I looove your method of teaching! Thank you so much for breaking it down so minutely! This just might be the best Pickleball teaching channel that I've run across.
a player I respect at our local rec center asked me today who I think makes the best videos for learning pickleball. Although I've only been playing for a month, I've really immersed myself, and I told him without hesitation that it was John. He just smiled broadly and gave me a fist bump. It was clear he wanted me to discover John's videos if I hadn't already.
@@johncincolapickleball It really, really shows. Great presentation. You teach pickleball the way I hope I teach disc sports. (I noticed you're into disc golf as well.)
@@johncincolapickleball You talk about things no one else talks about! Especially good for those of us who have never played tennis or racquet sports, thx!
I have been watching so many pickle channels but your videos are so in depth explaining and instructing which I think by far the best instructors I can find. Thanks a million! John.
The single best swing concept breakdown I've come across. I've been stuck since I switched over from racquetball and have no forehand drive to my game, I can't forehand swing serve, I must do a backhand drop serve. But now, this has fixed both problems after one session of shadow swings. It's been a remarkable shift in my game. Thanks!!
The best explanation on how to master the forehand drive I've seen. The progression is brilliant. I've practiced this progression without a paddle in hand, with a paddle in hand, striking a ball against a wall, and finally, on the court with baskets of balls. All in all, in the last 3 days, I've gone through this progression no less than 500 times. It has without quwstion, improved my drive 100%. Thank you.
Excellent explanation! I had learned topspin & slice by watching your videos! I had to watch them several times and kept practicing with the wall & empty court! That really paid back! Really appreciate your time and effort and great instructions!!! 🙏🙏👍👍👍
I am also a beginner in this sport however have some decent skills in tennis/pingpong and badminton. I found out quickly that the pickleball comes much quicker and I am always late with backswing preparation, causing mishits - the ball either sails (hit under) or topspin into the net (closed paddle face) . You simply don't have much time for a longer backswing like tennis or badminton. As such this technique will suit me well in getting away from the tennis habit of a longer backswing. Thanks for a clear instructions.
This forehand has become my serve, return of serve, and a pattern breaking weapon on thirds. Invaluable and so easy to learn. Do not skip the part where you practice in front of the mirror.
Practiced this today on the court in 11 games of rec, wow when i did it correctly what a difference in my drives!! Thanks again for your easy to follow instructions!!
John I just asked the serve question, but I wanted to comment what a great video. I have doubled my power and distance in one practice session. That’s why I wanted to use this technique to improve my serve.
Awesome video! I'm a beginner pickleballer, and this video was extremely helpful! I may be new to pickleball, but I'm not new to coaching and instruction, and your coaching is top notch. It's very simple, concise, and to the point! Thank you so much, John!
John, I can’t thank you enough for helping improve my forehand drive with your clear concise teaching progression. It’s incredible learning process and I’ve watched this video at least 10-15 times to get the progressions right. Some others have asked for a similar progression for the backhand. Would you take some time to add to your video library? Thanks so much for your efforts to teach us effective PB.
1. Best pickleball channel I’ve come across 2. Footwork you’re saying we need to be mostly facing the court squared up when using this swing ? 3. When serving, same question as before, closed stance or open ?
Thanks for this video. You pared the forehand mechanics down to the truly essential movements and made them easy to understand. I would love to see a similar video on the one handed backhand drive.
Your videos are my favorite by far, I have some questions about forehand drives, 1) How tight do you grip your paddle on the forehand drive? I just noticed I wasn't holding my paddle tight enough and it was costing me power and accuracy.2) What angle is your wrist, is your wrist locked or loose? 3) What grip are you using on the forehand drive Eastern??? I hope you make a backhand drive video soon!!!!
Thanks, watch my grip video and that will explain the grip pressure question. I use an eastern grip for my forehand and most shots. My wrist is staying firm through the whole shot.
@@johncincolapickleball Thanks, I watched that it was great, I already applied the tips from both videos to my game, huge improvement so far!!! Thanks again!
Loved it. John great demo and break down on each component for the topspin forehand swing. Can’t wait for the video on the backhand. Keep them coming. Awesome job.
Yes, need the backhand video. Mine's ok but I know a few people who could really Benefit from it. I want to help them but I'm not nearly a good enough teacher. Hopefully your video would help.
I love the step by step instructions. It is fantastic. I would like to see the progression start from the ready position. It is a little confusing for me that you start the progression with the paddle down and away from your body and out by your side
I’ve watched you as a player for a long time now and am thrilled to have come across your instructional videos! My question is, how do you apply this forehand technique with a closed stance where you are generating power off the back leg/foot? I can’t quite figure out how start the motion with my right leg back (closed)..I am a righty..thanks much, I’m sure I’ll watch thus video over and over (before drilling jt of course)
Wow-great videos and teaching style. Keep them coming! One question-do you actually add force with your wrist or is it mostly the arm rotating from the shoulder when the paddle head turns up?
Love the video content you are putting out: clear, concise, and to the point about technique. Fabulous. I'm sure I/we would appreciate similar videos on any other strokes - especially volleys, both forehand and backhand, and backhand drives!
Great video. I'm a table tennis coach. I wonder if you used an open stance but pointed your right knee to the left a little enabling more hip rotation. We say in table tennis the power comes from the ground. Having a more powerful push off the ground with the right leg to allow the hip to go forward more powerfully I feel would support your arm movement more and allow more effortless power.
