Forehand Vs Backhand In Pickleball

Knowing the difference between backhand and forehand can help you improve your game, and here is all you need to know.

Forehand and backhand are the basic groundstrokes used in pickleball. These strokes are used to return the ball from the middle court to the deep court. Both strokes have unique perks and can be used in particular situations by different players. Knowing the difference between backhand and forehand and how to utilize these strokes can help you improve your game. So here is a comparative guide for forehand Vs backhand in pickleball.

Forehand Vs Backhand In Pickleball | What’s The Difference

What Is A Forehand In Pickleball?

A forehand in pickleball is when a player hits from the dominant side of the hand (paddle) facing the pickleball net. It is executed after the ball bounces and can be used for dinks, volleys, and groundstrokes. Since it is hit from the same side as your dominant hand, it feels more natural, and therefore, most players play their best by hitting the forehand.

What Is A Backhand In Pickleball?

Backhand in pickleball is when you hit the ball with the back of your dominant hand facing the direction of the stroke. Backhand in pickleball is more popular than any other racket game since the pickleball court is short and helps players run around the court to take the right position to hit a backhand. The backhand is hit with the backside of the dominant hand, so it always seems unnatural and is less powerful and comfortable than backhands.

Backhand Vs Forehand – Which Is More Effective?

Pro players believe that your pickleball game is not complete until you are skilled enough to hit around both sides of your body. Forehand is a powerful pickleball shot, and if a player can execute it with maximum accuracy, it is one of the best ways to keep your opponents on the back foot throughout the game.

A Backhand shot being unnatural and less powerful isn’t among the favorites of many players. It is more challenging than the forehand pickleball, and players must run around to hit the backhand. It takes a lot of practice to get power and control while playing backhand in pickleball.

However, it is a key game component, and one must learn it to compete in big games. In pickleball, many players return the serve with a forehand, even if it is heading toward the backhand. Though it is very challenging in tennis, many players do it with maximum ease in a pickle.

Since the pickleball court is smaller, the player can run around the pickle ball that is coming at the pickleball backhand and still be able to hit the forehand. However, pros like Gabrielson prefer backhand to return a serve. He believes the backhand can add much power to your hit without being hard on the body. It feels more natural to hit the ball forehand that is heading towards the backhand.

How To Hit A Pickleball Forehand?

Stepping

Footwork is the key component for any pickleball stroke. To hit the forehead volley or ground stroke, step forward with your left foot (if left-handed) or right foot (if right-handed). When you take up your final position to hit a forehand stroke, your back foot should be just behind you. It adds more stability, balance, and power.

Hitting

Here’s the best easy-to-hit forehand drive. In a forehand drive, you hit up the ball. Hitting up on the ball is when you hit the ball from a low to a high position. For this, you must swing your backswing up to shoulder height just behind you. Since you have an open stance, your swing speed can be as high as you want. However, it is advised to avoid over-hitting. Try to control your swing speed. Hitting up on the ball will add topspin, making it hard for the opponent to return this stroke.

How To Hit A Backhand In Pickleball?

Taking Up The Position

When you see a ball approaching you at the backhands, take the right position immediately.
Turn your body in a twisted or spring-like motion.
Open the face of your paddle, and the back should be able to hit the ball.
Many players confuse the twisting motion with the full backswing motion used to hit the backhand in tennis. It is not required in pickleball, and a twisting motion is enough to hit a solid backhand.

Use Both Hands

Whether you are hitting a two-handed or one-handed backhand, it is crucial to use both hands. A double-handed backhand is always preferred since it adds a lot of power and control. However, if you want to play a single-handed backhand, use your non-dominant hand as support while twisting your body and as a support for the wrist of the dominant hand.

Step Into Shot

You need to step into the shot after taking a position for the backhand. If you don’t stop, you won’t be able to achieve balance and control. Step forward with your right foot if you are right-handed and your left foot if you are left-handed.

Follow Through

Once you have taken the right position and stepped into the shot, you must make solid contact with the ball. However, it is not over. You need to follow through with your shot with pickleball paddles. You won’t get the desired distance and speed if you don’t follow through with your stroke.

Final Verdict

Forehand and backhand in pickleball strokes are equally important in pickleball. However, the forehand is easy to master and can be executed with maximum accuracy. You must learn the backhand strokes to win the games. Forehand strokes are more powerful and can be used as the best-attacking game plan. Backhand strokes are ideal for defense as they help you save points if your opponent constantly hits you at the backhand.

Forehand Vs Backhand In Pickleball