by Jenny Foster
Returns are one of the most important shots in pickleball. And as pickleball players advance toward higher levels, they will encounter opponents that are harder to deal with inside the court. Thus, learning additional shots, such as the side spin return, which can be used by both single players or teams, should greatly help pickleball players in winning matches.
For side spin return, the ball bounces after going over the net at a notably low level. And given the added spin to the ball, it will veer off to the left side of the opponent’s court after bouncing (considering right-handed players).
The side spin return requires the use of a continental grip. The starting position should be near the middle line of the transition zone at the back of the court to leave more room for the hand holding the paddle. When making the side spin return, both shoulders should turn as the paddle is pulled back. Notably, the paddle face should be open and at the shoulder level. Then, the paddle is swung at a medium speed with a downward right-to-left motion.
Control is an important factor in making a successful side spin return. This shot does not involve the wrist. Instead, the slicing movement is made by the entire arm and shoulder using the downward right-to-left arc motion. In addition, the stance is neither completely open nor closed but instead a slightly open one with a 45° opening.
What makes the side spin return effective is that the ball’s direction after bouncing off the ground bends toward the backhand side of right-handed players. In other cases, some players may try using their forehand but end up with a failed contact with the ball.
Importantly, the ball should be at a low level to execute the side spin return properly. Furthermore, if the ball is hit a high level, it can go up and out of the court. Specifically, the contact point of the paddle and the ball should also be low, preferably at the level or almost below the knee.
Notably, the ball will follow a bend trajectory in the side spin return, which presents a challenge to the opponents when timing the ball’s arrival to their court. In this case, properly hitting the 3rd shot can be hard for the opponent.
In the end, learning new shots is part of every pickleball player’s growth and advancement. Side spin return is an important shot that pickleball players can use even against advanced players. Yet, regardless of how effective the shot is, it cannot be executed properly without the right training. Thus, for those who want to learn the side spin return, they should take time practicing this shot and be aware of the proper movements, grip, and stance that are involved.