Hey Maurice, I totally agree with your assessment about hip drive. This video was aimed a little more at a beginner trying to get the basic shape of the swing. I’m going to be doing a video coming up soon on advanced forehand drive concepts. Should be a good one 👍
John love the video. Thx. Been looking for the mechanics on forehand drive for years. This gives me the good visual I've been looking for. Much appreciated
John love your videos. You're doing them in a clear concise way that is unique to what else is out there. You may have this in the pipeline but the two handed backhand is becoming a very dominant shot in the game. I know you run around to take the forehand a lot and 2handed backhand may not be your go to shot but a breakdown on the shot like you did on the forehand would be great. I'm especially interested in the hands that are dominant during the stroke and I heard things like play with non dominant hand near the top of the grip practice the feel then add dominant hand later. Thanks Steve
Thank you for making this video! One question: Is the hitting arm supposed to move forward? In step one you say to move the arm sideways but when actually hitting a ball looks like your arm moves forward a bit.
Loved this video. My question is regarding ball contact within your three steps. Is to happening while the paddle is down or as you are rolling the wrist low to high?
I had the same question. There seems to be a sweet spot-with the most snap-slightly after the wrist change when the ball is out in front. Plus what would be the point of a wrist change if contact occurred prior?
Hey John, love your video as usual. Can't wait for the future video you mentioned about when to use your different weapons like the drive or 3rd shot depending on the situation. Have seen another video like that but would love to see your take on it.
This is wonderful , i have been struggled with my forehand and can't wait to go out and practice.How do we deal with running forehand wide to the right when you don't have time to move the paddle inside ? Tks for your work!
Thanks, I hope it helps for you. That’s a good question. It’s not always possible but my goal when setting up to the ball Is always to get my paddle feeling like it’s “outside the ball” that way I’m swinging back toward my center and turning through the ball properly.
Great video. But some help for this newbie. Paddle away then move it closer to your body, rotate your wrists so the paddle is up then bend the elbow and paddle should be over your shoulder. But when is the point of contact, when you slow it down ? I couldn't tell from the video. Is the paddle up ?
Hey John. After your video about the Spinshot, I bought one through your link. Got the free shipping and the cover. I'd love to see more on how you use it, drills, settings etc.
Hey Rick, I'll definitely do that. I had planned a video that is going to show my 5 favorite ball machine drills. I'll show how to do them and all the settings I use. I'm hoping to have that out within the next month or so. Thanks
I can't stress how this video changed my forehand drive and I recommend to everyone that will listen. However, my game still needs improvement and one area that I've been called out on is, especially when dealing with a short and high return, is that I'm waiting on the ball and attacking it well below the apex. I believe this is because this forehand stroke mechanics has made that my very comfortable attack area. Do you have any recommendations, or maybe you have another video that deals with 1) footwork to move up to the ball and 2) your mechanics for striking a forehand at waist height and hit the higher bounce at apex?
For the swing mechanics, go back to step 1 but start with your paddle held out horizontally at waist level instead of down at a 45 degree angle. The three component motions and over-the-shoulder endpoint are the same, but you start from a different contact point, so your swing is a bit more horizontal.
@@johncincolapickleball I needed a starting point for more consistency and like the brake down of movements in my humble opinion you nailed what most miss because it comes naturally
Hi John! Nice video! I noticed at the beginning of the video you hit the FH drive with semi closed stance but you taught the stroke technique with open completely open stance Isn’t the semi closed the better way to hit the ball so get your legs and core muscles involved and rotate the body
Good question. I think open or semi open are both fine. Usually it's situational. If you noticed in both of the ones I was semi open, it was where I was moving around the ball to my left. When I'm already lined up with the ball or moving right (like the other 2 shots in the intro) I usually end up in a fully open stance. Ultimately though I don't try to force using 1 setup style. I set up in a way that feels comfortable based on where and how I'm moving.
Great video. Love how you broke the swing down. The illustration cemented in my mind a minor swing flaw that I was doing. I’m a lot more consistent now. It the attention to minor things So May I ask you to do the same video but for the backhand. I am learning a two handed backhand as I normally only slice with my backhand. But having two hands on paddle steadies my paddlehead. So incorporating a two handed backhand. Would love to see how you break down that swing
I’m late to the party but I appreciate your teaching style. One question…I’ve been taught to turn my left shoulder perpendicular to the net when doing a forehand drive. I see you doing an open stance. Is the open stance better to use? Or is it personal preference? Thanks!
Can you tell me what grip you use? Is it Continental? Great video by the way. You're the only one who really breaks it down and tells you how to work at it to get this down pat
Thanks for such a helpful video. Any way you could make a similar video for the backhand slice return? It is a shot I struggle to execute well. BTW, I enjoyed your in person method of instruction at the Engage Pickleball camp in Jan 2021 in Port St Lucie, Fl.
As a newcomer to the sport and older, I don’t know how to get power in the return if I’m square to the net. I seem to have to turn my body perpendicular to the net…maybe not that extreme, but definitely not square. Any suggestions?
