Learn Topspin in Just 8 Minutes in Pickleball (BEST Explanation)

[@jought]

As a retired college teacher, I'm pleased to note that you have a good approach, explaining things very clearly, followed by demonstrations.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thank you very much for that!

[@mariGentle]

I love as a ‘college prof’ you use the word reproach not approach …..😂😂 made my day.

[@pamcoblyn5310]

I just watched this video again after a couple of months. It’s so good that I’m putting it on my preferred Pickleball Tips List. You are a very, very good coach!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Great to hear! So nice!!

[@errettatv5690]

Solid video, hope you blow up and get some sponsors. you deserve it, man.

[@tanner.pickleball]

That's my goal!! Thanks for the kind words!

[@straightshooter6309]

BTW, I enjoy your instruction technique. This video answered a big question for me regarding grip.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Great to hear!

[@gregoryhall3958]

Tanner. Enjoyed this one. R/H player and sometime forget which grip I’m in until seeing flight of ball. CONTINENTAL-open faced EASTEN-closed faced=down Thanks.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Got you brother!

[@nogarats]

My opponent uses a drive with top spin and when I tries to block it, it dips down in the net. But I am holding my paddle flat for either a block or a reset. Why is the ball not going up but instead it’s going down when I block it… btw I block the ball past it’s apex so in it’s downward path. Thanks in advance for the answer, I hope I was clear enough. Great videos you make by the way. Love them.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Try to attack it back instead of blocking it, that’s the issue!

[@Simplentertainments]

Question: do you switch your grip style mid game? I have continental grip coming from badminton background. And worry that I have to make adjustment if I use eastern. But it’s worth trying.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Yes I do! I have an ENTIRE video on this exact topic on my page!

[@ManuelGRivera]

I was so glad to watch this excellent video! Congrats. I have a question though: you suggest the slight eastern grip for this shot. Now when we have to do a backhand we change to continental?

[@tanner.pickleball]

Yes thats exactly it!

[@scottstanton247]

I appreciate your training techniques and explanations. What's cool is that you also show what the right handers need to do. After watching Phil Mickelson, as a lefty in golf, I couldn't relate as well. Thank you.

[@tanner.pickleball]

You bet! Thank you so much :)

[@cfangswin]

Really helpful video! Thanks a lot!

[@tanner.pickleball]

You're welcome!

[@anniesreng221]

This is great advice! You are the best of several videos I have watched. Where are you located? I would like to hire a great coach.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thanks! Currently in NJ!

[@danielmoser6706]

I naturally have an eastern grip. This is great for forehand topspin but rough for my backhand shots, especially fire fights and speeding up dinks out of the air. I’ve noticed in all your videos you are great at speeding up backhand dinks out of the air. Do you switch to continental for these shots? Thanks for the videos!!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Great question and yes I do! I actually have a full video on this labeled “all pros do this”

[@devizeTV]

Hey Tanner, first off I just want to say I've watched a lot of tutorial videos and I think you have some of the most insightful and concise PB content on YT. I've been implementing 2-3 of your tips into my game per week and I have gotten SO much better too so THANK YOU!! I also have a follow-up question on grips. During a point, are you changing your grip on the fly to have the grip needed for your intended shot type or do you just pick one grip for each point and stick to it?

[@tanner.pickleball]

LOVE that comment, that is why I DO IT! Also great question. My grip is constantly changing depending on the grip I am going to hit. Instead of "changing your grip" think, readjusting the paddle in your hand. I am not literally changing my grip to be precise, I am readjusting my pinky, ring, and middle finger on the paddle to either close or open the face depending on the shot.

[@devizeTV]

Amazing. Once I get this topspin down I will start trying to make adjustments on the fly. Thank you so much man, this was very helpful!@@tanner.pickleball

[@lynnelucas168]

Tanner, Coming from. Forehand eastern grip and a continental 2 hand back hand, I have no issues with adjusting my grips. I’m so glad to now know that making the adjustments is good. I recently started to do it. It’s so comfortable and natural. It’s made my ground strokes much more offensive. I haven’t (but can) top spin dink. I just wasn’t sure it was ok. Top spin volleys feel great. Thank to you and tennis!!

[@robertcuomo7084]

I was told as an intermediate player NEVER try to first learn this flipping/turning over your wrist. That is too much of a timing thing and starting off you will hit many horrible shots, just like trying to incorporate your unhinging of the wrists on your downswing of the golf club. I was told learn to brush up on the pickleball, forget about using your wrist for topspin.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Great advice Robert!

[@everythingelse2338]

Great video. You have great future in pickle ball. All the best.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thank you so much 🙂

[@bradw1261]

Thanks Tanner ! Great Job! I am 70 and just started my Pickleball journey! I am with you on the passion but will likely never be a force to be dealt with at my age. I just want to have a lot of competitive fun and teach my kids to love the sport.

