see how player's develop their own style. There's no "wrong" way necessarily as long as it doesn't create any shortcoming in other ways.
I use it most effectively for my 3rd shot, a topspin DRIVING drop to the middle. I put so much topspin on it that it sinks down drastically. If my opponents can get it, I've already moved in to the transition zone for a 5th shot drop.
I came from tennis and my topspin backhand is my fave shot. Despite this, in pickleball I still find the one-handed topspin drop VERY difficult (possibly the hardest shot in the game) and a low % shot. I guess I should keep with it and don't wimp out and slice instead?
It is very tough. You have to contact it so far in front to hit it well. No option to be late on it at all which is why you’ll see a topspin drop mostly on a two handed backhand. If one handed, most will slice the backhand drop. I think it’s worth it to keep going. Never hurts to have another tool in your toolbox.
This content is splendid; it reminds me of a book I read with equally engaging themes. "The Art of Meaningful Relationships in the 21st Century" by Leo Flint
I used slice shots on my drops quite consistently and have been good at it, but is now working on topspin drives and drops. What type of grip do you use for the topspin drops or drives? Btw, great video
Funny. Pickleball has helped my tennis by making me hit a little more flat but with more pace. Pickleball topspin is a bit different than the full tennis topspin swing. I now have a flat top spin tennis shot. Hard to explain.
Tennis players do often start applying this quickly to the game for sure. There's some difference but there's a lot of similarity. Thanks for the comment.
This isn;t new at all. No one hits the ball "flat". even in your "flat" side shot example you're imparting quite a bit of top spin, you just generate more the further you drop the paddle head. The REAL thing that has been prevailing over the last year or so is a greater focus on drives, shake and bake, and speed ups. Those arent really new either, but paddle technology has improved, and players are better, so you're seeing players contantly hit low hard balls, flick speed ups, and not relying as much on dinking.
There is some topspin on most flat shots but in my view it’s closer to “very little” than it is to “quite a bit”. I think it’s being used dramatically more in recent years than all the years prior which is what puts it in the “new” category to most players. I agree that speed in the ways you describe is also prevailing more in recent years.
It's interesting that you call this tactic "NEW". I've been using tennis style topspin for years in the game, I think maybe the only thing that could be called "new" is the paddle surface technology in the last couple years providing more spin when wanted
@@primetimepickleball ah yes, I could see that. I was taught "traditional" style too when it became clear to me that just "mini tennis" wasn't working against higher level players. Played drop "small ball" for a couple years but now it seems the power/drive game is becoming the preferred style (at higher levels). I am thankful for that cause it feels more exciting and allows for more tennis skills (which in my case is applicable)
While I like topspin, I feel it can ruin a game! Some people only hit that way and makes it NO FUN!! I guess if all you want is a quick game and it’s over great. If you want to enjoy yourself it’s annoying and feels like cheating!
Ruin? It's effective and the game is evolving in this direction. Effective strategies will continue to be used so maybe consider learning how to do topspin and also deal with it. It's achievable. But, I understand if that's not for you in which case it's best to find a group that will play the way you prefer.
@@primetimepickleball as more and more tennis players come in dinking is going to go away. Why dink into the kitchen when topspin close to the net is available. The likelihood of an error by your opponent is much greater when the pressure is on vs trading softies.
It looks to me like you're talking about "a lot of topspin relative to ball speed" as opposed to just "topspin." For example, at 4:44 in the video you label your shot as "flat" but it looks like it has SOME natural topspin on it. Indeed, it's impossible to hit a ball with absolutely zero spin and the natural forehand swing of almost every higher level ex-tennis and many ping-pong players will have SOME topspin unless they're explicitly hitting a backspin shot or they're just blocking the ball. Nevertheless, you've now given away the secret of my best shot by far which I call the topspin medium paced drive. Hopefully, nobody I play will watch this video!!! I use it as my 3rd shot over half the time. If the service return is deep, I like it better than a drop shot because from deep in my own territory a drop shot is pretty risky for me - too deep and I'm giving my opponents a put away shot, not deep enough and it's in the net. I also like it better than the 3rd shot drive because as you point out, there's so many more angles available since the ball dives once it passes or gets near the net keeping it in bounds whereas with a hard drive the limited angles make me feel like I'm hitting the ball right to my opponents, which, even if it does have a lot of pace and is pretty low, is not optimal. I think that when you're teaching 3rd shot strategies, this top spin shot is really, really important. In ping-pong as players understand offensive and defensive use of spin it actually slows the game down and makes it more interesting. Hopefully, that'll happen in pickleball too since the trick is really not topspin per se, but topspin relative to ball speed so more spin, less speed is what's really helpful.