John fabulous video KISS keep it simple…I love the inverted paddle which I use love the follow thru. Must use wall. Can’t afford spin machine. Senior thanks. CB
This is awesome and I need it as I’m trying to rebuild my forehand. I’m curious to hear your thoughts on a paddle up position during the take back, the first and last quarter of the forward motion with a semi-firm but springy wrist (enables the “elastic series element” aka rubber-like source of power from the muscle) in order to generate more of the upward head paddle head speed that is the source of top spin. I have this mastered on my backhand, a la Dan Roditi (best example) & Jay Devilliers (second best example) such that no matter how hard I hit it the top spin is always enough to drop it in before the baseline, as long as I have a reasonable margin over the net (6”-1’). I call it a snap back hand: 1. Stance closed-ish, 2. Off arm pulls behind (Morgan Evans calls it a counter-balance) as you bend your knees (my college tennis instructor called it “sitting on the chair”), 3. Point your elbow at your target as you cock your wrist (snicker, snicker) up and forward w/ wrist semi-firm but springy. 4. As you step forward, fling that paddle forward, kind of like snapping a towel or flinging water off the back of your hand/fingers. You should not think about this while performing the forward motion of the stroke, but here’s the biomechanics of it. For the first short fraction of the forward swing (third?) the paddle head is heading downward but the arm and wrist start pushing it back up shortly thereafter, and as they do so the energy put into the downward motion of the paddle is stored in the elastic-series element of your wrist/forearm muscles as they begin to bring the paddle head back up. Once the paddle hits its bottom most point, it literally bounces back up with the stored energy of the elastic series element just mentioned but also with the standard force of contraction of the wrist/forearm muscles pulling the paddle head up. Make contact with the ball shortly after that bottom most point with the paddle on its way back up. The pros I remember off hand who do the equivalent w/ their forehand, a paddle up, snap forehand, are Irina Tereschenko (best example) and as much as it pains me to give credit to this embarrassment of an athlete, Julian Arnold (second best example). Watching you in this video, I think you are doing this ever so subtly. Interested to know if it’s on purpose or if I’m just crazy. I’m also curious to hear your thoughts on focusing on the opposition between the right hip and right shoulder that videos on the spike in volleyball always emphasize. Tyson McGuffin, and now Leah Jansen, exemplify this well on their serves. This DEFINITELY maximizes speed on my overheads but I figure it must translate to the forehand top spin drive too. I’m not sure how to do this while stepping forward like Zane Navratil recommends in his recent video on the topic.
Hey Bryan, you got a lot of good stuff here. I agree that in a high level swing that paddle should be above the wrist and the elbow up and away in the take back. Once the forward swing is pulled up and toward the ball with the handle the paddle head will snap back into the lag position. The problem is that a lot of people struggle to be loose enough to allow that lag to happen and the paddle ends up staying above the wrist which is then counter productive. That's why in this video I show the example starting below the hand basically already creating the lagged position. It's not ideal but it does help a lot for someone that has never felt the sensation of topspin before. I would venture to say that this video is definitely aimed at more of the beginner just trying to figure out the basic form vs someone like yourself who seems to be working on the nuances of the swing. Thanks 👍
@@johncincolapickleball I’m definitely ready for a more advanced, technically nuanced stroke mechanic but don’t have the training/instruction to pull it off on my own. Your caution about the wrist being too stiff to drop … I’ll add that to my mental must list that was mostly absent before (I was aware of it but unsure of how much importance to assign to it). What is nuance to the beginner is the Grand Canyon to the pro.
Thank you, can you add view of your shout from the front side same as you showed progression breakdown. This is because I don’t see the first move of hand from side toward center in your actual shots or it is just not as significant as in progression
Now that I think about it, the 2-handed backhand progression should be a mirror image of the forehand progression John specified. For a RH player, 2-handed BH 1) paddle extended low and to the left side of the body 2) Bring paddle into body in front of the left foot 3) rotate left forearm to raise the paddle head up 4) raise left elbow up over the right shoulder. Same mechanics. I dont think this would apply to a 1-handed BH though.
Great video! I should video record myself as I noticed sometimes my forearm gets a bit tight after playing and I wondered about how I was hitting the ball. I'll try your tips to see if that improves the forehand and hopefully reduces tightness
You are using an opened stance rather than a closed stance as suggested by others. Just wondering what’s the pros and cons of the stance that you used. Love your breakdown.
Yeah, I probably should have addressed this in the video but I didn't want it to get to long. Mayne I'll do a specific video about open vs closed stance. I definitely believe that open stance is the preferred method for hitting a forehand in Pickleball for a few reasons. 1: It promotes shorter backswings and a better turn through the ball which a lot of people struggle with 2: It keeps you square to the court and makes it easier to recover quicker or transition forward into the court through the shot. 3: The current generation of pro tennis players are playing probably 90% open stance on the forehand. I think that the dynamics of Pickleball even more so call for open stance over tennis because everything is shorter/quicker with less time in-between shots and less space to work in.
Excellent video! One point I’d appreciate your feedback on is this: sometime between position 1 (paddle head down) and position 2 (paddle head up & inline with torso) you make contact with ball, but should the paddle head be down, up or halfway?
I agree with top two comments. Why a completely open stance and no real weight transfer. Near the kitchen I get it - further back I don’t get it. Last question would be when the ball is not at the height in video - higher for instance how does the paddle orientation change?
Great video, the question I have in my head is when you go from the paddle down to the rotation then to follow through. When you rotate is that a snap - release of the paddle to give you the power? I'm trying to get the sequencing down properly. Thanks again
Perfect simple explanation with this video John! One question I have is: how do you personally grip the paddle? From the video I think it's either Continental or Semi-Western, but I can't tell
Good question, I've gotten that question a few times, so I should have addressed that in the video. I personally hold right around eastern or maybe somewhere between continental and eastern. This shot can work with a continental but I think it's a bit easier and you will get more spin on the ball if you're closer to eastern.
Would love to see a video about approach shots, a decent amount of time I get a approachable return ball as the serving team but my tennis style approach doesn't seem to translate very well.
Ok, so are you talking about transition shots as you’re trying to move forward into the court? I do have something planned that will discuss some of that stuff
This appears to be a great explanation for how to hit a forehand drive. However, for people who are a bit inexperienced yet may find it a little bit difficult. For instance, why is my right hand away from my body in the first place? Place? What triggers the need for me to move my hand out to the right side? Is it as soon as I see a ball that appears to be a good candidate for a forehand drive that I move my hand outward? Also, you don't mention what part of the paddle should I be hitting the ball with for the forehand drive. In the slow motion it appears that you're hitting it with the bottom part of your paddle, not the sweet spot. Can you explain that a bit more please?
