Pickleball, a sport rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, combines elements of racket sports such as tennis, table tennis, and even ping pong. Among their essential skills, mastering the use of topspin has been a game-changer for competitive players. Hitting flat shots is only so effective and will not help you reach the next level players are striving for. 

This article will review the techniques used to produce topspin in pickleball and how they can elevate your game—even if you have a tennis background! 

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What is Top Spin?

Topspin is the forward rotation of the ball, causing it to accelerate and dip down as it travels through the air. This is known as the “Magnus Effect.” 

In pickleball, topspin affects the ball's trajectory and bounce, making it challenging to read and return, particularly in shots like the 3rd shot drops, drives, and dinks. Mastering topspin gives players enhanced control over their pickleball shots, leading to greater consistency and competitiveness.

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The Fundamentals of Generating Topspin

Generating topspin is all about the mechanics of your swing path. Remember the saying “low to high,” as this will be important for mastering topspin. Proper grip, stance, and contact point are also essential components of executing effective topspin shots. 

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What is the proper grip?

Typically, players are advised to stay with the continental grip, but in this case, using the continental grip will actually make producing topspin very difficult. It is recommended to use a semi-western grip when holding the pickleball paddle. This enables the paddle face to create a brushing effect on the ball, aiding in the generation of topspin.

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Building the Proper Stance

A great stance is more than just bending your legs—weight transfer throughout the ground stroke is key! 

We want to stand in an athletic position to the ball to make contact in front of our bodies, with our weight shifting forward into the pickleball court toward the net. 

Generally, creating topspin is easier in a closed stance compared to an open stance, but the choice between them depends on the player's comfort with transitioning through the zones on the court and the dynamics of the point.

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Swing Path and Contact Point

Where should you be making contact with the ball relative to your paddle? 

The sweet spot! 

The sweet spot is located in the middle of your pickleball paddle or just slightly above it. You will hear and feel when you've hit the sweet spot—trust me. It feels as good as it sounds—sweet!

Remember "low to high"? 

Low to high refers to the swing path, which is the most crucial aspect of producing topspin. Visualize a clock around the pickleball. Creating topspin involves striking underneath the ball at the 6 o’clock position (low), smoothly brushing over it through the 12 o’clock position, and finishing near your ear (high).

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When and where should you make contact with the ball relative to your body? 

First, give yourself some room between where the ball bounces and yourself. This approach ensures that you hit the ball in front of your body regardless of whether you choose a closed or open stance. That is the ideal contact point. 

Let me clarify what "in front" means. 

If you are in a closed stance, you might assume that "in front" means outwardly away from your belly, but it does not. "In front" refers to striking the ball in front of the foot that is closest to the net when in a closed stance.

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Common Mistakes

Common mistakes, such as making contact too late or neglecting to follow through on your swing, can hinder your ability to generate optimal topspin. Another error is ending the follow-through by 'flipping' the paddle. 

Resist the urge to flip your paddle at the end of your swing – keep one side facing you throughout the stroke. While it may seem unconventional, mastering this technique will drastically improve your topspin and add fluidity to your game.

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Pickleball Tips and Drills for Topspin Mastery

In addition to practicing with a ball machine, diversify your practice routine with various pickleball drills. Consistency and patience are essential as you learn from mistakes and progress towards mastering topspin. 

One highly effective drill, which Serena Williams used for her tennis groundstrokes, is among one of my favorites. You can watch the full video here. Incorporate this drill into your warm-up routine and share it with your partner!

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Pickleball Top Spin Drill (Serena style):

• Both players are on the same side of the court, close to the net, near the kitchen line
• One player will be hand-tossing balls
• The other play is in a closed/open stance, striking the ball in front of them, following through from 6 to 12 on the ball (low to high)
• Because players are so close to the net, the challenge is getting the ball over the net and landing the ball near the baseline of the pickleball court. some text
  • You’ll notice that to be successful, you must create topspin on your ball.
• The key is making small adjustments and getting lots of high-quality repetition so that it becomes an ingrained technique.
• Switch roles with your partner and learn by watching them, too!

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Advanced Tips and Strategies

For players seeking to refine their topspin technique, you need to focus on how you are utilizing your hips and legs. Engaging them in different ways affects topspin and the ease/difficulty of producing it. 

Many people find success when their stance is lower before contacting the ball. 

Engaging the legs by driving through the ground generates more ground reaction force and creates more energy that can be unleashed in the form of more topspin. Try this to create a topspin volley roll! 

Lastly, think about when and how to utilize topspin strategically during matches. 

As previously mentioned in the article, you can utilize top spin on your thirds, drives, and even the serve! Top spin can dramatically improve your pickleball serves!

Experiment with different strokes, forehands, backhands, and rolls at the net!

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Conclusion

Learning topspin comes with its fair share of challenges, but patience and a consistent routine will welcome success. Pickleball players should drill while in a good headspace because you need to be ready to make mistakes! 

Have a partner record you and be open to adjusting your technique to achieve your topspin goals.

Utilizing AIM7 and their pickleball recommendations will help players decide which days are good to drill, play, recover, or even focus on the mental side of pickleball! Embrace the learning process and trust in your ability to overcome setbacks along the way.

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References

• Improve Your Game: How To Create Topspin
• Why You Need Topspin In Tennis, No Matter What Your Level!
• Pickleball Topspin Cheat: How To Hit Topspin Even for Beginners
• Pickleball Topspin: 3 Tips to Produce KILLER Topspin
• Be A Banger – How To Hit An Overpowering Pickleball Topspin Forehand 
• Video: How to hit topspin, lesson by Serena Williams 

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