Top 5 pickleball shots to take your game to 4.0+ | ft. Tim Buwick 

Thank you!. I'm glad it got you motivated!

Thank you!

Thank you, Joseph. Look for more teaching videos coming soon. And do keep me posted on your progress!

Exactly. I like to keep in my mind, "what strategy/tactic/shot can I use to make my opponent uncomfortable?"

hitting to their dominant shoulder is what I call "the jam". I also like when they squat down to hit "the scorpion" - gotta love these shot names right ?

Thanks for watching...and the feedback!

Thanks for your comments, Steve. I hope it helps you get to the next level!

I'm glad you found it helpful, Wong. Please keep us posted on how you're progressing!

Thank you! I hope you found the tips helpful. Onward to the next level!

Hi Tom, so glad to hear this! That's why we did the video. Keep moving up, my friend!

I'm glad you like them. I hope they help you get to the next level!

Much appreciated. To 4.0 & beyond!

Thanks David. Glad we could be of help!

Thanks for watching!

Glad you enjoy it! - Total Pickleball

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks Tom. Much appreciated. I hope this helps in propelling you to the next level!

You much not watch very much of the instructional videos. There are Many videos more comprehensive and better.

@@robinrobine8100 I watch a ton of pickleball videos on RU-vid and this one was right up there with great usable content. With detailed explanation and videos showing what he's teaching.

@@Yielar1 Thanks Craig. Different strokes for different folks and I'm totally fine with that. ;-)

Thanks, KJ! Are you also playing this addictive sport?

I'm glad you found it of benefit. Please keep me posted on your progress!

Hey Mey, I'm glad you found the videos helpful...and happy for your newly found addiction!

Thanks, Laura (if this is indeed Laura)!

So happy to hear about your progress, Julien. Keep up the good work. Onward to the next level!

Thanks for watching, Michael!

Much appreciated!

Thank you. There are some fundemental differences between tennis and pickleleball, preeminent which is patience. I trust you will highly enjoy and appreciate your new sport!

Thanks, Barbara. May the dink be with you!

Thanks, Diane! May I use the term "patience grasshopper"? Great phrase. May you hop to the next level soon!

@@timbuwick sure! I "poached" it from the old Kung Fu series w Carradine. When someone hastily tries to drive a low ball at the net, I use the phrase lol. Signed, wannaBa5

@@dianebriggs8797 Perfect. Love it! ;-)

Glad we could help!

Thanks, Curtis. Much appreciated!

Thank you!

Thanks. I hope it helps take your game to the next level!

Thanks for checking it out - glad it helped!

Thanks for the comment! Please keep us posted on your progress.

Glad you liked it!

Thanks Jody. Remember "less is better." Stay calm, quick, and compact for better results.

Thanks, Portland. So are you!

Thanks Bob and thanks for watching. I hope it helps!

Thanks, Shelley. Here's to your continued positive pickling!

Drops from the transition zone or baseline are difficult to master getting it to drop right over the net, but definitely worth it in the long run.

Mastering the third shot is key to taking your game to the next level. Just because it's the third shot doesn't mean you always hit a drop. It depends on the circumstances. Sometimes it might be the 5th, 7th, or 9th shot drop based upon what your opponent does. That said, practice the drop in every drilling session from multiple spots on the court. I promise you, it will be worth the reps!

@@timbuwick I watch what some might consider a slightly obsessive amount of pickleball videos, and yeah, there's no doubt that the drop shot is absolutely necessary to get to the higher level. It really seems like the divider between decent and really good players. And there's no substitute for practice and taking my lumps while playing. Thanks!

@@casperthegm741 So true. Keep working at it! Please let us know how we can help. Since you write that you watch "a slightly obsessive amount of pickleball videos", what topics would you like to see us cover next?

@@timbuwick Thanks for the great video! I watch a lot of videos and this one was very detailed and easy to follow on what we need to do to up our game. If you could do a singles strategy video I’d appreciate it. I’m not seeing much on that and I like to play singles. Thanks!