Great vid. Would love to hear some comparison between the default forehand stroke and when / if it's appropriate to do a more ping-pong style top-spin forehand type of stroke, like perhaps if the ball is higher from the ground and / or further away than the ideal distance from you and you don't have time to reposition--in that situation does your forehand top-spin stroke look closer to ping-pong or is it something else entirely that you do?
Hey Neil, good question. For me I use more of a tennis style from the baseline. Once I get up to the kitchen line with roll volleys and counter attacks I compact things more and use more of the table tennis style.
@@johncincolapickleball Thanks. I should've been more specific, I meant a forehand stroke kind of like at this timed link ua-cam.com/video/VTCDQYYKA9o/v-deo.html which to me is not compact. Normally it doesn't make sense because the ball bounces too low so a partially underhand forehand stroke that is closer to the body is easier. But in some situations I've found myself wanting to take advantage of a higher ball to get a steeper angle over the net and was wondering if this type of stroke may have a use.
Would I be incorrect in having a thought process of having an inside out approach to the ball from below the ball.? That path seems to get me to the right finishing position
Before I practice/test it, how effective would a full-power topspin bounce serve be? It would seem you could get a good combination of control, power, depth and loop from this.
I subscribed so I could see your backhand from the baseline, but I can't find a single video on it. Can you provide an ETA or a link if I've missed it. Thank you!
Hey john. i’ve heard pros and announcers during events talk about pros setting up volleys. like they send it to a place on someone to have it come back to their backhand or forehand purposely. not sure if you have any insight on that and would be willing to do a video on it. thanks for your time
Hi Ian, that's a good question. I was planning on doing a video about attacking from the kitchen line. When to do it, where to aim, how to set it up. So what you're asking about I will most likely cover to some degree in that video. Thanks
John, love your videos! Regarding this video, wondering if you can add what type of grip you use. It looks continental, but just wondering if you switch the grip for more top spin ( semi western?).
Good question, I've gotten that question a few times, so I should have addressed that in the video. I personally hold right around eastern or maybe somewhere between continental and eastern. This shot can work with a continental but I think it's a bit easier and you will get more spin on the ball if you're closer to eastern.
Great video! For what it’s worth, the title says three things, but the video doesn’t really have that. Just saying, if somebody hunts for three distinct parts in the video, they won’t really find it, and it might cause confusion
Good point. It’s meant to be the 3 steps that I demonstrated. 1: Elbow in front 2: roll the wrist/forearm 3: bend the elbow and reach back over the shoulder. I forgot to number them in the video.
@johncincolapickleball Does this swing path help with forearm and elbow pain? After playing several times last week I’m experiencing forearm stiffness and soreness, and guessing it’s from improper mechanics and grip pressure
I looove your method of teaching! Thank you so much for breaking it down so minutely! This just might be the best Pickleball teaching channel that I've run across.
Thanks so much! I'm putting a lot of effort into it, so I really appreciate you saying that 😊
a player I respect at our local rec center asked me today who I think makes the best videos for learning pickleball. Although I've only been playing for a month, I've really immersed myself, and I told him without hesitation that it was John. He just smiled broadly and gave me a fist bump. It was clear he wanted me to discover John's videos if I hadn't already.
@@johncincolapickleball It really, really shows. Great presentation. You teach pickleball the way I hope I teach disc sports. (I noticed you're into disc golf as well.)
@@johncincolapickleball You talk about things no one else talks about! Especially good for those of us who have never played tennis or racquet sports, thx!
Dude. You are an EXCELLENT instructor. Your videos are the first source I will recommend to any pickleball learner!
Thanks Matt, I appreciate that!!
I have been watching so many pickle channels but your videos are so in depth explaining and instructing which I think by far the best instructors I can find. Thanks a million! John.
Thanks Mike, I really appreciate that!!
The single best swing concept breakdown I've come across. I've been stuck since I switched over from racquetball and have no forehand drive to my game, I can't forehand swing serve, I must do a backhand drop serve. But now, this has fixed both problems after one session of shadow swings. It's been a remarkable shift in my game. Thanks!!
I love it! So glad to the hear that the video helped you out 😊
Thanks for teaching not only intellectually how a forehand works, but also how to physically learn it. Great video!
Thanks Dan, glad you like the video 👍
The best explanation on how to master the forehand drive I've seen. The progression is brilliant. I've practiced this progression without a paddle in hand, with a paddle in hand, striking a ball against a wall, and finally, on the court with baskets of balls. All in all, in the last 3 days, I've gone through this progression no less than 500 times. It has without quwstion, improved my drive 100%. Thank you.
I am a literal step-by-step learner. This is a great tutorial and very helpful! Thanks for sharing 👍
Excellent explanation! I had learned topspin & slice by watching your videos! I had to watch them several times and kept practicing with the wall & empty court! That really paid back! Really appreciate your time and effort and great instructions!!! 🙏🙏👍👍👍
that is great! next video coming out is about exactly that... wall drills!
I am also a beginner in this sport however have some decent skills in tennis/pingpong and badminton. I found out quickly that the pickleball comes much quicker and I am always late with backswing preparation, causing mishits - the ball either sails (hit under) or topspin into the net (closed paddle face) . You simply don't have much time for a longer backswing like tennis or badminton. As such this technique will suit me well in getting away from the tennis habit of a longer backswing. Thanks for a clear instructions.
This forehand has become my serve, return of serve, and a pattern breaking weapon on thirds. Invaluable and so easy to learn. Do not skip the part where you practice in front of the mirror.
