Mastering Signature Shots: Insights from Top Pickleball Players

Signature Shots in Pickleball

Every pickleball player eventually develops a unique shot that becomes their hallmark. For elite competitors, these signature moves can be pivotal, often influencing the outcomes of matches and tournaments. From precise backhand rolls to powerful overheads, some of the sport's leading figures have shared their trusted shots and provided valuable tips for recreational players aiming to refine their skills.

Ben Johns: The Backhand Roll

Ben Johns, a prominent figure in pickleball, highlights the backhand roll as his signature shot. He emphasizes that mastering this technique involves avoiding a common error. “Many players rely too much on their wrist when attempting a roll. Instead, focus on using your shoulder,” Johns advises. He suggests practicing with a partner across the court, dinking back and forth to develop a feel for the shot.

Rachel Rohrabacher: Forehand and Backhand Dink Roll

Rachel Rohrabacher prefers topspin when faced with tough situations. She stresses the importance of proper body positioning and technique for executing a perfect topspin. “You need to position your legs correctly to get under the ball. If not, it can lead to mistakes,” she explains. Rohrabacher also recommends using tennis tools to help learn topspin techniques, advising players to lead with the top edge of their paddle.

Kiora Kunimoto: The Dipper

Kiora Kunimoto finds the dipper to be an effective shot for creating awkward volleys. “I enjoy hitting dippers and manipulating angles, but it requires training,” she notes. Kunimoto suggests practicing by positioning oneself on one side of the court and having a partner hit cross-court, allowing players to get accustomed to the motion and utilize topspin.

Callie Smith: The Forehand

Callie Smith's favorite shot is a powerful forehand, which she admits is challenging to master. She believes that success comes from extensive practice and physical conditioning. “You need to hit a lot of forehands and consider weightlifting to build strength,” Smith recommends. For effective drilling, she suggests standing at the kitchen line and practicing with slightly elevated balls to enhance acceleration and control.

Mary Brascia: The Passing Roll

Mary Brascia enjoys the creativity involved in executing passing rolls. “My favorite shot is a passing roll; they’re enjoyable to hit,” she shares. To excel at this shot, she advises consistent practice, focusing on keeping the paddle low and brushing up from low to high from the baseline.

Yates Johnson: The Overhead

Yates Johnson considers his forehand drive to be his strongest shot, but he relishes hitting overheads the most. “While my forehand drive is my best, I love the thrill of hitting overheads,” he states. Johnson suggests that to achieve a good overhead, players should hit it with maximum force, turning sideways and trusting their swing.