HOW TO HIT A TWO-HANDED BACKHAND TOPSPIN DINK with Anna Leigh Waters

 

Anna Leigh Waters: Mastering the Two-Handed Backhand Topspin Dink A Guide to Executing Pickleball's Most Deceptive Shot

In pickleball, deception is key. And no shot confuses opponents quite like the two-handed backhand topspin dink. This unique stroke combines heavy under-spin with angled placement, forcing adversaries onto their heels. Even world-class players struggle defending it. So let 2021 APP Academy star 14-year old Anna Leigh Waters be your guide to unlocking this game-changing weapon. With her high-level playing resume across multiple racket sports, Anna Leigh has perfected intricate techniques for spinning and directing the ball.

Whether utilized offensively or defensively, her step-by-step blueprint will have you drawing errors or easy put-aways. Opponents' eyes will grow wide watching your nasty dink bites zip past. And you'll relish their frustration as your new go-to shot wreaks havoc on the court. So get ready to dip, rip and grin as you integrate the two-hander into your own pickleball arsenal!

1. Shot Strategy: Placement Over Power (1:32) 
   When hitting the two-handed backhand dink, strategy trumps power. Anna Leigh focuses on precise placement targeting three zones: down the middle, at her opponents' feet, or just inside the sideline to pull them wide. The key is limiting their options, not blasting undefendable pace. Keep the ball low to the net and make opponents scramble. Master control before strengthening shots. Even with modest pace, exact targeting yields lots of mistakes.
2. Creating Seamless Teamwork (2:13)
   To optimize effectiveness, communicate plans with your partner beforehand. Anna Leigh sets up her fellow player to poach blocked returns. When she drags opponents wide, it opens passing lanes for put-aways down the line. Synchronize your movements and isolate adversaries out of position. Then capitalize on the opportunities that deceptive dinks provide. Seamless teamwork leads to quick points!
3. The Ideal Defensive Shot (2:34)
   Though great offensively, Anna Leigh actually prefers using the two-hander on defense when drawn outside. Having more court to work with increases her angle for dipping cross-court dinks. And accelerating into stretched shots generates nasty underspin, making balls die on opponents. So don't reserve this tool just for attacking. Embrace it when you're on the run! Mastering defense first provides an offensive foundation.
4. Maximizing Backswing Efficiency (3:21)
   To ensure proper technique, Anna Leigh starts with her paddle in the ready position, dropped to her left thigh. This presets an compact, efficient swing path for spinning loads underspin on the ball. Keep your eyes forward and don't overrotate during the backswing. The acceleration happens on the upward forward swing, staying low through the ball. Limiting extraneous motion preserves energy while empowering accurate placement.
5. The Dominant Hand for Power (3:59)
   While both hands work in tandem executing the two-hander, the left impart most power and spin. Anna Leigh likens it to the left-hand dominance on backhands in tennis. The right hand mostly stabilizes as the left draws the paddle through contact. This provides stability while still allowing free range of motion and snap. Let the left hand drive momentum as you brush under the balls.

Summary
The two-handed backhand topspin dink requires mastery of footwork, grip, swing path and follow through to unlock its magic. But once grooved, the shot unlocks new potency in your game. Anna Leigh Waters displays elite technical execution blended with match strategy and positioning insights. Her multidimensional approach highlights the versatility of this special stroke. Master control through repetition before introducing more variables. What begins as a surprise weapon grows into a trustworthy old friend.

So commit the time and embrace the journey! Be patient, focus on precision, and let wicked spin wreak havoc on hapless opponents. Before long, every rally will end with opponents looking at each other and asking...”How do we defend that nasty two-handed dink!?”

YouTube Time Code List

1:32 What is the first thing you are thinking when you hit this shot? 2:13 Rolling to the kitchen line, side line tee. 2:22 Who are you setting up? 2:34 Are you trying to be defensive with the two-handed backhand topspin dink roll? 3:02 Why do you prefer that shot on defense? 3:21 Technique - Where is your paddle when you are ready to hit the ball? 3:59 What is the most dominant hand in the shot?