Glad it was helpful, Jim! - Total Pickleball

Thanks, Jim. I appreciate the feedback. Squash is also a great game, although I haven't had a chance to play it for many years. It has some of the same elements as pickleball in that you are required to hit a variety of shots the require touch, power, & placement.

Thanks for watching...and your feedback.

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks Doug. I look forward to hearing how you are advancing towards 4.0!

Very much appreciated, my new friend! Please keep me updated on your progress. You got this!

Thanks, Tommy. Just make 'em hit one more shot!

Thanks, Ronald. I hope it helps you get to the next level!

Thanks for watching, Jim!

Glad it was helpful! - Total Pickleball

Wow, I have to say that I am happy you took the time to write in with the details on you being familiar with, and teaching pickleball for 44 years. My parents built an official pickleball court in our backyard in the mid 1980's, and have been playing ever since. I thought I owned the UPD (ultimate pickleball dinosaur) award, but I have to concede your time line eclipses mine! In terms of the instructional content, we are also happy that Mr. Buwick's easy-to-understand approach to stroke and strategy improvement helped out. Lastly, keep an eye peeled for some new paddles from Ektelon. The update to the Inferno (the one Tim uses in the videos) replaces the fiberglass composite surface material, with raw carbon fiber, maintains the comfort oriented EVA in the handle, and improves the durability of what was an already sturdy paddle. Mark/TP

P.S. If you would like to further elaborate on your past, and present experiences with the sport of pickleball, I would love to hear them!

Thank you for your kinds words. Very much appreciated! Teaching pickleball for 44 years?! I am honored to hear from such an esteemed veteran. I applaude your life-long learning approach. May there be more people like you!

Thanks for the feedback, Peter!

I love the Vatic Pro Prism😊

Thanks for watching and yes, you are correct that I am also a paddle pro. Two excellent sports to play for a lifetime!

I'm glad you found it helpful!

Thanks, Joseph. Keep working at it!

Hi Tim (love the name), thanks for your feedback. In answer to your question, it's simply a memory device. No science behind it, obviously. And I actually had a comment to correct me. He said, "It should be 10:37am & 1:23pm to make it 83 minutes on either side of noon." Pickleball players make those that play chess look dumb ;-).

Wow! "God stuff" ? I didn't think it was THAT good! ;-) I'm glad you found it helpful. My best to you!

It was good...but not God good 🙂@@timbuwick4153 let me know if you make it out to Arizona?/!

@@j.kimodejon3004 Will do. A trip out there is likely at some point. Where specifically are you located?

@@timbuwick4153 We are half-way between Phoenix and Tucson - Casa Grande - in Robson Ranch Golf / Pickleball Community.

Hi, it depends. If the returner (your opponent) stays back, keep them back there with a drive. If both your opponents are set at the non-volley zone (kitchen) line, you most often want to execute a drop to give you the time to get to the line. There are exceptions of course, which I'll address in future videos. Thanks for watching!

He means the ball needs to be dropping before it crosses over to the other side of the court. Otherwise, you're dinks will be likely too attackable. If you're apex is over the net, or worse yet, a foot passed the net, you'll be setting up the other side for a winner.

Well said, Derrick. The key is to keep your opponents contact point low. If your dink is too high and/or deep, you likely will be giving your opponent an attackable ball.

Hello FG (if I can call you that). Essentially what you write is correct. Often we are so focused on getting to the line that we forget that we have to hit the proper shot to get there. At the very least, decelerate as you focus on hitting an effective shot, then move forward towards the line. If it's a poor shot, don't "follow the garbage." Wait for your next opportunity to hit a better shot to move forward. Thanks for watching & keep the comments coming.

Thanks for your comments. I'm glad you found it helpful!

Technically, the dink is hit (in most cases) with a relatively firm wrist and elbow, rotating from the shoulder. We rarely, if ever, use this stroke in tennis. The closest thing in tennis is the drop shot, which is executed differently. The closest thing to that in pickleball is the drop. Hope this helps!

You’re talking about a drop shot. Or maybe a volley where you’re taking all the speed off the ball when your opponents are back near the baseline.

