Pickleball tip of the Week: How to hit a better backhand slice return

The backhand slice return is a popular way to get into a point, and most experienced players have a pretty good one. But what it was even better. Coach Mary's Tip of the Week: How to hit a better backhand slice return My traditional slice backhand is my go-to shot for service returns and third shot

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The backhand slice return is a popular way to get into a point, and most experienced players have a pretty good one. But what it was even better.

Coach Mary's Tip of the Week: How to hit a better backhand slice return

My traditional slice backhand is my go-to shot for service returns and third shot strops as well as crosscourt dinks. Pickleball instructor Ed Ju explains that there is more than one way to hit a slice backhand, especially if you're looking to add power.

Here some of his specific tips:

Use the traditional “Shake Hands” or hammer grip with your dominant hand. Keep your off hand on the paddle much longer, almost like a two-hander, before you separate them on follow-through.
Split step first: bounce, get ready on the balls of your feet.
Turn your body all the way closed, with your front foot turning to the side of the court, almost on a diagonal – this is new!
Poke your paddle to the back, with your butt cap facing your target.
As you come through, your paddle is high to low, and then pull the paddle through to her wall, which is her front leg. The pull is where you get the power. When the paddle gets to the wall, flip it with your backhand and release.
Do not finish past your shoulder, just on a straight line out to her target. If you want more power, finish out and up, but not around.
This backhand is closer to your body, uses your hips and shoulders more, and keeps your off hand on your paddle longer, so you will get more power.

Don't forget ...

NEXT INDOOR ROUND ROBIN IS THE LAST INDOOR EVENT! Sept. 27 at Palm Desert Civic Center Park. Email me directly for more info: mgbarsaleau@gmail.com

More chances to play

There are two great chances to test your pickleball skills later this year in the Coachella Valley Grand Prix series which take place at Monterey Country Club (Nov. 13-15) and Paradise

Pickleball in Palm Desert Dec. 11-13.

This is a USA Pickleball sanctioned tournament and includes women's doubles, mixed doubles and men's doubles. You must be a USAP Challenger Level member, which you can join at usapickleball.org/membership.

Registration is $80 and $15 per event entered. The first 50 players to enter receive a $35 discount. Sign up for either or both today at pickleballbrackets.com?26CVGPatMCC.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Pickleball tip of the Week: How to hit a better backhand slice return