[@tanner.pickleball]

You can do it! I love to hear that!! I will keep giving you the latest info with my videos :)

[@bethechange4726]

Awesome Vid thanks!!

[@tanner.pickleball]

:)

[@mtsu168]

Excellent teaching and demonstrating! It’s easy to understand and learn from your videos. Thank you. 👍👍👍

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thank you mtsu!

[@howardjuliewiley5629]

Great break down of this shot. Wonderful detail that I'm finding so beneficial. I have watched some of your other videos. Well done my friend. I support your aspirations.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thank you SO much Howard!

[@thebullzi]

I use a continental grip and hit the ball very flat. I am trying to teach myself to put top spin on the ball. I have the hardest time hitting top spin when not using an eastern grip but find it challenging to hit a back hand (drive or dink) with it. Do you change your grip depending on the situation? Such as eastern for top spin drives? What about Volleys? Thoughts/recommendations? I appreciate the videos and the feedback.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Great question. I change grips ALL the time. I have a video on it “all pros do this”

[@igorhiller5596]

Thank you for your videos! I get a lot out of them. Would you be willing to do a video about being a threat with backhand dinks? I feel comfortable pushing people around with my forehand dinks (by using lots of topspin), but on my backhand I tend to be so much more defensive that I’m giving my opponents plenty of opportunities to attack.

[@tanner.pickleball]

I made a video on how to backhand dink you can find! I will consider making one with being more of a threat, it is a similar topic!

[@ginodibuduo4246]

Are changing your grip from continental to half eastern on your thirds depending on drop vs drive? Or are you promoting going to a half eastern all the time? Just trying to see if pros are changing grip that much mid point

[@tanner.pickleball]

Yes exactly!! I put out a video on this “all pros do this” which is a video on the exact topic you wanted!

[@malcolmlklein]

If you use eastern grip at net how can you roll your backhand? No time to change grips

[@tanner.pickleball]

I switch grips always on the backhand roll, I have a video on it!

[@ginjaninja3627]

Excellent video. These tips encourage the use of wrist and the eastern group more than other instructional videos I’ve seen. Thanks for helping me feel ok about using Eastern. You didn’t cover topspin on the backhand so I look forward to that video.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Glad it was helpful! I have a video on this, it’s on the how to hit a backhand drive video!

[@oliver.schroeder]

How do you handle backhand shots with that „stronger“ grip?

[@tanner.pickleball]

Adjust!

[@PatrickDeBoard1946]

I'm sorry, but who answers their phone like that??? Hahahaha. I'm laughing, but it's ok. I'm new to pickleball, only 7 months I think, and am in a rec group in NY state, and I"m teaching four people how to hit topspin, and guess what? I'm using your 60 second video and I think I'll probably use this one, too, after I finish watching it. I had to pause it after the answering the phone part, and I thought, I never put the phone on the other side of my head when I answer it, but that's ok. It's still good.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Haha too funny Patrick! I appreciate you using my content to help spread the game! I hope they got the hang of it :)

[@PatrickDeBoard1946]

​@@tanner.pickleball One of my students is a lean lady in her 60's and she picked up the topspin procedure really quickly, but didn't have any power. Then I found your 8:32 video that expanded the procedure, including the loading of torque with the off arm turning the shoulders. The power she gained from that was audible and visual. We heard the smack and saw the ball with added pace dive on the other side. It was a "Wow! Did you SEE that??? moment. So the longer video is excellent.

[@HoopsMD1]

Do you play 100% eastern grip or do you change back and forth during a point? If you change, what are some cues as to what grip is at various aspects of a point.

[@tanner.pickleball]

I have a video on this exact topic labeled “all pros do this”

[@alexguillen9589]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@tanner.pickleball]

My pleasure!

[@Coach_A22]

Continental is a hammer grip and Eastern is a handshake grip. If the top bevel is 1, the bevels clockwise from that are sequential numbers, 2, 3 etc. continental grip, the base knuckle of the index finger is on bevel 2. Eastern grip, the base knuckle of the index finger is on bevel 3. Just another way to explain grips (for right handed players. Left handed players would be continental, bevel 8, eastern, bevel 7, etc.). Good video on topspin technique. How to hold the paddle is still evolving, and I believe Semi-Western (base knuckle of index finger on bevel 4) and Western (base knuckle of index finger on bevel 5) grips will become more prevalent.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Great comment! A ton of information here!!

[@kathleenmontavon8630]

Fantastic breakdown of topspin mechanics for all types of shots. How about backhand topspin...?

[@tanner.pickleball]

Hi Kathleen! I am creating a a video AS WE SPEAK! About how to use a 2 handed backhand!

