How to Add More Spin in Pickleball

Spin is the skill that makes your shots dip, kick and dive — and it's very learnable. Here's how to generate it.

Topspin: brush up the back of the ball

Topspin makes the ball dip down fast, so you can hit harder and still land it in. To create it:

• Start your paddle low and accelerate up and through the ball.
• Brush the back of the ball rather than hitting flat into it.
• Keep a loose, fast wrist for extra "snap" at contact.

Topspin drives and rolls are devastating from the kitchen line.

Slice (backspin): brush down and through

A slice keeps the ball low and skids, making it hard to attack. Brush down and forward under the ball with an open face. Great for returns and resets.

The paddle matters

Spin comes from the ball gripping the textured face. Two things help:

1. A textured carbon or graphite face — like the HexCore Pro and ProFoam Pro.
2. A clean face — dust kills grip, so clean it regularly.

Practice drill

Feed yourself balls and focus only on brushing, not power. Once the brushing motion is automatic, add pace. You'll be surprised how much more margin spin gives you.