There’s a shot that the pros use, and while it may be a bit advanced, it can really help add another tool to your pickleball arsenal.
Coach Mary’s Tip for the Week: The two-handed, backhand drop
Pro player Casey Diamond uses it as his signature shot and he revealed the tips on how he approaches it.
This shot is important to have, because of the topspin, which makes it more aggressive. You are taking control of the point, instead of using slice, which is more defensive.
This technique can be used for third shots, dinks, and speed ups. The topspin makes it a great weapon to put your opponent on the defensive.
Local events
One of the reasons I do this column is that I like to promote local events that are fundraisers for charities. Please see the attached flyer promoting an upcoming Pickleball event benefiting the American Heart Association. It will be at the J.W. Marriott Springs Resort in Palm Desert., on May 3, 2026. Contact Emma Haber at emma@ehprgroup.com for more details. Register here.
Indoor drill: Beat the heat with an indoor drills clinic
Round-robin summer event: Indoor Round Robin events this summer! At Palm Desert Civic Center Park in the air conditioning. Singles, skinny singles, rotating partners, fixed men’s, women’s and mixed doubles, and senior women’s doubles. Only $20 to enter! They will be on May 24, June 28, July 26, Aug. 30 and Sept. 27.
Check out this story
Last fall I tipped The Desert Sun off to a talented young pickleball player from the desert named Daniel Yi who is rising quickly in the junior ranks. The Desert Sun’s Andrew John did a story on Daniel Yi that published today. Check it out!
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Pickleball tip of the week is how to master the two-handed backhand drop
Reporting by Mary Barsaleau, Special to The Desert Sun / Palm Springs Desert Sun
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
