Amplify Your Game by Hitting With Shape

A shot with shape is a powerful technique that uses spin to curve the pickleball toward your target. This advanced skill emphasizes strategy over sheer power, allowing you to effectively control the court. By hitting a shot with shape, you gain valuable time to react and adjust between your shots.

The key to hitting a shot with shape is spin. To create this spin, your paddle will need to travel at an angle. Start with a slightly closed paddle face toward the ground. As you approach the ball, drop the paddle head below your contact point. Then, using a smooth motion, pronate your wrist, elbow, and shoulder from low to high, sweeping across to the opposite side—think of it like a windshield wiper in action.

Before attempting shots with shape, ensure you’ve nailed hitting with precision and targeting your shots. Introducing spin increases your risk for errors, so it’s crucial to build a solid foundation. Master your directional hitting first, then confidently experiment with adding spin and shape to take your game to the next level.

Get more tips to play better pickleball with The Pickler’s video series, My Pro Pickleball Coach!