Yes, the "flat" one does have some natural spin on it and it's very hard to hit it purely flat and you don't need to. Great points! Yes, spin over speed on a lot of the shots is key but on some you do still want as much speed as you can muster with a lot of spin too. The off speed roll drop is really a game changer I think and that's where spin over speed is probably the most impactful.
That just sounds ignorant...stated by someone who played tennis 40+ years, competed at a high level and taught tennis. They're different sports and both are filled with incredible athletes of all ages and genders.
Former tennis instructor here and topspin has allowed me to improve very fast. 3rd shots drops has a learning curve but topspin for tennis players gave me another option. 3rd shot drives followed by a partner “baking” or a 5th shot drop is much more my style at this point in development. One topspin shot you forgot to mention (VERY advanced skill) is the topspin lob. Having a swing that can disguise so many different shots is very helpful. The dipping shots make opponents really press to close the net so a well timed topspin lob can really offset this.
Thanks for the vids …as a teacher myself …you put out good content
Great points Jeff! And thanks for the kind words.
I know two oppenents that have pretty much perfected that top spin lob. They pick their spots and it is devastating. I would also appreciate a tutorial on how to counter top spin drives, dinks and serves.
can't believe anyone who played tennis prior to pickleball didn't figure that out the first day on the court
Many do now but lots of new pickleball players past and present are not former tennis players.
for someone who is only a few months into playing, the top spin shot has always been in my arsenal thanks to playing ping pong and dabbling in tennis years ago....now I get a video that reinforces my style....it's funny because I use the top spin on my serve all the time and it's not really fast but so many people have trouble with the return....mostly lesser skilled players but occasionally I will get an advanced player to flub it
Glad you got on the "topspin train" early in your game. It works and will continue to work. Keep using it and developing it. Like you say, it really messes with people.
Coming from Table Tennis is a big plus. You naturally want to use spin like you did in Table Tennis.
Coming to pickleball from tennis two years ago, I used topspin right off. Felt so natural. That said, the hardest drive for me to return is a backhand slice with power (talking to you, George S).
Please make videos on topspin dinks and topspin drops, with proper technique and a progression of drills you could do for training. This would be so helpful!
Thanks!
Thanks for the suggestion.
Yes, Please make such a video for those of us who don’t know how to do it!
Yes please
I use backspin against players that topspin. It actually increases their topspin to the point where they often hit the ball into the net. If you backspin with a flat slicing motion you can add velocity to the shot. The downside is the difficulty of executing the shot without piping the ball up.
Yes, it’s harder to hit topspin off a heavy slice.
Fabulous video! I've been working the last 2 months on this. It turned my mostly defensive game into a more offensive game.
Awesome Dennis! Glad to hear it. Keep grinding 💪🏻
paddle tech i feel like is adding to this too. Its like Borg + poly's (raw carbon) impacting the sport at the same time. I wonder how long it will continue to be universally good guidance to crash the net on return of serve if access to high percentage passing shots continues to increase; reminds me of the transition from serve/volley in tennis to the modern baseline grinding game. Feels like its already kind of happening in singles. My favorite shot is still the heavy topspin offspeed drive (after a few full speed drives) that ends up going between the opponents' legs....
Paddle technology advancements have DEFINITELY had a hand in adding to topspins benefits in the game. Great point! Getting to the net after return is certainly getting harder and harder but the court is so small that it's still a good strategy. Most high level players can handle the 4th ball quite well despite the increased spin/pace. That heavy topspin off speed is magic! and yes, when preceded by a few full speed drives, even more magical. I like where your heads at ;)
I'm really glad I just watched this video again. I have a couple of comments/questions...
You talk about topspin dinks and even show some in the video BUT you only show the players dinking directly across from each other. I ended up foolishly ignoring that advice because if I'm receiving a dink from an opponent who's directly across from me and hitting a dink back to that person, I find that topspin is maybe a little helpful but not helpful enough to make up for the occasional mis-hit where I end up hitting the ball pretty high. On the other hand, I've recently started hitting a majority of cross court "dinks" with top spin (both forehand and backhand) and that works really great! They're not really dinks anymore because I'm hitting the ball quite hard. If you could do a video someday focusing on cross court top spin "dinks" (kitchen shots) that'd be really great!