[@mariGentle]

Great vid, fabulously broken down ❤

[@tanner.pickleball]

:)

[@generatorjoe1]

Love your vids kid!!! They help so much. Keep em coming !!!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thanks! Will do!

[@sohosterable]

Thank you for the video. Do you think opening up a bit of the paddle face and then closed it while top spinning dink helps?

[@tanner.pickleball]

I tend to always have it closed.

[@lukejessen8645]

Tanner, great video. If a serve comes at you with top spin, are you trying to return it with topspin too?

[@tanner.pickleball]

Absolutely!

[@lukejessen8645]

Tanner, are you also using Eastern grip for your serves? Moving to Eastern has really helped my topspin, but I’m still figuring it out with my serves and find myself hitting the ball wide (and out) more than I’d like. Any advice? Thanks!

[@deatonsports8629]

So can you just be in slight eastern the entire time? Or do you have to switch all the time?

[@curiouswuwu]

Same question!

[@samuraistabber]

If all you hit is forehands. Slight eastern won’t work for your backhand at the NVZ.

[@tanner.pickleball]

I am constantly switching back and forth depending on the shot!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Answered in original thread!

[@a.j.6018]

Great videos Tanner! How would you add topspin with your backhand?

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thanks! You would need to do a roll dink to get topspin with your BH. I will make a video on this - it is Ben John’s signature shot. Coming over the ball, instead of through it!!

[@a.j.6018]

@@tanner.pickleball Thank you!

[@hingemethod5938]

I think a grip that is betwen continental and easter (slight eastern) can be the grip of choice as you can hit everything with it.

[@Bbanner516]

Great coaching! Earned a sub

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thanks!!

[@wadethomas3908]

Keep up the good work, just keep pushing forward, don't let anybody keep you down

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thanks so much Wade!

[@reneebridges1364]

I like your channel

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thanks Renee :)

[@anthonym12282]

This video is excellent & very well explained! The most important part & game changer for me is the switch to Eastern grip. That made all the difference! I was continental for everything before. Also, great seeing lefty demos!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Glad it was helpful!

[@frostfox1208]

This was good. I’ve been playing with my index finger sticking up for some reason. I’ve only just started playing:). Thanks Tanner

[@tanner.pickleball]

Glad it was helpful! Love that you’re getting into it!!

[@robertcuomo7084]

Well your other video was 45 seconds. You did not mention grip and paddle position before hitting the drive. I will incorporate those now but I would be surprised if anyone just watching the other video had very much success hitting topspin.

[@tanner.pickleball]

That was everything condensed! It is possible to hit topspin with everything said in that video. This one just has more explanations!

[@randyblanton5580]

When I first started playing table tennis 40 years ago, I didn't get good until I learned how to topsin both my forehand and backhand shots. Now you've taught me how to do it in pickleball. Do you have a video on topspin serves? Subscribed.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thank you very much! I do have a KZbin short on that!

[@mikesvirtualhikeandtours1721]

Thanks for helping with my game!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Happy to help!

[@michaelsangwhat]

When you do that slight flick on your dinks with your wrist is your wrist loose or locked during the flicking motion? Or is it your wrist locked and it’s your forearm motion actually moving your locked wrist?

[@tanner.pickleball]

Imagine turning your hand sideways and waving. This is a great comparison I forgot to mention on the video. That will answer your question! Locked wrist, moving it.

[@michaelsangwhat]

Thanks man! It’s an important nuance bc when everyone says use wrist or whatever they overdo it and I feel like it’s actually more forearm pronation with wrist lock then super loose wrist flicking (which is inconsistent)

[@tanner.pickleball]

Exactly!! And no problem glad I was able to help :)@@michaelsangwhat

[@scottmcdonald3345]

Thank you for or this forehand topspin video. You explained it exceptionally well. Can’t wait to try the new grip.

[@tanner.pickleball]

You're so welcome!

[@paulaperry1413]

I think you're a great instructor. thank you for all your instruction

[@tanner.pickleball]

I appreciate that!

[@sam-yau]

Oof, tennis player chiming in, good points, but just a quick terminology check - you're showing the semi-western grip, not eastern. Just wanna make sure you get the respect you deserve when trying to make a living off of pickleball content! For reference, a full western grip would almost look like you're doing an uppercut punch on the ball when performing a forehand stroke.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Yikes!

[@moonman654321]

Cant wait to try out these new tips!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Glad you like them!

[@d.debellis5091]

Great 👍 instruction !!! I just someone else’s video and grip was Never even mentioned ! Yours makes sense !!!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Glad it helped!

[@dfreshness2006]

is 8:03 legal?

[@tanner.pickleball]

Yes it is!

