pickleball instruction

🎓 Academy Focus: Mastering the Forehand Topspin Drive

We’re breaking down the forehand topspin drive—a must-have shot that gives you the power to pressure opponents while keeping control through topspin.

Whether you’re looking to drive on the third shot, punish a pop-up, or attack from the midcourt, this shot can be a game-changer if you have the right mechanics in place.

Let’s dive into the three key components we want you to dial in:

1️⃣ Footwork & Spacing

Your feet set the foundation. If your feet are off, the shot’s off.

  • Stay light and mobile so you can adjust to the bounce.
  • Create optimal spacing between your body and the ball—about an arm’s length out front. Use your non-dominant hand to pretend to catch the ball, this will create the right spacing for you.
  • Load your legs and transfer your weight forward to drive through the ball.

2️⃣ Paddle Positioning: Slotting the Paddle Head

This is where your topspin starts.

  • Begin with the paddle head down and positioned by your dominate leg. We want to eliminate the back swing and catch the ball when it comes to our paddle.
  • Use a low-to-high brushing motion to create that beautiful arc and topspin, we are trying to keep the ball on the paddle longer to create the top spin.
  • Think brush, not slap. You’re sculpting the shot, not smashing it.

3️⃣ Follow Through

Where the paddle finishes, the ball follows.

  • Let the paddle finish across your body at shoulder height, or higher depending on the ball height.
  • A smooth follow-through helps with spin, depth, and consistency.
  • Allow your dominate leg to swing through the shot with you.

🔥 Why the Topspin Drive Matters:

  • Topspin = Margin for Error: The topspin brings the ball down quickly, allowing you to hit harder while still keeping the ball in.
  • Sets Up the Offense: A strong drive can force weak volleys or pop-ups, setting up your next shot at the net.
  • Disrupts Your Opponent’s Rhythm: When mixed with drops and dinks, the drive adds unpredictability to your game.

🧠 What to Practice This Week

✅ Footwork first—get in position
✅ Brush up from paddle slot
✅ Let it fly with a full follow-through
✅ Record yourself and check spacing, balance, and finish

This is the kind of shot that makes a difference at every level, but especially as you start taking on higher-level competition. Master it now, and your game will thank you later.

Let’s keep building your game one shot at a time. You’ve got this! 💪

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