Get Grounded: Master Your Pickleball Groundstrokes

Pickleball is a sport that has basic rules but requires strategy. In pickleball, your goal is to get as near as possible to the net. There's a saying in pickleball that whoever controls the net, controls the pace of the game. Although your goal is to control the pace and own the game, that is also your opponent’s goal. There might be times when they would see an opportunity and force you back to your baseline.  This would get you in defense mode and you will look for openings to transition to offensive play and approach the net. Switching between defensive and offensive in pickleball can be tricky, so you need to strategize.

If you were forced to your baseline, there are ways you can hit the ball to also force your opponent back and make an opening for yourself. One of these is the groundstrokes.

What is the Groundstroke in Pickleball? 

A groundstroke is any shot made after the ball has bounced. Groundstrokes are fairly used shots in pickleball. 

Types of Groundstrokes in Pickleball 

The forehead groundstroke is when the ball bounces on your forehand side (your dominant hand side) and you hit it with your forehand.

• From being in a neutral position, move sideways to where the ball is heading. Avoid reaching.
• Use a continental grip. You can also try other grips like a western or eastern to see which one works for you best. 
• Take a step forward with your front foot facing the ball’s direction for momentum. 
• Once the ball is in front of your body and has bounced, make a backswing and hit the ball.

Opposite to the forehand, the backhand groundstroke is when the ball bounces on your less dominant hand’s side and you have to use your backhand when hitting.

• From being in a neutral position, move sideways to where the ball is heading. Avoid reaching.
• Use a continental grip. You can also try other grips like western or eastern to see which one works for you best. 
• Take a step forward with your front foot facing the ball’s direction for momentum. 
• Once the ball is in front of your body and has bounced, bring your paddle arm across your body. Your other arm can be extended across for balance, held back, or can help your dominant hand in holding the paddle.
• Your wrist and arm should be aligned, with your wrist firm.

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Tips for Doing the Pickleball Groundstroke

• Make short swings and transfer your weight to the ball. 
• Step your left foot or the foot on your non-dominant side forward to reach as far as you can. You can reach as far as you can when hitting the ball, but don’t reach when the ball is far from you. Move towards it.
• For a backhand, your reach is shorter than a forehand. Take a step with your dominant side to be able to reach further.
• Use your other hand for support when doing backhand groundstroke so you won’t reach too far back.
• Hit the ball right after it bounces and don’t wait for it to drop again to generate more power.
• You have to be quick when trying to hit groundstrokes.
• Transfer your weight from your back foot to your front foot when hitting for maximum power.
• Keep on practicing so you can perfect your swings and accuracy. Try out different scenarios and work on what’s hardest for you, whether the forehand or backhand.
• Watch other people play to learn more. You can also watch pro pickleball players like Ben Johns and Anna Leigh Waters when they’re playing in major tournaments like the PPATour or the Minto US Open Pickleball Championships. You might find playing styles that you can adapt.

Best Pickleball Paddles to Use For the Groundstroke

The pickleball groundstroke requires power, control, and accuracy so you need a paddle that focuses on those areas.

101 Pickleball Infinity Balance

The 101 Pickleball Infinity Balance pickleball paddle combines power and precision, making sure that you have control when hitting a groundstroke.

Try 101 Pickleball’s Infinity Balance pickleball paddle for maximum power and precision on every shot. Order now to unlock your full potential and dominate the court.

Engage Encore Pro

The Engage Encore Pro is another pickleball paddle that combines power and control, ideal for making controlled shots like the groundstroke.

Gamma Micron 5.0

The Gamma pickleball paddle Micron 5.0 has a wide sweet spot and focuses on power without sacrificing control. This is a great paddle to use for a groundstroke.

The groundstroke is a shot you can do from anywhere on the court. It requires you to be quick and make controlled shots. The groundstroke can be tricky and hard to master, especially the backhand groundstroke. With enough practice, you’ll be able to master it in no time.