Mastering the Perfect Backhand: Anna Leigh Waters' Technique
Learn How to Achieve Power and Precision in Your Backhand
In this instructional guide, you'll uncover the secrets behind Anna Leigh Waters' world-class backhand, a skill that has made her one of the top players in pickleball. By following the same techniques she uses, you can transform your backhand into a powerful and precise shot. This guide will walk you through the critical components of her technique, breaking down each step so you can practice and perfect your form.
1. Grip (0:13)
- Place your index finger on the center of the paddle for better control.
- Use the Eastern grip, ensuring the paddle face is at the correct angle.
- Adjust and stick to your grip position for consistency.
Achieving the right grip is fundamental to maintaining control and consistency in your backhand. Anna Leigh Waters uses an Eastern grip with her index finger centered on the paddle, providing a crucial touchpoint that helps her know where the paddle is in space. This grip prevents the ball from either going into the ground or flying over the net.
2. Index Finger (0:40)
- Keep your index finger centered on the paddle.
- Notice the slight changes in paddle angle when adjusting the finger position.
- Maintain a consistent finger placement to ensure paddle angle control.
The placement of the index finger on the paddle's center is not just about comfort; it significantly impacts the paddle angle, which in turn affects shot accuracy. By keeping her finger in this position, Waters maintains a steady and reliable backhand shot.
3. How to Find the Exact Grip (1:54)
- Turn your paddle to its butt and identify the top bevel.
- Align the inside of your index knuckle and the bottom of your palm pad with the top bevel.
- Make slight adjustments to suit your comfort while keeping the core grip structure.
Finding the exact grip that works for you involves aligning your hand with the paddle's top bevel. This position, used by Anna Leigh Waters, helps generate power and control in every backhand shot.
4. Unit-Turn (2:50)
- Turn your body toward the side fence as you prepare for the backhand.
- Rotate your hips and legs to coil power for the shot.
- Practice turning with the paddle to maintain alignment.
The unit-turn is critical for loading power into your backhand. By turning your body toward the side fence and rotating your upper body, you build the necessary energy to release into the shot.
5. Unit-Load (4:19)
- Continue the unit-turn by loading your hips and legs.
- Focus on coiling the energy to maximize shot power.
- Step into the shot as you complete the load.
The unit-load is the follow-through of the unit-turn, where you fully coil your body to store power. This step is essential to unleashing a strong and effective backhand.
6. Swing Path (4:26)
- Keep the paddle tip facing downward as you start the swing.
- Flatten the paddle as you pull forward.
- Focus on an outward and upward motion to generate power.
The swing path is where all the preparation comes together. Waters ensures her paddle moves from a downward angle to a flat position as she swings, finishing with an upward motion to add power and spin to the shot.
7. Head Is Still With Contact Point (4:28)
- Keep your head still and aligned with the contact point.
- Avoid moving your head during the swing to maintain shot accuracy.
- Let your eyes and head stay on the ball for a few milliseconds after contact.
Maintaining a still head during the swing is a subtle yet crucial aspect of Waters' technique. By keeping her head aligned with the contact point, she ensures that her shots are consistently accurate and powerful.
Summary: By mastering these techniques, you can develop a backhand that rivals the best in the world. The key is to practice each component with attention to detail, from the grip and finger placement to the unit-turn and swing path. Consistency in these elements will lead to a more controlled, powerful, and precise backhand, just like Anna Leigh Waters.