The next question has to do with the 3rd shot drop. I've spent a lot of time and effort learning what I'll call the classic drop that doesn't have much if any spin, peaks at about 5 feet (or possibly more) a few feet before the net and then drops into the kitchen. I'm actually pretty good at it at this point but I'm now wondering why I bothered to learn it. Well, ok, it is somewhat useful. BUT. I find it fairly rare when it's a better choice for me than the topspin drop which has a lot more energy and is a lot harder to handle. Am I missing something? Most players I know hit classic drops and almost nobody I know hits topspin drops. Why? If I ask them they either give me a blank look as though they never thought about it or say it's "too risky" or something like that. Also, if you could someday do a video focusing on topspin drops would be great as well.
Once again, I find your videos to be the best Pickleball videos on the net. Lots of videos show and talk about the "how" but your videos are much more thoughtful and have a great balance between the "how" and the "why." Your "9 Popular Pickleball Tips That Are Actually Ruining Your Game" should be required viewing for anybody who wants to play at a pretty high level (4+).
Knowing what I know now, I could've progressed to where I am in half the time and your videos helped me break out of my ruts that were caused by well intentioned but truly terrible advice (for me - for others it was probably perfectly fine advice). So thanks again for that!
Hi Bret! It is far easier and very effective to hit topspin dinks crosscourt, as you say, because you do have a little more length to your motion to actually impart the swing on the ball and since you have more space working crosscourt, that helps. Happy to hear you are able to do that on both your forehand and backhand side. Awesome! Yes, it is tougher to go straight ahead because as you say, a bit extra lift or a little further than you intended and they're attacking that ball. I would still keep at working on that skill to make it sharper and be more selective when you use it but yes, you will still use a lot of push dinks straight ahead. As far as drops, definitely hit a topspin drop whenever you can. As you have seen, it is a far more difficult shot for them to handle. But your time spend on mastering the classic drop has not been wasted because you do need it at times when the ball might be too low to get under it for topspin or when you're just not well setup to hit topspin. "blank stares" lol...yeah not everyone is understanding the big benefits of topspin yet. And thanks so much for you kind words and letting me know how helpful my instruction has been to you. That's exactly my goal so it's nice to hear that I'm hitting my mark. Cheers! 😁
I don't know how many times I have won points when my opponent thought for sure the ball was going to go beyond the baseline but the topspin forces the ball down faster and they are caught off guard when it lands in the 12-inch zone of the court. Really love the ones where they are totally overconfident and just watch it. That comes from my tennis days. I am currently working on getting better at using it when close to the NVZ. Great video!
Great stuff Randy! Yes, anywhere you can inject topspin into your game...do it! It's so effective.
I've converted exclusively to an eastern grip specifically to maximize topspin. Consistent topspin lengthens the court.
It sure does!
As a former tennis player, my natural stroke was topspin. My tennis skills have helped me improve my pickleball game quickly, especially my serves, drives, and volleys. I seldom use topspin in dinking or lobs yet, but will drill on it. Do you have a video on topspin dinks and lobs? I really enjoy the way you present your material. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Here are two other videos we have on topspin: th-cam.com/video/marjWjAWfbk/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/Sw9Y9Q5XJ-c/w-d-xo.html
Nothing on the topspin lob yet but thanks for the suggestion.
Thanks Nicole as always great video lots of information to consider. Trying to use topspin, need to practice more. Getting better especially on the serve.😀
Awesome!
You are absolutely right Nicole! One of my favorite tools to win points….great video!
Great stuff Jill! Thanks for the comment.
Yes! Top spin! Advance players have been telling me to keep my paddle low; I disagree.
Exactly!
Thanks Nicole. It took me months to master this shot. So don't give up!
Thanks for the comment Jim!
oh, I totally agree with this topic. I use topspin on my drives (forehand). when I have good prep, my preference is a slight topspin (roll) volley off the forehand as well. my drop shot is less consistent, sometimes I feel like I get more of side spin than top spin. am still figuring out when to speed up off the dinking rally but usually I'm tempted to do it with a fore-hand topspin shot. would like to work on a top-spin backhand (maybe for dinking)... love to watch ALW dinking with top spin. also I feel like one of the most effective passing shots is when someone hits deep top spin (from the base line) pretty close to the body of the opponent at the net. the opponent lets it go bc at that height they think it's going out but it drops in (sometimes with a decent margin for error to boot). I love that (Colin Johns is pretty good with this shot).
Great stuff! Sounds like you have a great plan to build towards. Yes, get those roll drops down. They’re super effective. Backhand topspin is definitely worthy to work on as well. The game is headed this way and it’s not going back. Not to the exclusion of everything else but certainly these will be favored.
I came from tennis, topspin was an easy carryover, love it
Awesome! you're ahead of the game.
Great video Nicole. When making contact with the ball, should you try to hit it at its apex or just as it begins to descend?
At apex is ideal or earlier if you have to (if there's not time to let it rise to apex). Don't wait for it to descend.