Love it! I’m a big fan of using the same stroke for multiple situations.
Practiced this today on the court in 11 games of rec, wow when i did it correctly what a difference in my drives!! Thanks again for your easy to follow instructions!!
awesome!!
John I just asked the serve question, but I wanted to comment what a great video. I have doubled my power and distance in one practice session.
That’s why I wanted to use this technique to improve my serve.
That’s awesome! Glad to hear it’s helping out
Awesome video! I'm a beginner pickleballer, and this video was extremely helpful! I may be new to pickleball, but I'm not new to coaching and instruction, and your coaching is top notch. It's very simple, concise, and to the point! Thank you so much, John!
Clean breakdown. The form drills are a good reminder to watch my balance. Thanks for the vid.
John, I can’t thank you enough for helping improve my forehand drive with your clear concise teaching progression. It’s incredible learning process and I’ve watched this video at least 10-15 times to get the progressions right. Some others have asked for a similar progression for the backhand. Would you take some time to add to your video library? Thanks so much for your efforts to teach us effective PB.
1. Best pickleball channel I’ve come across
2. Footwork you’re saying we need to be mostly facing the court squared up when using this swing ?
3. When serving, same question as before, closed stance or open ?
Thanks for this video. You pared the forehand mechanics down to the truly essential movements and made them easy to understand. I would love to see a similar video on the one handed backhand drive.
Your videos are my favorite by far, I have some questions about forehand drives, 1) How tight do you grip your paddle on the forehand drive? I just noticed I wasn't holding my paddle tight enough and it was costing me power and accuracy.2) What angle is your wrist, is your wrist locked or loose? 3) What grip are you using on the forehand drive Eastern??? I hope you make a backhand drive video soon!!!!
Thanks, watch my grip video and that will explain the grip pressure question. I use an eastern grip for my forehand and most shots. My wrist is staying firm through the whole shot.
@@johncincolapickleball Thanks, I watched that it was great, I already applied the tips from both videos to my game, huge improvement so far!!! Thanks again!
YESSSSSS FINALLYYYYY A GOOD EXAMPLE OF EXACTLY HOW TO HIT A GROUNDSTROKE!!!!! Thanks
Loved it. John great demo and break down on each component for the topspin forehand swing. Can’t wait for the video on the backhand. Keep them coming. Awesome job.
Thanks Colin! I'm glad you enjoyed it
Yes, need the backhand video. Mine's ok but I know a few people who could really Benefit from it. I want to help them but I'm not nearly a good enough teacher. Hopefully your video would help.
Yes, please add a backhand video,
Love your instructions!! I'm a big Federer fan and I have to be honest. Your forehand looks just like his--more abbreviated. Love it!!
I love the step by step instructions. It is fantastic. I would like to see the progression start from the ready position. It is a little confusing for me that you start the progression with the paddle down and away from your body and out by your side
I’ve watched you as a player for a long time now and am thrilled to have come across your instructional videos! My question is, how do you apply this forehand technique with a closed stance where you are generating power off the back leg/foot? I can’t quite figure out how start the motion with my right leg back (closed)..I am a righty..thanks much, I’m sure I’ll watch thus video over and over (before drilling jt of course)
Interesting breakdown...I'm going to implement this, thanks for posting.
Glad it was helpful!
Wow-great videos and teaching style. Keep them coming! One question-do you actually add force with your wrist or is it mostly the arm rotating from the shoulder when the paddle head turns up?
John, this step by step video is the best. I'm a beginner and will begin practicing this Forehand drive right away. Thank you.
Thank you so much. Do you have any specific questions I could answer?
What a beautiful break down. Thank you for this video!
Love the video content you are putting out: clear, concise, and to the point about technique. Fabulous. I'm sure I/we would appreciate similar videos on any other strokes - especially volleys, both forehand and backhand, and backhand drives!
Thanks so much!! I’m gonna keep working hard on new stuff 👍
Great video. I'm a table tennis coach. I wonder if you used an open stance but pointed your right knee to the left a little enabling more hip rotation. We say in table tennis the power comes from the ground. Having a more powerful push off the ground with the right leg to allow the hip to go forward more powerfully I feel would support your arm movement more and allow more effortless power.
Hey Maurice, I totally agree with your assessment about hip drive. This video was aimed a little more at a beginner trying to get the basic shape of the swing. I’m going to be doing a video coming up soon on advanced forehand drive concepts. Should be a good one 👍
Great stuff. Thanks. Please do one for backhand drive.
Yes please! One handed and/or two-handed.
Thanks, I will!!
Yes I second that as well!
John love the video. Thx. Been looking for the mechanics on forehand drive for years. This gives me the good visual I've been looking for. Much appreciated
John love your videos. You're doing them in a clear concise way that is unique to what else is out there. You may have this in the pipeline but the two handed backhand is becoming a very dominant shot in the game. I know you run around to take the forehand a lot and 2handed backhand may not be your go to shot but a breakdown on the shot like you did on the forehand would be great. I'm especially interested in the hands that are dominant during the stroke and I heard things like play with non dominant hand near the top of the grip practice the feel then add dominant hand later. Thanks Steve
Thank you for making this video! One question: Is the hitting arm supposed to move forward? In step one you say to move the arm sideways but when actually hitting a ball looks like your arm moves forward a bit.
Loved this video. My question is regarding ball contact within your three steps. Is to happening while the paddle is down or as you are rolling the wrist low to high?
I had the same question. There seems to be a sweet spot-with the most snap-slightly after the wrist change when the ball is out in front. Plus what would be the point of a wrist change if contact occurred prior?
