A top spin forehand drive is an advanced specialty forehand drive that generates spin over the top of the pickleball (in other words, the opposite of a slice, which generates backspin). Top spin generally causes the pickleball to pull down and take a nose dive out of the air (again, this is the opposite of a slice, which causes the pickleball to rise a bit), and, upon contact with the ground, take a higher bounce toward your opponents. Many top players like to use the top spin forehand drive because the top spin allows the pickleball to keep its power and pace longer than a basic flat forehand drive.

To hit a top spin forehand drive, you will generally strike the pickleball in the same manner as your basic forehand drive (including the same preparation with a short backswing), with the following exceptions:

1. Paddle Angle – For your basic forehand drive, you will have a flat paddle face. In contrast, for your top spin forehand drive, you will have a slightly closed paddle face down toward the ground.

2. Paddle Starting Point – For a top spin forehand drive, it is important that you start your paddle from below your contact point of the pickleball because of the closed paddle face. If you hit the pickleball flat or on top with a closed paddle face, you will hit the pickleball straight into the ground or into the net.

3. Paddle Trajectory – For a top spin forehand drive, you will start your paddle from below your contact point of the pickleball and pronate your paddle from each of your wrist, elbow, and shoulder toward the sky, and continuing to your non-paddle side. Think of this motion like a windshield wiper with your paddle and each of your wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Your goal is to grip the bottom of the pickleball with the top of your paddle face and roll your paddle up the backside of the pickleball. This friction of the paddle against the backside of the pickleball is how you will generate the proper top spin on the pickleball. Think of your paddle like sandpaper, and sand the backside of the pickleball with your paddle face.

Remember, similar to your basic forehand drive, your contact point will be out in front of your body. However, really focus on using your legs to get your paddle in the right starting position, which is below your contact point of the pickleball. Also, be sure to engage and pull with your core to generate more power and more spin on this shot.

Although we described the top spin drive as a forehand, you could certainly hit a top spin backhand drive, too. The mechanics and concepts are generally the same, including the closed paddle face, starting paddle point, and paddle trajectory.

Key Takeaways:

1. Top spin will cause the pickleball to (a) keep its power and pace longer than a flat shot, (b) pull down out of the air, and (c) upon contact with the ground, take a higher bounce toward your opponents.
2. To hit a top spin forehand drive:
a. Start with a slightly closed paddle face toward the ground;
b. Start your paddle from below your contact point with the pickleball; and
c. Pronate your paddle from each of your wrist, elbow, and shoulder toward the sky, and continuing to your non-paddle side—like a windshield wiper.
3. As always, remember that your point of contact is out in front of your body.