Is it Good to switch Hands while Playing Pickleball?
In pickleball Game, you have the freedom to switch the paddle from one hand to the other during a game. However, it's important to note that this is not something we usually recommend. Why? Well, switching hands in pickleball is quite challenging and time-consuming. This can be a problem because the game moves quickly, and you often have very little time to react between shots, especially since most shots are played within just 14 feet of the Kitchen line. In simple terms, changing hands can lead to mistakes on the pickleball court.
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| Is it Good to switch Hands while Playing Pickleball? Photo credit: Benoit Vincent |
Still, there are situations where switching hands might be a good idea, which you might be forced to do so. There are times when you might need or want to switch hands in pickleball. Here are some scenarios where switching hands could come into play:
1. Necessity
Sometimes, you might find yourself in a situation where you have to switch hands due to various reasons.
2. Injury
Injuries can sometimes limit your ability to play pickleball with your dominant hand. Some dedicated players, unwilling to give up the game, choose to use their non-dominant arm so they can still be a part of the action. For most players, this is a temporary solution until their injuries heal and they can return to their dominant hand. However, for a few, like Dotty, this switch might become permanent to stay in the game.
3. Reaching Far Distances Defensively
Imagine the pickleball is way out of your reach on your dominant side, and you can't hit it back with your usual hand. In desperate situations like this, some players might opt to switch hands for a defensive shot. This is a last-ditch effort and should only be tried when no other option seems workable.
4. Surprising Your Opponents
The act of switching hands looks different and unexpected to your opponents. This unique move can throw them off balance, as many players tend to focus on the paddle's movement rather than tracking the pickleball itself. So, changing hands can occasionally catch your opponents off guard, leading to mistakes on their part and scoring points for you.
5. Learning a Two-Handed Backhand
When you're trying to master a two-handed backhand, practicing swings with your non-dominant hand can be beneficial. In this stroke, the non-dominant hand is more active, while the dominant hand provides support. Switching hands during practice can help build the muscle memory needed for a strong two-handed backhand.
Switching hands is not a simple task; it requires a lot of skill and coordination. Trying to do it on the fly during a fast-paced game can lead to errors and missed shots, which could give your opponents an advantage. Because of this, the general advice is to avoid switching hands. Instead, focus on improving your footwork, positioning, and paddle control to handle different shots effectively. But if you're set on switching, do it sparingly and practice a lot to minimize errors as much as possible.
Your ignorance on this topic is showing. As a player who is ambidextrous using a double grip allows me to switch hands to hit a forehand on 98% of my shots. I simply let go of the paddle with the hand that allows me to hit a forehand. Backhands are the weak point of almost all players.
I am also ambidextrous and use a double handed grip and switch hands. And when I do switch hands, it's because I can tell before the ball gets to me, which hand to use. I don't switch hands up at the kitchen line because it's usually rapid fire or dinking and it's not necessary.
But it does throw my opponents off... especially ones that are serving fast and hot to what they think is my backhand.......and it's not because I switched.
I have never seen a successful rally when someone switches. I love when they do because they become my target. So keep switching.
99%of the time nobody even notices when I switched
I switch hands all the time and I am very successful with it..when I don't I usually miss the shot. I'll just keep doing what works best for me.
I’ve had people I play smile and say “keep switching hands”. After the game, I ask them why and they tell me that I will not be able to do that when I play better players. I tell them that I will keep that in mind when I play better players.
Switching hands using a two handed grip held out front doesn't take any more time than switching from forehand to backhand. Two strong forehands beat a strong forehand and a weak backhand player.
I switch hands and am very successful with it. I had to do it out of necessity due to an injury.
Only if you are quick enough, an its only on a Far Side line shot, that you cant reach with your Dominate Hand an your Back hand Sucks ~!~ It better than letting it go un-touched ~!~ <> Actually I do it all the time, BUT I swong both ways playing BaseBall as a Kid ~!~ If U R going to use it, Practice it a LOT ~!~
Only last resort otherwise you are badly positionned on the court
works for me many times
No it’s not a good idea ,learn the proper grips . Use them with your dominant arm . Most switchers use this method on the kitchen line,learn the right grip and technique to hit a backhand shot .