Hey stranger, contact would happen as the wrist is rolling. That’s what creates the topspin 👍
Love love love. So helpful I would love to see a pic of your grip.
Hey John, love your video as usual. Can't wait for the future video you mentioned about when to use your different weapons like the drive or 3rd shot depending on the situation. Have seen another video like that but would love to see your take on it.
Yeah, for sure. I’ll be working on that soon 👍
Thanks for the video; I’m new to pickle ball. What grip is best recommended to hit the forehand shot?
Continental unless I'm mistaken.
Really solid content John. Have watched a few of your videos and it's clear they're very well thought out. Great job
thank you very much!
This is wonderful , i have been struggled with my forehand and can't wait to go out and practice.How do we deal with running forehand wide to the right when you don't have time to move the paddle inside ? Tks for your work!
Thanks, I hope it helps for you.
That’s a good question. It’s not always possible but my goal when setting up to the ball
Is always to get my paddle feeling like it’s “outside the ball” that way I’m swinging back toward my center and turning through the ball properly.
Great video. But some help for this newbie. Paddle away then move it closer to your body, rotate your wrists so the paddle is up then bend the elbow and paddle should be over your shoulder. But when is the point of contact, when you slow it down ? I couldn't tell from the video. Is the paddle up ?
Hey John. After your video about the Spinshot, I bought one through your link. Got the free shipping and the cover. I'd love to see more on how you use it, drills, settings etc.
Hey Rick, I'll definitely do that. I had planned a video that is going to show my 5 favorite ball machine drills. I'll show how to do them and all the settings I use. I'm hoping to have that out within the next month or so. Thanks
I can't stress how this video changed my forehand drive and I recommend to everyone that will listen. However, my game still needs improvement and one area that I've been called out on is, especially when dealing with a short and high return, is that I'm waiting on the ball and attacking it well below the apex. I believe this is because this forehand stroke mechanics has made that my very comfortable attack area. Do you have any recommendations, or maybe you have another video that deals with 1) footwork to move up to the ball and 2) your mechanics for striking a forehand at waist height and hit the higher bounce at apex?
For the swing mechanics, go back to step 1 but start with your paddle held out horizontally at waist level instead of down at a 45 degree angle. The three component motions and over-the-shoulder endpoint are the same, but you start from a different contact point, so your swing is a bit more horizontal.
I'm so happy that I discovered your videos! Excellent job! Great court you have there :)
Thanks for watching! I appreciate it.
Wow! Great and lovely image! Thank you👏👏👏
Thank you I have been looking for a Actual technique for hand for sometime now I like this I’m gonna try it out
No problem 👍. Obviously there’s a little more nuance to it than this, but this should be a really good starting point to build on.
@@johncincolapickleball I needed a starting point for more consistency and like the brake down of movements in my humble opinion you nailed what most miss because it comes naturally
Very good channel. Is there a video that you explain more the footwork (open,semi-open, close)for the forehand ?
Thank you
Great progression video! Really appreciate it!
Hi John!
Nice video! I noticed at the beginning of the video you hit the FH drive with semi closed stance but you taught the stroke technique with open completely open stance Isn’t the semi closed the better way to hit the ball so get your legs and core muscles involved and rotate the body
Ditto
Good question. I think open or semi open are both fine. Usually it's situational. If you noticed in both of the ones I was semi open, it was where I was moving around the ball to my left. When I'm already lined up with the ball or moving right (like the other 2 shots in the intro) I usually end up in a fully open stance. Ultimately though I don't try to force using 1 setup style. I set up in a way that feels comfortable based on where and how I'm moving.
Great question and answer, thx.
Great video. Love how you broke the swing down. The illustration cemented in my mind a minor swing flaw that I was doing. I’m a lot more consistent now. It the attention to minor things
So May I ask you to do the same video but for the backhand. I am learning a two handed backhand as I normally only slice with my backhand. But having two hands on paddle steadies my paddlehead. So incorporating a two handed backhand. Would love to see how you break down that swing
I’m late to the party but I appreciate your teaching style. One question…I’ve been taught to turn my left shoulder perpendicular to the net when doing a forehand drive. I see you doing an open stance. Is the open stance better to use? Or is it personal preference? Thanks!
Hey John, great video yet again. How similar is your forehand drive technique to your serve technique? Thanks
Can you tell me what grip you use? Is it Continental? Great video by the way. You're the only one who really breaks it down and tells you how to work at it to get this down pat
Thanks for such a helpful video. Any way you could make a similar video for the backhand slice return? It is a shot I struggle to execute well. BTW, I enjoyed your in person method of instruction at the Engage Pickleball camp in Jan 2021 in Port St Lucie, Fl.
Hey Scott, thanks!
I’ve got the next couple videos planned already but I’ll put that in the future list of ones to do 👍
As a newcomer to the sport and older, I don’t know how to get power in the return if I’m square to the net. I seem to have to turn my body perpendicular to the net…maybe not that extreme, but definitely not square. Any suggestions?
John fabulous video KISS keep it simple…I love the inverted paddle which I use love the follow thru. Must use wall. Can’t afford spin machine. Senior thanks. CB
Thanks! glad you enjoyed it 👍
This is awesome and I need it as I’m trying to rebuild my forehand.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts on a paddle up position during the take back, the first and last quarter of the forward motion with a semi-firm but springy wrist (enables the “elastic series element” aka rubber-like source of power from the muscle) in order to generate more of the upward head paddle head speed that is the source of top spin.
I have this mastered on my backhand, a la Dan Roditi (best example) & Jay Devilliers (second best example) such that no matter how hard I hit it the top spin is always enough to drop it in before the baseline, as long as I have a reasonable margin over the net (6”-1’).
