Imagine you are in a pushing match with someone. Your strongest pushing position would be an athletic position with your arms slightly bent, pushing out in front of your body. In contrast, a weaker pushing position would be one with your arms near your shoulders or behind you. Similar to your strongest pushing position, your strongest pickleball striking position is out in front of your body. To get more power behind your drives, make sure you are striking the pickleball out in front of your body.

Another tactic to improve your power is to use your opponents’ power on their shot to create an even more powerful shot back at them. The faster the pickleball comes at you, the faster you can send it back at your opponents.

Remember that you do not need to pull your paddle back to generate power. You can generate power from proper mechanics—proper preparation, solid footwork, a contact point out in front of your body, and follow through that travels forward and through the pickleball. Your power will come from your strong base—from your feet to your legs to your body to your paddle—and also from your quick paddle speed from the point of contact through your finish.

Key Takeaways:

1. To improve your power on your drive:
a. Make sure you are hitting the pickleball out in front of your body;
b. Use your opponents’ power against them;
c. Generate power from the proper mechanics; and
d. Increase your paddle speed at your point of contact.