I do it more often than I should, usually because there isn't time to return a backhand. Problem is they're also usually isn't time to get my paddle grip right once I switch hands; doesn't matter that you hit the ball if you can't aim it.
I'm ambidextrous and can miss hit with both hands.
But it IS instinctual
Can’t help it
ooh, that would be tough. I can barely make one hand work properly, but I have seen people do it in desperate moments.
I do this to gain reach when my backhand won’t cut it.
For 99.8% of players switching hands is poor play - it slows a player down - players should work on their backhand shots!
This picture is a ‘two handed backhand’. It’s not ‘switching’ hands.
No. Very easy for your opponent to target you knowing you are a switcher. Develop a strong backhand, one or two handed and avoid the time taken to decide and then to switch hands.
Absolutely not. May work for beginners but at higher levels it becomes unsustainable to the speed of the game.
As an ambidextrous player myself, I would say, yes.
I switch hands and it's helped me. I got a ball today that I wouldn't have gotten otherwise. It's an amazing feeling! Hope that helps.
I do it a fair amount and it usually works, guess it depends how fast one can switch hands…
Depends.. I have hit beautiful returns with my left hand 😊
Just as natural right or left. Can hit in the net with either hand.
I've hit ATPs with both hands. It all depends on where the ball is located and available shot selection.
Works for me when needed, as I am ambidextrous.
People who have played Paddleball are used to switching hands. While I don’t do it all the time it is very useful, especially when you need to reach out very quickly. I believe it is better than a backhand for certain shots.
I use both hands, many times my left hand shots are soft and angled, helping set us up for a pop up
Sorry think it’s a bad idea, no way you could switch hands fast enough on a fast ball.
Absolutely!!! As long as you can do it with consistent shots over the net! There's more than 1 way to skin a cat
Had to due to a wrist surgery on dominant hand, have problematic back as well
Advantages
1) dinking( not having to dink with backhand is easier on the back( not having to reach across your body and stretch all the time)
2) dinking ( more consistent with forehand dinking)
3) at the net ( being able to hit forehand rollover shots at the net on both sides is more powerful and consistent to do
4) overhead smash. Being able to hit overhead smash with opposite hand comes in handy and used more than one might think.
Disadvantages
1) have to be fast switching especially at the kitchen line but like anything you learn.
Overall
It is a bonus to be able to do so
Yes for reasons 2 & 3 luckily I have quick hands.
I do it with success but at the right time. Not every backhand becomes a change in hands. Very situational.
I would give my left arm to be ambidextrous!!!!😳
Sometimes. It can get you out of trouble. But not switching every shot.
Just learn the twoey so you don’t get into this habit….
I am a lefty. Usually I use a two handed backhand. but occasionally I just switch over to right hand, maybe mainly when I'm not quite in position.
But I must say, quite often it works out ok.
Background, I usd to do this in squash, and even practiced with a squash racquet in both hands.
I think it's useful because u can fool your opponent
As a Pickleball coach I don’t recommend switching hands. The major reason for that is because the time that it takes to go from
one hand to another to re-grip the paddle properly without miss hitting or slipping the hands on the paddle is quite difficult. Now I know there are quite a few ambidextrous people and can or able to switch hands fairly proficiently but I have watched some of the best play the game while switching hands and the majority of the time they are unsuccessful at making the necessary shot that is required at the time. One must consider where that ball should go at what speed or angle and that fraction of a second that you lose while switching hands makes this extremely difficult and the shot will go awry more often than being the direction and pace it should have been. If you hold the paddle firmly in the hand and turn your body you can make a much better controlled shot in my opinion then trying to switch hands also now you have to switch the paddle back to the oth…