This is definitely a shot that requires practice and precision to execute correctly. It is more ideal to hit the drop closer to the net than the kitchen line to avoid giving away an easy shot, but most important is clearing the net. Try aiming a bit deeper for now to avoid hitting the net while working on mastering the placement of the drop. - Andrew, Total Pickleball

Hi Steven, smart question. A few key points to remember: 1) The apex (top) of the arc should be well on your side of the net with the downside of that arc as it crosses the net. 2) Your opponent should be forced to hit the ball when it is low, regardless of whether they can do it off the bounce or as a volley. They should have to hit up on the ball. 3) Clearing the net is job one. It it's a bad shot, don't "follow the garbage." Wait until your next opportunity to hit a better drop. 4) Many players hit this ball too flat. The sole purpose of this shot is to allow you and your partner to get to the line. Get enough arc on it to give you time to get there. Hope this helps!

@@timbuwick Thanks guys for the answers, lots to work on, maybe a video on 3rd shot drop techniques and strategies is needed for us slow learners!! Thanks again!!

Bad tips for your third shot drop - aim for the backhand side of whoever your dropping to - and aim just before or behind the NVZ line. It will be returned before or after the bounce but will be an unattackable or neutral shot. Next, wait for the return of serve to bounce, reach the apex and start to drop. Now the ball has slowed enough to make correct placement much easier. Ben Johns just did a short video on this. Try watching videos from teaching pros, which are most pro cuz PB doesn't pay that much yet. Try John Cincola-top 10 in singles at age 42. He’s a pro level instructor and easily has the best instruction for 4.0s and up.

Well said; it's a very important shot to have in the arsenal.

No u can't u know noth

Their...

😢😅gq😅

Better etiquette would be - you can tell the higher level or more experienced players do this or do that.... js

Thanks for the comment. Noted on the distinction. Balance and reactive mobility are essential NVZ line play.

Thanks, John. I look forward to hearing about your climb to 4.0...and above!

@@timbuwick Im climbing but i feel the need for a 3-dive

Hi Stephanie, I thought I had replied to this but evidently I didn't hit send. Thanks for your kind comments! Yes, I teach in Charlotte, North Carolina. Please keep me posted on your progress!

​@@timbuwickwhere do you teach in Charlotte?

I am Director of Paddle Sports at Olde Providence Racquet Club. I teach at multiple locations around the city. Please let me know I can help you!

Great suggestion. It's on the list!

Excellent question, Chantal. Most often you'll execute the forehand roll when involved in the dinking game. You want to have you paddle up to guard against an attack volley. When you are quick to recognize a dink, that's when you drop the paddle head to hit the shot. If the dink is a bit too high and deep, that's when you have an opportunity to hit the forehand roll. It takes practice to learn when to go for it and when to wait.

Hi Derek, a dink shot is hit from the non-volley zone "kitchen" line, whereas the drop shot is hit from further back in the court. A good drop shot gives you the time to get to line and good dink shots help increase your chances of getting a higher, more attackable ball to hit. Thanks for watching!

@@timbuwick Thanks dood, makes sense now! I was analyzing the shots in so many videos and not seeing the forest for the trees haha

Hi Terrance, thanks for your question. I've had others ask that, as well. It is very subtle and yes sometimes you won't have time to make the adjustment. I hold the paddle with an extremely loose grip so it only takes that split second to make the slight adjustment to the semi-Western grip. Experiment to find what works best for you!

Thanks Brandon! You can take the boy out of Chicago but you can't take the Chicago out of the boy ;-)

A critical skill, for sure. Thanks for the feedback.

Hi Michael, good question. Experiment with this. The grip change is subtle. You can adjust slightly with a very loose grip. It's not for everyone and may not even be necessary if you have a standard Eastern forehand grip and do an effective job of dropping the paddle head with you palm facing the net.

