Decoding Pickleball Spins - How to READ and RETURN a Spin Shot

[@jimzimmerman5288]

One can also watch how the paddle meets the ball and the swing of the paddle to identify the spin.

[@BestPickleballCoach]

Good stuff Jim. Thanks

[@Steve_K2]

See the holes on the ball? I can barely see the ball, period. ("The Inner Game of Tennis" is indeed a terrific book.)

[@BestPickleballCoach]

:). It is an awesome book indeed.

[@cwarner5909]

Good information, I try read the spin on the ball but with my eyes the ball looks more like a tennis ball so I have resorted to reading the direction and motion of the paddle swing.

[@BestPickleballCoach]

Paddle swing definitely helps too. Start by reading the holes on dinks.

[@markcasebeer8273]

I’ve never really thought about reading the spin on the ball itself. I watch the players paddle motion to determine the spin on the ball. Like watching the ball, if you process this it can really help you decide how to play a ball. On serves, a player that hit heavy topspin, I step back one step, back or side spin I tend to crowd the line and be ready to move forward. As you noted, along with shorting your swing, this really helps settle my mind. I find I’m playing my best when I’m calm, shorting my strokes, placing my shots, waiting for an opportunity to put he ball away. Sound easy? Not, it’s easier to get caught up playing a faster paced game. Love your teachings, thank you!

[@BestPickleballCoach]

Thank you Mark. You have found the less is more path. Powerful stuff.

[@itmaslanka]

I tell my fellow hacks this tip all the time ( usually after they completely missed the ball ! If you can see the holes you can see the ball !

[@BestPickleballCoach]

Love it :)