I call it a snap back hand: 1. Stance closed-ish, 2. Off arm pulls behind (Morgan Evans calls it a counter-balance) as you bend your knees (my college tennis instructor called it “sitting on the chair”), 3. Point your elbow at your target as you cock your wrist (snicker, snicker) up and forward w/ wrist semi-firm but springy. 4. As you step forward, fling that paddle forward, kind of like snapping a towel or flinging water off the back of your hand/fingers.
You should not think about this while performing the forward motion of the stroke, but here’s the biomechanics of it. For the first short fraction of the forward swing (third?) the paddle head is heading downward but the arm and wrist start pushing it back up shortly thereafter, and as they do so the energy put into the downward motion of the paddle is stored in the elastic-series element of your wrist/forearm muscles as they begin to bring the paddle head back up. Once the paddle hits its bottom most point, it literally bounces back up with the stored energy of the elastic series element just mentioned but also with the standard force of contraction of the wrist/forearm muscles pulling the paddle head up. Make contact with the ball shortly after that bottom most point with the paddle on its way back up.
The pros I remember off hand who do the equivalent w/ their forehand, a paddle up, snap forehand, are Irina Tereschenko (best example) and as much as it pains me to give credit to this embarrassment of an athlete, Julian Arnold (second best example). Watching you in this video, I think you are doing this ever so subtly. Interested to know if it’s on purpose or if I’m just crazy.
I’m also curious to hear your thoughts on focusing on the opposition between the right hip and right shoulder that videos on the spike in volleyball always emphasize. Tyson McGuffin, and now Leah Jansen, exemplify this well on their serves. This DEFINITELY maximizes speed on my overheads but I figure it must translate to the forehand top spin drive too. I’m not sure how to do this while stepping forward like Zane Navratil recommends in his recent video on the topic.
Hey Bryan, you got a lot of good stuff here. I agree that in a high level swing that paddle should be above the wrist and the elbow up and away in the take back. Once the forward swing is pulled up and toward the ball with the handle the paddle head will snap back into the lag position.
The problem is that a lot of people struggle to be loose enough to allow that lag to happen and the paddle ends up staying above the wrist which is then counter productive.
That's why in this video I show the example starting below the hand basically already creating the lagged position. It's not ideal but it does help a lot for someone that has never felt the sensation of topspin before.
I would venture to say that this video is definitely aimed at more of the beginner just trying to figure out the basic form vs someone like yourself who seems to be working on the nuances of the swing. Thanks 👍
@@johncincolapickleball I’m definitely ready for a more advanced, technically nuanced stroke mechanic but don’t have the training/instruction to pull it off on my own. Your caution about the wrist being too stiff to drop … I’ll add that to my mental must list that was mostly absent before (I was aware of it but unsure of how much importance to assign to it). What is nuance to the beginner is the Grand Canyon to the pro.
Good stuff….like it…..three quarter drive with movement makes sense
Thank you, can you add view of your shout from the front side same as you showed progression breakdown. This is because I don’t see the first move of hand from side toward center in your actual shots or it is just not as significant as in progression
Thank you for such an excellent video lesson!!❤
Do you ever hit this shot with a closed stance (like tennis)?
Do you recommend using a continental grip when hitting a drive with top spin?
No, it’s easier if you’re closer to an eastern grip for Forehand drives.
Great video. I would like to see a video on two handed backhand techniques with a bounce and volleys at different height.
Sounds good. I’ll keep that in mind for future videos! Thanks
Your videos are helpful. For this one I see you use an open stance while I use a closed one. Is your technique just as effective with a closed stance?
John-The way you dissect the forehand mechanics is great teaching. Any chance you have or can do the equivalent for the 1-and 2-handed backhand?
Now that I think about it, the 2-handed backhand progression should be a mirror image of the forehand progression John specified. For a RH player, 2-handed BH 1) paddle extended low and to the left side of the body 2) Bring paddle into body in front of the left foot 3) rotate left forearm to raise the paddle head up 4) raise left elbow up over the right shoulder. Same mechanics. I dont think this would apply to a 1-handed BH though.
Great video! I should video record myself as I noticed sometimes my forearm gets a bit tight after playing and I wondered about how I was hitting the ball. I'll try your tips to see if that improves the forehand and hopefully reduces tightness
Thank you for your excellent teaching. Would you drive from a higher point, eg. After a high bounce, above the waist?
Yes, absolutely. There’s a lot of factors in play but definitely more of a green light if the ball sits up.
Thanks John, I will have to use these tips against you soon! :)
Bring it 😊
Thanks for the pointers!
You bet 👍
You are using an opened stance rather than a closed stance as suggested by others. Just wondering what’s the pros and cons of the stance that you used. Love your breakdown.
Yeah, I probably should have addressed this in the video but I didn't want it to get to long. Mayne I'll do a specific video about open vs closed stance.
I definitely believe that open stance is the preferred method for hitting a forehand in Pickleball for a few reasons.
1: It promotes shorter backswings and a better turn through the ball which a lot of people struggle with
2: It keeps you square to the court and makes it easier to recover quicker or transition forward into the court through the shot.
3: The current generation of pro tennis players are playing probably 90% open stance on the forehand. I think that the dynamics of Pickleball even more so call for open stance over tennis because everything is shorter/quicker with less time in-between shots and less space to work in.
@@johncincolapickleball Thanks for the detailed response.
Excellent video! One point I’d appreciate your feedback on is this: sometime between position 1 (paddle head down) and position 2 (paddle head up & inline with torso) you make contact with ball, but should the paddle head be down, up or halfway?
