Improving Your Pickleball Groundstroke: Tips and Drills for Success

A crucial part of mastering pickleball is refining your groundstrokes—these are the baseline shots that allow you to dictate play, return serves, and set up offensive opportunities. 

If you're new to the game or just looking to sharpen your skills, this article will guide you about pickleball groundstrokes which is what it's, basic, how to improve and some drills to perfect this technique. Let’s dive in!

What is a Groundstroke in Pickleball?

A groundstroke is any shot made after the ball has bounced on your side of the court. These shots are typically hit from the baseline or just behind it. Groundstrokes are essential in pickleball because they allow you to rally with your opponent, return serves, and control the pace of the game. There are two primary types of groundstrokes: forehand and backhand.

A forehand groundstroke is a shot made on your dominant side, where right-handed players hit from the right side of the body and left-handed players hit from the left. 

Conversely, a backhand groundstroke is made on the non-dominant side, with right-handed players hitting from the left and left-handed players hitting from the right.

The Basics of a Pickleball Groundstroke

To effectively execute a groundstroke, you need to master three key components: stance, swing, and follow-through. Here’s the further explanations:

1. Stance

The foundation of any good groundstroke is a solid stance. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, with your knees slightly bent. This helps maintain balance and allows for quick movement in any direction. Your weight should be distributed evenly across both feet, and you should be on the balls of your feet, ready to react.

2. Swing

The swing is where the power and control of your shot come from. Start with your paddle back and slightly low for a forehand, and bring it forward with a smooth, controlled motion. 

The goal is to make contact with the ball in front of your body, not too close or too far away, to maximize control. The paddle face should be slightly open, aiming for a flat or slightly upward trajectory.

3. Follow-Through

After making contact with the ball, follow through with your swing. For forehand strokes, the paddle should finish over your opposite shoulder. The follow-through is crucial for maintaining control and accuracy.

How to Improve Your Groundstroke

Improving your groundstroke in pickleball can make a big difference in your game. A groundstroke is a shot you hit after the ball bounces on your side of the court. Here’s how you can get better at it:

A. Practice Hitting Targets

Set up targets on different spots of the court, like cones or small markers. When you practice, try to hit these targets with your groundstrokes. 

For example, aim for a spot near the baseline or a corner of the court. This helps you learn to place your shots accurately, making it harder for your opponent to return the ball.

B. Work on Accuracy

While hitting hard is important, placing your shots where you want them can be just as effective. If you're playing against someone who is standing close to the net, aim for a deep shot near the baseline. If they are standing far back, try a drop shot that lands softly close to the net.

C. Improve Consistency

To be consistent, practice hitting groundstrokes repeatedly until you can place them accurately every time. You might practice hitting a groundstroke down the sideline or cross-court. Consistency in hitting these targets during practice will help you do it during a match.

D. Adjust Your Technique

Check your stance, grip, and swing. If you’re struggling to hit the ball accurately, make sure you’re using the correct grip and standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. If your shots are going too high or too low, adjust your swing angle slightly.

E. Use Drills

Incorporate drills that focus on groundstroke placement. For example, you can do a drill where you and a partner hit groundstrokes back and forth while aiming for specific targets or areas on the court. This helps improve your ability to control where the ball goes.

Drills to Improve Your Groundstroke

This technique certainly requires consistent practice over and over again, it is recommended to use a partner for a more real situation. Here are some drills that can improve your groundstrokes:

1. Target Practice Drill

Set up targets on the court and practice hitting them with both forehand and backhand groundstrokes. This will help improve your accuracy and control.

2. Partner Rally Drill

Rally with a partner, focusing on keeping the ball in play while using proper technique for both forehand and backhand groundstrokes. Try to maintain a steady pace and increase the difficulty by adding specific targets or patterns.

3. Cross-Court Drill

Practice hitting cross-court groundstrokes with a partner. This drill will help improve your angles and force your opponent to cover more ground, giving you a tactical advantage in real games.

4. Footwork Drill

Set up cones on the court and practice moving between them while hitting groundstrokes. This will help improve your footwork, positioning, and recovery between shots.

5. Shadow Swing Drill

Practice your groundstroke swing without a ball, focusing on perfecting your technique, footwork, and follow-through. This drill helps build muscle memory for consistent execution.

How’s Your Pickleball Groundstrokes?

Improving your groundstrokes takes consistent practice, which you can do at home or with a ball machine. A ball machine can simulate serves and returns and let you adjust the speed and spin of the ball. However, the downside is that you might not know if you’re using the correct technique.

That’s why joining a pickleball class with certified and experienced instructors is often a better choice. In a class, you’ll get feedback on your technique, learn new skills, and understand the basic rules of pickleball. Plus, practicing with others exposes you to different playing styles, which can help improve your game.

Rockstar Academy offers over 120 classes each week, including opportunities to participate in events and competitions like the Elite Championships and RockOlympics. These events help boost children’s confidence and track their progress. 

Additionally, you can also sign up for their free trial class before enrolling so you can experience the program first hand!

FAQ

How can I hit a more powerful groundstroke in pickleball?

Focus on stepping into the shot, using your body weight to generate power. Make sure your swing is smooth and controlled, and follow through after making contact with the ball.

Should I use different grips for my forehand and backhand groundstrokes? 

No, the continental grip works well for both forehand and backhand groundstrokes in pickleball. It allows for a quick transition between shots and offers a good balance of power and control.

How can I improve my footwork for better groundstrokes? 

Practice footwork drills that emphasize quick, controlled movements. Focus on positioning yourself behind the ball and stepping into your shots, while always being ready to recover after hitting.