Try This Subtle Trick for Cleaner Passing Shots in Pickleball

It’s a simple nuance in strategy that can translate to more deceptive passing shots no matter where you are on the court

Play pickleball long enough and you can tell where your opponent is driving the ball. It’s all about their footwork and shoulder positioning right before the point of contact.

To hit an effective passing shot, your hips, torso, and shoulders will snap open to face your intended target. That’s called the kinetic chain, baby, and it’s the key to effortless and consistent power in pickleball (and a whole host of other sports).

Know this and you can also manipulate it to your advantage.

That’s the trick James Ignatowich demonstrates on his coaching channel.

• When you’re setting up to hit a drive, hold your shoulders closed until the last possible second, rather than opening them earlier to your intended target.
• Then, right before ball contact, snap them aggressively through your swing.
• The sudden, violent motion will torque the ball cross-court when your opponent expected it to hug the line.

It’s a simple nuance in strategy that can translate to more deceptive passing shots no matter where you are on the court.