If you’re playing pickleball, you will come across different spins being used sooner or later. If you’re not familiar with them, it can be frustrating to return a ball that comes with a spin. So we will go over the different types of spins in pickleball and what you need to do to successfully return the ball back.
The Different Types of Spins In Pickleball
Let’s review the different types of spins in pickleball.
Top Spin
With topspin, the ball rotates forward as it makes its way to you. A topspin is applied when a player brushes the ball upwards. The ball will come fast forward and drop sooner than a regular flat stroke. Many players use topspin to do a drive. A drive is a must-learn shot to get better in pickleball. The advantage of topspin is that while the ball may look like it could be going out of bounds, it will drop.
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The best way to return a topspin is by slicing the ball, high to low. That means you want to keep your paddle face up, turn sideways with your back leg anchored, and transfer your weight onto your front leg as your paddle swings downward to contact the ball.
What this does to the ball is that it will add a backspin to the topspin when it returns to your opponent. It will make it harder for your opponent to then make a return. However, if you’re not at the level to hit with any type of spin yet, hitting the ball back with a flat stroke can be just as good. It may require practice and hit with players that can hit the ball to you with a topspin.
Side Spin
In sidespin, the ball will rotate sideways. Sidespin can be created left or right, depending on which way the player brushes the ball. Sidespin can be done with the forehand or backhand. With a sidespin, the ball will drop and bounce left or right depending on which direction the player brushes the ball.
In order to know if the ball will bounce to your left or right after it drops, you would have to see where the player’s paddle ends. If they brush the ball left to right (their right to left), the ball will bounce to your left. Similarly, if the player brushes the ball right to left (their left to right), the ball will bounce to your right.
Like topspin, the best way to return a ball with a sidespin is to aim for the middle of the court and slice the ball, high to low. You can also return the ball with a neutral flat stroke. The main thing to keep in mind is to make sure your aim is where the center of the court is so that the ball does not go out of bounds.
Back Spin
With a backspin, the ball will rotate backward during flight. Backspin is essentially a forehand slice. The ball is brushed from high to low at an angle. Backspins are not common as a service since the server’s hand must be below the navel at paddle-to-ball contact. It can be done if the ball is dropped and contact is made at the ball bounce. However, it is not common.
You will see backspin more commonly during the game. To return a backspin, you will have to lift the ball as you contact the ball. Your arms will have to follow through the motion of low to high when and after contacting the ball.
Best Paddles To Hit Spins In Pickleball
While spin shots are primarily a result of technique, there are some pickleball paddles that make it a *little bit* easier. A pickleball paddle with more grit or a textured paddle face will give you a slight advantage for a spin. Paddles such as the Engage Encore 6.0 lines, including the Engage Encore EX 6.0 and Engage Encore MX 6.0, or ones with a carbon fiber face are great options.