Quick Tips
PICKLEBALL INSTRUCTION
The Secret of Spin
BY ALICE TYM
M
ost spins are not the result of a chop motion for under-spin or a gentle brush
up for top-spin. Good under-spin is achieved with a carving motion like
peeling an orange from one side of the ball to the other. It’s also important to
bend your knees to get under the ball and use your legs to drive the ball for depth and
speed.
When should you choose to use under-spin or top-spin?
Under-spin gives you time to get to the net since the motion carries you forward. Also,
the under-spin ball skids a bit, making it difficult for your opponent to return the shot.
Since top-spin shots are generally hit harder and faster than under-spins, they allow you
to be more aggressive for passing shots and sometimes even for approach shots.
Both spin types add dimension to your game. Most of all, good spins force you to use
your legs to hit the ball. You must prepare, get down, get set, and drive into the ball. That’s
the secret of spin. •
MAY/JUNE 2018 |
MAGAZINE
55