I agree with top two comments. Why a completely open stance and no real weight transfer. Near the kitchen I get it - further back I don’t get it. Last question would be when the ball is not at the height in video - higher for instance how does the paddle orientation change?
this should help me immensely. Thank you.
great video!! could we get one for backhand?
Yep, I’m working on it 👍
Great video, the question I have in my head is when you go from the paddle down to the rotation then to follow through. When you rotate is that a snap - release of the paddle to give you the power? I'm trying to get the sequencing down properly. Thanks again
Perfect simple explanation with this video John! One question I have is: how do you personally grip the paddle? From the video I think it's either Continental or Semi-Western, but I can't tell
Good question, I've gotten that question a few times, so I should have addressed that in the video. I personally hold right around eastern or maybe somewhere between continental and eastern. This shot can work with a continental but I think it's a bit easier and you will get more spin on the ball if you're closer to eastern.
Awesome. Love it 🎉thank you
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video! Should a right hander step into the shot with the left foot like I've seen some pros do?
Would love to see a video about approach shots, a decent amount of time I get a approachable return ball as the serving team but my tennis style approach doesn't seem to translate very well.
Ok, so are you talking about transition shots as you’re trying to move forward into the court? I do have something planned that will discuss some of that stuff
John, any tips on how to use this technique as a serve? Any changes as far as ball drop location ,swing, , flipping paddle up ?
Not really, you can pretty much take this exact swing and make it your serve!
At 40 seconds I noted how the legs cross. I'll practice this.
you got it
This appears to be a great explanation for how to hit a forehand drive. However, for people who are a bit inexperienced yet may find it a little bit difficult. For instance, why is my right hand away from my body in the first place? Place? What triggers the need for me to move my hand out to the right side? Is it as soon as I see a ball that appears to be a good candidate for a forehand drive that I move my hand outward? Also, you don't mention what part of the paddle should I be hitting the ball with for the forehand drive. In the slow motion it appears that you're hitting it with the bottom part of your paddle, not the sweet spot. Can you explain that a bit more please?
Awesome breakdown.
So stay parallel to the kitchen and only drop your right foot back a little? Is this the same approach for backhand?
What grip are you using on your forehand? Currently I use the continental grip for all my shots.
At the 3:40 mark, where you add a ball to the progression, where are you hitting the ball (direction)… cross court?
Great vid.
Would love to hear some comparison between the default forehand stroke and when / if it's appropriate to do a more ping-pong style top-spin forehand type of stroke, like perhaps if the ball is higher from the ground and / or further away than the ideal distance from you and you don't have time to reposition--in that situation does your forehand top-spin stroke look closer to ping-pong or is it something else entirely that you do?
Hey Neil, good question. For me I use more of a tennis style from the baseline. Once I get up to the kitchen line with roll volleys and counter attacks I compact things more and use more of the table tennis style.
@@johncincolapickleball Thanks. I should've been more specific, I meant a forehand stroke kind of like at this timed link ua-cam.com/video/VTCDQYYKA9o/v-deo.html which to me is not compact.
Normally it doesn't make sense because the ball bounces too low so a partially underhand forehand stroke that is closer to the body is easier.
But in some situations I've found myself wanting to take advantage of a higher ball to get a steeper angle over the net and was wondering if this type of stroke may have a use.
Would I be incorrect in having a thought process of having an inside out approach to the ball from below the ball.? That path seems to get me to the right finishing position
Your court is a pleasant and comfortable sanctuary.
Love the videos - keep em coming!
Thanks Nathan!
Before I practice/test it, how effective would a full-power topspin bounce serve be? It would seem you could get a good combination of control, power, depth and loop from this.
I subscribed so I could see your backhand from the baseline, but I can't find a single video on it. Can you provide an ETA or a link if I've missed it. Thank you!
It’s in my list of things to do. I’m aiming to have a backhand video out in the next month. Thanks for subscribing 👍
Thanks! I like your techniques and am curious about your swing from the baseline with backhand. Happy Pickling!@@johncincolapickleball
What grip are you using, looks like continental?
Do a video on backhand drive now! That would help alot.
Hey john. i’ve heard pros and announcers during events talk about pros setting up volleys. like they send it to a place on someone to have it come back to their backhand or forehand purposely. not sure if you have any insight on that and would be willing to do a video on it. thanks for your time
Hi Ian, that's a good question. I was planning on doing a video about attacking from the kitchen line. When to do it, where to aim, how to set it up. So what you're asking about I will most likely cover to some degree in that video. Thanks
great video, what grip are you using?
John, love your videos! Regarding this video, wondering if you can add what type of grip you use. It looks continental, but just wondering if you switch the grip for more top spin ( semi western?).
Good question, I've gotten that question a few times, so I should have addressed that in the video. I personally hold right around eastern or maybe somewhere between continental and eastern. This shot can work with a continental but I think it's a bit easier and you will get more spin on the ball if you're closer to eastern.
Great stuff John!!
Thanks Mike!
Great video! For what it’s worth, the title says three things, but the video doesn’t really have that. Just saying, if somebody hunts for three distinct parts in the video, they won’t really find it, and it might cause confusion
Good point. It’s meant to be the 3 steps that I demonstrated. 1: Elbow in front 2: roll the wrist/forearm 3: bend the elbow and reach back over the shoulder. I forgot to number them in the video.
@johncincolapickleball Does this swing path help with forearm and elbow pain? After playing several times last week I’m experiencing forearm stiffness and soreness, and guessing it’s from improper mechanics and grip pressure
Been struggling with this lately. Plenty of power but can’t keep it in. After watching and implementing the shot was staying in far more often.
What's the grip that youre holding your pickleball racket with in order to do this?