Hi Bryan, great question. In general, I like to attack when the ball is slightly above my knee to my navel. Those reference points may be different for you, as I have never been confused for an NBA player. Hip high is another simple identifier. This shot allows you to hit an attack shot from a lower point. Remember: your paddle starts below the ball and you accelerate quickly, brushing up on the back of the ball while finishing your stroke with the paddle above your opposite shoulder. Practice from varying ball heights to see what works best for you. I hope this helps!

@@timbuwick Also, can one use the same grip type for all of these shots? What type of grip do you use?

@@bryanyee7 No, you don't want to use the same grip for all these shots. The continental or "V" grip for volleys would make it virtually impossible to hit the roll. This is why you want to use the Eastern forehand or semi-Western grip to get the proper spin on the ball.

He's a great instructor! - Total Pickleball

Thanks for watching Emmanuel. What topics would you like to see us cover next?

Lots of practice and hours on the court!

Great question, Bob. Holding the paddle loosely with a loose wrist is critical to achieve success with the forehand roll. When you see a "rollable" ball coming to you, execute as suggested in the video while subtly shifting your hand clockwise on the handle (for the righthander). Admittedly, this takes much practice and simply can't be done on some shots hit hard at you. Experiment and use what works best for you!

You can practice quick grip changes at home sitting on the couch. Don't even need a court. Play a point out in your head and just go through the desired grip changes.

You want to make sure you are on the proper side of the court before the serve happens. During play you can move wherever you want, but serving must be done from the proper person on the proper side. When a side out happens you likely just lost the point so you would not change your court positioning. A great way to think about it is this: "Where did I start when the game began?" If you started the game on your right side, you would be in that same position whenever your score is even (0,2,4, etc). If you started on the left side of the court when the game first began, you would be on the left side of the court when your score is (1,3,5, etc). For your positioning only consider your score, not your opponent. I hope this helps! William, TP

Good question. And if I am reading in to it accurately, perhaps you are wondering about a semi-western, versus a western forehand grip positioning, or style? Beginning with a continental grip for a point of reference, this is the way you would hold an axe handle (or a pickleball paddle for that matter) to chop wood. The split between the thumb and index finger is close to being directly over the #1 (or 12 o'clock) bevel for this grip. Slightly moving your hand to the forehand side of the grip, so that the palm is closely aligned with the angle of the paddle face is considered to be in the eastern position. Rotating your hand a little further so that the palm is closer to being under the paddle, facing more up instead of being matched with the angle of the paddle face, is referred to as a semi-western. And if your palm is at bevel #5 (or six o'clock), literally facing up, it is called a western, or sometimes a full-western grip. You can do an internet search for tennis grip diagrams, and come up with a multitude of good options. Cheers, Mark/TP

Hi David, thanks for your comment. My point is that whenever possible, try to keep the paddle head above your wrist from the proper angle to the ball. Coming from above the ball to the point of contact helps you avoid popping your volleys up. The 10:37 ready position (for the right-hander) refers to being slightly bias towards the backhand side. I hope this helps!

It's a special gift that can't be taught ;-)

I'm assuming you mean hitting the roll from the opposite wing. That's also a great shot to have in your toolbox, although very difficult to hit for most players. Thanks for watching.

@@timbuwick Easier for us ping pong players. JW Johnson has a great one.

Hi Bart, I misspoke if I said that, which is entirely possible as we were recording on the fly. I meant contact out in front of the body, of course. I hope you found the video helpful!

Alright, this is a good question that either no one bothers to ask, or maybe everyone has it figured it out. I believe it is more the latter, as I do notice lots of players get jammed for prep time, when switching grips to retrieve different shots. There are a couple of things a player can do to make the process of moving your hand(s) around the handle more efficient. If your stroke style is more loopy, you will have to use more extreme grips (semi-western to continental, and/or eastern) which means you are moving your hand further around the handle. If you exhibit a more linear swing path you can maintain an eastern grip, and do not have to switch your grips as much, or as often. Regardless of stroke style we strongly advocate keeping the non-paddle hand (some call it the tracking hand) on the paddle as much of the time as possible, even if you have a one handed backhand. There are two main reasons for the suggestion: The first relates to streamlining the process of switching grips during play. With the non-paddle hand stacked on top of the paddle hand, you are able to effortlessly change your grips like a volume control. Using the non-paddle hand to turn the handle in your paddle hand is the way to go, instead of using just your paddle hand to crawl around the grip, which feels clumsy, and takes too much time. The other reason you want that non-paddle hand on the paddle is to encourage a torso/core turn, and not just using your hand to prepare the backswing of a shot. Lastly, if you are dealing with shots aimed at the body, and are pinched for time, hopefully you are using the backhand to deal with them, as it is the far more versatile shot compared to using a forehand. Anatomically the backhand allows you to cover the backhand side, the entire body, and if needed you can hit a pretty good backhand volley, or groundstroke on the forehand side. Try hitting a forehand on the backhand side of your body. Whew, I hope this helps out, and that it was not too long of a reply. Mark/TP

