CJ Johnson Headshot
CJ Johnson
Tony Roig
Tony Roig

4 Tips to Improve Your Pickleball Backhand

Most players struggle with their pickleball backhand.

Most players are more comfortable with either their forehand or their backhand. But more commonly, players are more comfortable with their forehand. In this week’s pickleball video we are going to spend some time fixing or building a solid backhand.

These 4 pickleball backhand tips will help you to become more confident and consistent with your backhand groundstroke.

0:00 intro
0:33 Positioning the paddle
1:20 Register for the free miniseries
1:39 Grip 2:55 Groundstroke-using the shoulder
5:35 Groundstroke with a ball
6:20 Mistakes players make
7:34 How to change direction with a backhand
8:25 Practicing against the wall
9:00 Body parallel to NVZ Are you New2Picklebal?

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CJ Johnson

Hey there — I’m a professional three-sport athlete and coach who has spent my entire adult life earning a living from playing and coaching sports. Since I started coaching more than three decades ago, one thing has remained the same: My commitment to see students not as they are but as what they can become and to move heaven and earth to help them realize their untapped potential. You should know that when it comes to helping pickleball players over 50 live their best lives on and off the courts, I'm an expert. Good pickleball is not just technique; it's the mind and body working holistically. That's why I'm also a personal trainer and weight management specialist. When I’m chillin', you'll find me watching Star Trek with my husband John and our two fur babies, Shirley and Ralph. (Yes, Happy Days)

7 Comments

  1. Avatar photo Marta Cuevas on October 9, 2022 at 4:30 pm

    I’m a beginners and these are great tips that I will work on . Thank you !

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on October 9, 2022 at 5:42 pm

      Hi Marta, Welcome to pickleball! We have a free 21 video beginner course. You’ll find it at https://betterpickleball.com/product-category/academy/

      • Avatar photo MICHAEL MAINGOT on October 9, 2022 at 9:59 pm

        Good backhand tips, my weak point. Will use shoulder

        • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on October 10, 2022 at 4:56 am

          Everyone has one side weaker than the other. Keep practicing!

  2. Avatar photo Lynnette Lubrant on October 9, 2022 at 5:02 pm

    Love this 5 tip video

    • Avatar photo CJ Johnson on October 9, 2022 at 5:42 pm

      Glad you found it helpful Lynnette

  3. Avatar photo Jeanne Swartzendruber on October 16, 2022 at 1:21 am

    Great tip on NOT using the wrist and elbow. Will work on that!

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