Interesting stuff. As a former tennis player, my game has used spin often and judiciously, mixed with flat swings etc., with good results. Taking classes with local PB pro’s, I was always scolded for using spin. “You’ll only advance so far using spin!” I understand that used incorrectly it can cause control problems. That was not a problem for me. Now most advanced players have adopted various spin techniques. I expect it and see it well. Usually! 😊 It makes the game more interesting and fun for me. So far, I’m still “advancing”!
Great stuff Robert! Sounds like you’re approaching things the right way. Keep it up!
good instructional video...thanks
Thanks!
Really great, intriguing video. I used to play tennis with a super western grip - hit FH and BH with same side of racket - and I've found pickleball both fun and frustrating (it's hilarious how mad people get when you "spin" the ball, and I'm literally just trying to get it in play). I use a much less western grip obviously. I've tried emulating Jack Sock, since somehow he's made the transition. You are correct that the sport will evolve super-fast given its popularity, but god I miss tennis.
Thanks for sharing! It's always interesting to see how player's develop their own style. There's no "wrong" way necessarily as long as it doesn't create any shortcoming in other ways.
I predict that the lob will become an offensive shot to move players off the NVZ.
I like the prediction David!
That is EXACTLY the shot that I want to develop. That could be a giant killer against great volley players. Totally reset the point.
I use it most effectively for my 3rd shot, a topspin DRIVING drop to the middle. I put so much topspin on it that it sinks down drastically. If my opponents can get it, I've already moved in to the transition zone for a 5th shot drop.
That's a really good play. I'd add a true topspin drop to your arsenal because the driving one you describe won't always be ideal for the situation.
Thank you for this great video Nicole!
Glad you liked it!!
Please make a video of how to strike the ball to create topspin. Newbie’s may not know how to create the topspin.
Hi! We have that video. It’s here: Pickleball Topspin Cheat: How To Hit Topspin Even for Beginners
th-cam.com/video/Sw9Y9Q5XJ-c/w-d-xo.html
I come from tennis so backhand slice and forehand top spin is normal ..thanks
Awesome, consider adding backhand topspin and forehand slice as well for versatility.
Good discussion. Top spin has always been part of tennis so moving from that sport it was just a natural to adopt.
Awesome! Glad it came naturally to you.
Great video. Ty
Thanks Tricia! Glad you liked it.
I came from tennis and my topspin backhand is my fave shot. Despite this, in pickleball I still find the one-handed topspin drop VERY difficult (possibly the hardest shot in the game) and a low % shot. I guess I should keep with it and don't wimp out and slice instead?
It is very tough. You have to contact it so far in front to hit it well. No option to be late on it at all which is why you’ll see a topspin drop mostly on a two handed backhand. If one handed, most will slice the backhand drop. I think it’s worth it to keep going. Never hurts to have another tool in your toolbox.
Do you recommend top spin back hand drops or backhand slice drops?
Topspin as much us you can on all drops. Topspin drop is tough with one hand on backhand. I’d recommend learning two handed.
Amazing video love it
Awesome! Thanks for the comment.
I use the topspin on almost every occasion and it certainly helps my game apply pressure .
Awesome!
This content is splendid; it reminds me of a book I read with equally engaging themes. "The Art of Meaningful Relationships in the 21st Century" by Leo Flint
👍
Those of us with no racket background can find our level & still have fun. I get a little jealous of the people with years of tennis under their belt.
I hear you Peggy but you can learn this too...Get to drilling on the wall or with a friend.
Please show the technique of how to do top spin
I have something in the works for this. Stay tuned.
I used slice shots on my drops quite consistently and have been good at it, but is now working on topspin drives and drops. What type of grip do you use for the topspin drops or drives? Btw, great video
Eastern Forehand grip. Thank you!
Nice 😊
Thanks 😊
Funny. Pickleball has helped my tennis by making me hit a little more flat but with more pace. Pickleball topspin is a bit different than the full tennis topspin swing. I now have a flat top spin tennis shot. Hard to explain.
It think I know what you mean…a straighter trajectory but with topspin on it right?
discuss how to respond
eturn heavy topspin.
Thanks for the feedback! It's a good topic.
Those who came from tennis knew about this already. But the actual strokes are very different.
Tennis players do often start applying this quickly to the game for sure.
There's some difference but there's a lot of similarity. Thanks for the comment.
How do you get topspin?
Please see this video: th-cam.com/video/Sw9Y9Q5XJ-c/w-d-xo.html&lc=
Relaxed Paddle grit regulation.
Yeah, the paddle regulations are undergoing heavy scrutiny right now. As they should for the sport to evolve.
