How To Hit the Backhand Roll in Pickleball | Ben Johns

 

Mastering the Pickleball Backhand Roll: A Comprehensive Guide

Techniques, Variations, and Pro Tips

Introduction: Mastering the backhand roll in pickleball is a skill that can elevate your game to new heights. It's a shot that's both effective and impressive when executed properly. In this guide, we'll delve into the nuances of the backhand roll, exploring various drills, techniques, and variations to help you become proficient in this essential aspect of the game.

1. Drilling Set-Up (0:34) Mastering the backhand roll begins with proper drilling setup. To effectively practice this shot, set up a drill where you simulate receiving a crosscourt dink to your backhand. This drill allows you to practice hitting the ball out of the air from below the net level. A crucial aspect is having a partner who can feed you consistent shots to work on your timing and technique.

• Position a partner to simulate crosscourt dinks to your backhand side.
• Practice hitting the ball out of the air from below the net level.
• Focus on timing and footwork to anticipate and react to incoming shots effectively.

Summary: Setting up a drill for practicing the backhand roll is essential for honing your skills. Simulate receiving crosscourt dinks to your backhand to practice hitting the ball from below the net level. Partner drills provide the opportunity to work on timing and technique effectively.

Ben Johns emphasizes, "The drill setup is crucial for mastering the backhand roll. Consistent practice with a partner will help improve your timing and technique."

2. Things to Watch For (1:06) When practicing the backhand roll, there are certain key elements to focus on. Avoid hitting the ball off the bounce; instead, aim to strike it out of the air. Contrary to common belief, the backhand roll doesn't heavily rely on wrist action. Focus on swing path and paddle angle, ensuring a closed paddle face and an upward swing to generate topspin.

• Avoid hitting the ball off the bounce; aim to strike it out of the air.
• Focus on swing path and paddle angle rather than relying solely on wrist action.
• Maintain a closed paddle face and an upward swing to generate topspin effectively.

Summary: Pay attention to essential aspects such as hitting the ball out of the air, maintaining the correct swing path, and paddle angle. Avoid excessive wrist movement and focus on generating topspin through proper technique.

Ben Johns underscores, "Swing path and paddle angle are crucial for the backhand roll. Focus on these elements to ensure effective execution of the shot."

3. Variation 1: Roll (5:14) The backhand roll offers various variations to adapt to different game situations. One effective variation involves changing the direction of the shot. This can be achieved by adjusting the swing path or altering the paddle face position. By modifying these elements, you can effectively redirect the ball to different areas of the court, keeping your opponents guessing.

• Experiment with adjusting swing path to change the direction of the shot.
• Alter the position of the paddle face to redirect the ball to different areas of the court.
• Practice consistency and accuracy in executing variations of the backhand roll.

Summary: Explore variations of the backhand roll to adapt to different game situations. Adjust swing path or paddle face position to change the direction of the shot, keeping opponents off balance.

Ben Johns suggests, "Experiment with variations of the backhand roll to add versatility to your game. Adapting your shot direction can keep your opponents guessing and give you a strategic advantage."

4. Variation 2: Flick (6:18) Another variation worth exploring is the backhand flick. This shot involves more wrist action and is particularly effective when the ball is higher. However, executing the flick requires precise timing, especially when hitting from below the net level. Focus on using the wrist in conjunction with elbow snap for added power and control.

• Focus on precise timing, especially when hitting the ball from below the net level.
• Utilize wrist action in conjunction with elbow snap for added power and control.
• Master the technique of the backhand flick to incorporate it strategically into your game plan.

Summary: The backhand flick offers an alternative to the traditional roll shot, providing additional power and control. Focus on timing and utilize wrist action in conjunction with elbow snap for optimal execution.

Ben Johns advises, "Experiment with the backhand flick for added power and control. Mastering the timing and wrist action is key to its effective execution."