[@Simplentertainments]

Totally subscribing, just from this one video. Good luck!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ChrisAuer]

Tanner, great video. Your demeanor is very nice for teaching/explaining.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Glad you think so!

[@Ke875]

Hi tanner , you are amazing , your video so easy to learn ! The way you explain! I love watching your videos!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Glad you like them!

[@y2washere]

Nice Tanner! I've been trying to teach my mom how to hit topspin and I didn't consider having her try holding it slightly eastern. We'll give that a shot!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Sweet!!

[@patricesilvestrone6830]

I like the way you teach

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thank you!

[@MikeMcGuire1]

do you block backhand at line with eastern grip?

[@tanner.pickleball]

I block backhands at the kitchen line with a straight on continental grip.

[@hyunkwon22]

Tanner! Great tips!!! Love all your videos!!! Good luck!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Glad you like them!

[@cluelessinky]

I enjoy your lessons. Your passion is refreshing. Thank you

[@tanner.pickleball]

You are very welcome

[@denisthibodeau3044]

Very good video, they way you explain it makes so much sense.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Glad you think so!

[@igorhiller5596]

When do you use Continental?

[@tanner.pickleball]

Volleys in the air mainly!

[@robertwilson7500]

Thank you so much! Subscribed and liked

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thanks for the sub! So kind of you!

[@JimLoo-r6r]

For a topspin dink, What do you do about switching to eastern grip when dinks change back and forth from forehand to backhand?

[@tanner.pickleball]

I hit BOTH forehand and backhand dinks in a slight eastern grip!

[@villbuzeep2043]

@@tanner.pickleball so you rotate the paddle back and forth in your hand as you see the dink coming to one or the other?

[@dennismassey1940]

Great series of videos!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Glad you think so!

[@ultraslashism]

this is the best explanation I have ever found

[@tanner.pickleball]

Wow thanks!!

[@kierengalearmour8733]

Can’t wait to use these tips on the court. Thanks Tanner!

[@tanner.pickleball]

My pleasure! Let me know how it goes!

[@oldschoolmusiclover1]

really like the way you break it down!!

[@tanner.pickleball]

:)

[@Simplentertainments]

I rewatched this so many times, and finally get to try them today, when I found out it’s harder for me to put top spin in a drive and a serve than a top spin dunk.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Yes! Exactly, glad it helped :)

[@Simplentertainments]

In your other video on how to serve, the ball should be placed in front so that you’re kind of forced to step forward after hitting the ball, I find this very difficult to do and then try to add top spin. Do you have any tips for adding top spin to serves specifically?

[@Simplentertainments]

I practiced the top spin serves but they either end up with weird angles and hit the net, or has a high curve (somewhat fast), instead of low and fast

[@Shizzel2112]

I love your videos Tanner. Very simply explained and demonstrated. One question, when switching from continental to eastern grips, are we just letting the paddle rotate in our hand slightly before regripping?

[@tanner.pickleball]

Great question!! Yes pretty much regripping. Very subtle

[@Shizzel2112]

@@tanner.pickleball Johnny Shapiro says hi.

[@straightshooter6309]

Please correct the spelling…Guaranteed

[@tanner.pickleball]

On it!@@straightshooter6309

[@thieu714]

Always great videos but this one i don't agree with. You can still hit lots of top spin even with a Continental grip. But eastern is prob easier for beginners to learn top spin.

[@tanner.pickleball]

I think I said that exactly in the video with my demonstration!

[@jisforjoy3314]

Liked and subscribed.

[@tanner.pickleball]

Welcome aboard! LETS GOO!

[@Ke875]

Nice 👍 great video 😢

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thanks 🤗

[@juliepokela506]

Great video!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Glad you enjoyed

[@zzw26n]

Subscribed!

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thanks so much! Getting me closer to my goal :)

[@cracacola]

Great job bud

[@tanner.pickleball]

Thanks!

[@wheretolivenashville]

Love these tips !

[@tanner.pickleball]

So glad!

[@TheOneTrueMvP]

Good tips but FYI it's spelled "Guaranteed"

[@tanner.pickleball]

Corrected, thanks!

[@henry0712]

What's your view of the western grip, for topspin in pickleball, for ground strokes and serve?

[@tanner.pickleball]

I do not recommend. The strings on a tennis racquet really allow you to grip the ball. For pickleball, if the point of contact is not PERFECT, its going into the net! Just me 2 cents!

[@henry0712]

Thanks!@@tanner.pickleball

[@gordonhaave5923]

Wait, wtf, what you are describing is not an eastern grip, its a western grip

[@tanner.pickleball]

Hmmm, not too sure about that!

[@lynnelucas168]

It’s an eastern grip from my vantage point.

[@ABCDEFG-xd3le]

thank you for your tips. Today All of my shot went to the net.

[@tanner.pickleball]

No problem!!