As well you should!

Represent! - Total Pickleball

Thanks. I'll try to be less enthusiastic next time! ;-)

Yes, I hold the paddle exceptionally low, as it gives me the greatest flexibility. Use what works best for you!

Very good question! I will begin with this: Not all, but most players who hit the ball hard every time are actually using power to disguise their lack of consistency (control), and want to end the point before you figure this out! Anyone playing pickleball, even for a short time, has encountered players and/or teams who slap shots from every part of the court. I will chime in, but I am curious as to what Mr. Buwick might have to say on this subject. That said, the good news is they are one trick, or one gear playing styles. I suppose it is worth asking or wondering what level of play we are talking about. Or I could ask if the players are able to keep the ball low over the net, or are they throwing you bait shots that would otherwise fly long if you did not take the bait. This is where I can compare pickleball to baseball, in terms of playing the outfield. If the person up to bat is known to blast shots long, you adjust back. And if the player is more of a strategic base hitter, the outfield crew adjusts closer. The same goes for pickleball. If the team you are playing is crushing shots, and you are pinched for time to generate a good reply at the kitchen, take a 1/2 step, or full step back to give yourself more time to react/ respond. If they also hit their serves, and returns at full speed, then you need to learn how to get comfortable with the pace. We advocate getting together with a partner and practice drilling the same kind of shots at each other that are posing you the most difficulty. And in a short time you will go from awkward, to being familiar and confident dealing with hard hitters. I hope the details help put those bangers where they belong, which is back to the class room of pickleball fundamentals to learn how important the soft game is. Mark/TP

Oh, how I love me some paddle! The colder the weather gets, the more I want to get in the cage. Both sports provide me joy. I hope they do for you, as well.

Hi Bart, I'm talking about the dink specifically. You are inviting control problems if you are taking a swing on a dink. Remember...always dink responsibly!

@@timbuwick It's a small out in front abbreviated swing Tim! Rotate is a dumb word to use. I am a Men's Pro 50 player with an incredible kitchen game.

You confuse these 3.5-4.0 players with this dumb rotate word. Abbreviated small out in front swing swing in the kitchen

Right?! Talent! When Coach Tim speaks about pickleball, we listen! :) TP Staff

Hi Lesa, thanks for your kind words! I hope this video helps you get to the next level.

Noted on that. Thanks for the feedback. Some resets are easier than others, for sure.

@@timbuwick4153 I just wanted to say this is exactly how people should handle comments like that- exactly perfect. Thank you for your channel. I just found you and subscribed.

Hi Justin, there is no dink in tennis the way that it should be hit in pickleball. In tennis, it's the drop shot. In pickleball it is hit the way I describe in the video, something we would almost never do in tennis.

The reason we don’t play dinks in tennis is because there isn’t a non volley zone. You try dinking and I’m gonna be right on top of the net to put it away. Drop shot is a high risk/reward shot in tennis. It’s not a consistent winning strategy.

The problem with crossing over is it limits the angles that you can effectively hit the ball because your stance is so closed. When I see my opponent cross over I know they are going up the line or middle. It's a great change for an ernie when the person in front of you crosses over and hits a dink up the line high.

@@btreese7 Well said, Bryce. Sometimes you have no choice but to cross over but it severely limits your options and effectiveness.