Guide Summary: Mastering the backhand roll in pickleball requires diligent practice and attention to detail. Start by setting up effective drilling sessions to refine your technique. Focus on key elements such as hitting the ball out of the air, maintaining the correct swing path, and paddle angle. Explore variations of the backhand roll to adapt to different game scenarios, including changing the shot direction and incorporating wrist action with the flick. With consistent practice and experimentation, you can elevate your backhand roll to a formidable weapon in your pickleball arsenal.

Timestamps

1. 0:00 Intro
2. 0:34 Drilling Set-Up
3. 1:06 Things to Watch For
4. 5:14 Variation 1: Roll
5. 6:18 Variation 2: Flick

Mastering the Pickleball Backhand Roll: A Comprehensive Guide

1. Which of the following is NOT a key element to focus on when practicing the backhand roll?

a) Hitting the ball off the bounce

b) Maintaining a closed paddle face

c) Utilizing excessive wrist movement

d) Generating topspin with an upward swing

2. In the drilling set-up for practicing the backhand roll, what role does the partner play?

a) Simulating overhead smashes

b) Feeding consistent shots to the backhand side

c) Offering verbal instructions only

d) Demonstrating different footwork techniques

3. What should you avoid when hitting a backhand roll off a crosscourt dink?

a) Hitting the ball from above the net level

b) Using excessive wrist flick

c) Closing the paddle face

d) Striking the ball out of the air

4. Which variation of the backhand roll involves adjusting the swing path to change the shot direction?

a) Variation 1: Roll

b) Variation 2: Flick

c) Variation 3: Spin

d) Variation 4: Lob

5. What is a key advantage of mastering the backhand flick variation?

a) Higher probability of net cords

b) Consistency in shot placement

c) Lower risk of overhitting

d) Increased topspin generation

6. What does maintaining a closed paddle face help achieve in the backhand roll?

a) Increase ball speed

b) Generate topspin

c) Control shot placement

d) Improve wrist flexibility

7. Which direction should you aim to redirect the ball when executing Variation 1: Roll?

a) Towards the baseline

b) Towards the net post

c) Towards the centerline

d) Towards the sideline

8. What should you focus on to effectively execute the backhand roll?

a) Using excessive wrist flick

b) Striking the ball off the bounce

c) Starting with a low swing path

d) Keeping the paddle face open

9. When is the backhand flick variation particularly effective?

a) When the ball is lower

b) When the ball is higher

c) When hitting from above the net level

d) When the opponent is closer to the net

10. Which aspect of technique is emphasized for hitting the backhand roll out of the air?

a) Swing path and paddle angle

b) Excessive use of wrist flick

c) Opening the paddle face

d) Striking the ball off the bounce

Answer Key:

1. a) Hitting the ball off the bounce
2. b) Feeding consistent shots to the backhand side
3. b) Using excessive wrist flick
4. a) Variation 1: Roll
5. a) Higher probability of net cords
6. b) Generate topspin
7. d) Towards the sideline
8. c) Starting with a low swing path
9. b) When the ball is higher
10. a) Swing path and paddle angle

Swingin' with Ben Johns: A Pickleball Poem

In the court, under the sun's warm rays, Ben Johns dazzles with his pickleball plays. With finesse and flair, he takes his stance, Guiding the ball with effortless dance.

Off the bounce, he refuses to strike, For a backhand roll, that's not what he likes. With a flick of the wrist and a subtle twist, He sends the ball soaring, it can't be missed.

No need for a flick, no need for a fuss, Ben Johns knows how to generate topspin's trust. With a closed paddle face and a swing so fine, He paints the court with a rhythmic design.

His swing path is smooth, like a jazz melody, Guiding the ball with precision and glee. To the backhand side, he directs his art, Placing each shot with grace and heart.

Variations abound, but he knows them all, From the classic roll to the flick's call. With each shot, he crafts a tale, Of skill, of passion, never to fail.

So let's swing with Ben Johns, let's groove and glide, In the world of pickleball, let's take a ride. With each swing path, we'll dance and we'll sway, In the rhythm of pickleball, we'll find our way.

So here's to Ben Johns, the maestro of the court, With his pickleball prowess, he'll never fall short. In the game of finesse, he's a true guide, Swingin' with Ben Johns, we'll reach pickleball's high tide.