This isn;t new at all. No one hits the ball "flat". even in your "flat" side shot example you're imparting quite a bit of top spin, you just generate more the further you drop the paddle head.
The REAL thing that has been prevailing over the last year or so is a greater focus on drives, shake and bake, and speed ups. Those arent really new either, but paddle technology has improved, and players are better, so you're seeing players contantly hit low hard balls, flick speed ups, and not relying as much on dinking.
There is some topspin on most flat shots but in my view it’s closer to “very little” than it is to “quite a bit”. I think it’s being used dramatically more in recent years than all the years prior which is what puts it in the “new” category to most players. I agree that speed in the ways you describe is also prevailing more in recent years.
pickleball players finding out about topspin is hilarious
Seems like you’re not a fan of the sport. To each their own.
Second negative comment.
Interesting life when you spend your days watching videos you don’t agree with or aren’t interested in - just to be a jerk 🤣
Semi-western, eastern forehand or continental grip?
Great question! Eastern mostly. You could edge it towards semi-western at times if you really need get under it.
It's interesting that you call this tactic "NEW". I've been using tennis style topspin for years in the game, I think maybe the only thing that could be called "new" is the paddle surface technology in the last couple years providing more spin when wanted
I hear you. Keep up the good work! It’s pretty new to most players who are still being taught “traditional” pickleball.
@@primetimepickleball ah yes, I could see that. I was taught "traditional" style too when it became clear to me that just "mini tennis" wasn't working against higher level players. Played drop "small ball" for a couple years but now it seems the power/drive game is becoming the preferred style (at higher levels). I am thankful for that cause it feels more exciting and allows for more tennis skills (which in my case is applicable)
While I like topspin, I feel it can ruin a game! Some people only hit that way and makes it NO FUN!! I guess if all you want is a quick game and it’s over great. If you want to enjoy yourself it’s annoying and feels like cheating!
Ruin? It's effective and the game is evolving in this direction. Effective strategies will continue to be used so maybe consider learning how to do topspin and also deal with it. It's achievable. But, I understand if that's not for you in which case it's best to find a group that will play the way you prefer.
Playing like a tennis player.
Yes and no.
@@primetimepickleball as more and more tennis players come in dinking is going to go away. Why dink into the kitchen when topspin close to the net is available. The likelihood of an error by your opponent is much greater when the pressure is on vs trading softies.
It looks to me like you're talking about "a lot of topspin relative to ball speed" as opposed to just "topspin." For example, at 4:44 in the video you label your shot as "flat" but it looks like it has SOME natural topspin on it. Indeed, it's impossible to hit a ball with absolutely zero spin and the natural forehand swing of almost every higher level ex-tennis and many ping-pong players will have SOME topspin unless they're explicitly hitting a backspin shot or they're just blocking the ball.
Nevertheless, you've now given away the secret of my best shot by far which I call the topspin medium paced drive. Hopefully, nobody I play will watch this video!!! I use it as my 3rd shot over half the time. If the service return is deep, I like it better than a drop shot because from deep in my own territory a drop shot is pretty risky for me - too deep and I'm giving my opponents a put away shot, not deep enough and it's in the net. I also like it better than the 3rd shot drive because as you point out, there's so many more angles available since the ball dives once it passes or gets near the net keeping it in bounds whereas with a hard drive the limited angles make me feel like I'm hitting the ball right to my opponents, which, even if it does have a lot of pace and is pretty low, is not optimal. I think that when you're teaching 3rd shot strategies, this top spin shot is really, really important.
In ping-pong as players understand offensive and defensive use of spin it actually slows the game down and makes it more interesting. Hopefully, that'll happen in pickleball too since the trick is really not topspin per se, but topspin relative to ball speed so more spin, less speed is what's really helpful.
Yes, the "flat" one does have some natural spin on it and it's very hard to hit it purely flat and you don't need to. Great points! Yes, spin over speed on a lot of the shots is key but on some you do still want as much speed as you can muster with a lot of spin too. The off speed roll drop is really a game changer I think and that's where spin over speed is probably the most impactful.
Great content and explaining the many advantages of incorporating more topspin into my game! A BIG thankyou again! Keep sending your good tips.
There is nothing new about top spin, I have been crushing people with top spin for over ten years.
Well done!
tennis for unathletic people
It’s more a accessible for people that aren’t as athletic but I think staring that it’s only for people who aren’t athletic is quite a stretch.
That just sounds ignorant...stated by someone who played tennis 40+ years, competed at a high level and taught tennis. They're different sports and both are filled with incredible athletes of all ages and genders.
everything EASY when the ball is SLOW
Yes but also no.