Forehand vs. Backhand in Pickleball

If you watch pickleball players returning a serve or hitting a drive from the baseline, you will notice most people are hitting forehands rather than backhands. This isn’t because the server hits the ball consistently to the forehand side. In fact, most servers believe it is an advantage to place the ball on the backhand side because many players are not as comfortable returning a backhand and will run around their backhand to hit a forehand return instead.

What is a Forehand in Pickleball?

A forehand shot in pickleball is performed when a player uses the dominant side of their paddle hand and hits a shot toward the net. Forehands are hit after the ball bounces following a serve and can be used on volleys, dinks, and groundstrokes. It is a natural motion; most players play their best when hitting forehands.

This video from John Cincola shows how to perform a forehand:

What is a Backhand in Pickleball?

Backhands are hit with the backside of your dominant hand going in the direction of the net. The backhand is more challenging to perform correctly but is a vital part of the fundamentals of pickleball. A backhand may feel unnatural initially, and many beginning players may struggle to master it. However, backhand shots are important as it isn’t always possible to hit a shot with a forehand.

Watch this video from PrimeTime Pickleball to learn the proper technique for a pickleball backhand:

Is It Better to Hit a Forehand or Backhand Return in Pickleball?

The sport of pickleball allows most players enough time to run around their backhand to hit a forehand shot. This is done because a pickleball court is a small court, which allows enough time to change the ready position and hit a forehand. The slower speed of the serve also gives players enough time to prepare their paddle face and to get into position for a forehand groundstroke.

Of course, this doesn’t always work, particularly when playing opponents at higher levels who hit faster and more aggressive shots. This is why it’s important to be able to hit backhand shots as well as forehands.

Generally, a forehand shot will allow a better return of serve. This also affords the opportunity to add topspin to the ball and may offer slightly better control.

When to Use a Backhand Return of Serve in Pickleball

When I recently interviewed Wes Gabrielson for the Pickleball Fire podcast, he said he returns almost every serve with a backhand. This is because his backhand slice is more effective than his forehand, which is unusual at the professional level.  If your backhand is stronger than your forehand and a ball is driven to the backhand side, return it with a backhand.

On another episode of the Pickleball Fire podcast, I spoke with M.L. Johnson, who said the muscles used to hit a backhand are much larger than the ones you use when you hit a forehand. So, hitting backhands can be easier on your body, and you may actually have more power because you are using larger muscle groups.

If you choose to return a serve with a backhand, remember your fundamentals and consider using a two-handed backhand for the best control. Use your legs to generate power, and follow through the shot completely.

Best Pickleball Paddle Grip: Forehand vs Backhand

There are three main types of grips you can use when playing: continental, eastern, and western. There are pros and cons to each grip type, and certain grips will work better depending on whether you want to hit a forehand or backhand.

Continental Grip (Hammer Grip)

In this grip, you hold the paddle handle like a hammer. Many beginner guides will teach novice players the continental grip as it is easy to wield with their dominant hand. The downside of the continental grip is that you get a bit less power for forehand shots, but this grip offers a good amount of control.

The continental grip should be used for backhand shots whenever possible, as your hand is in front of the paddle, which allows for maximum power.

Eastern Grip (Handshake Grip)

The eastern grip is considered a neutral grip and is used by many beginning and intermediate players. The best thing about the eastern grip is that it is versatile; you can hit forehands, backhands, and serves without having to change your grip during a pickleball game.

Advanced players and those who enjoy adding spin to the ball will likely choose a different grip because the eastern grip limits the amount of topspin that a shot can have.

Western Grip (Frying Pan Grip)

The western grip is most often used by advanced players. It offers maximum power and topspin on forehand shots due to a closed paddle face. The western grip is awkward for backhands and requires players to change their wrist position or risk pop ups, which most advanced players can prevent. It is more difficult for beginners to adjust their forehand grip during intense rallies at the kitchen line.

Which is Better, a Forehand or Backhand in Pickleball?

Whether to hit a forehand or backhand is situational and depends on your position and the speed of the ball. Forehands offer more control, but backhands allow you the opportunity to change the trajectory of the ball. Both are vital shots to master in pickleball and are required to advance from a beginner to an intermediate level.

If you struggle with hitting a forehand or backhand, there are many tutorials online from seasoned pickleball coaches and professional pickleball players that will offer you the vital pickleball tips you need to improve your game. This pickleball drill at the non-volley zone line with Wes Gabrielsen, will help you work on both your backhand and forehand volley: