🤾 How to hit a better backhand slice drop

Hey reader,

Welcome back to the Pickleheads Newsletter!

In this issue:

🤨 Do pickleball shoes really matter? Turns out... yeah.
🤾 How to hit a better backhand slice drop
💥 Reaching at the kitchen? Do this instead
🙈 Stop doing these 3 things

🤨 Do pickleball shoes really matter? Turns out... yeah.

We’ve all seen that player sliding around the court in worn-out running shoes, their trainers’ threadbare grip clinging on for dear life during a kitchen exchange.

But the question is, would wearing proper pickleball shoes truly impact their performance and help them stay injury-free?

Turns out, a new study just showed that the SQAIRZ XRZ – yep, real court shoes built for pickleball – improved players’ balance by 15%. That’s not small. That’s a real edge in performance.

In this week’s blog, we dig into why court-specific shoes matter, what makes a real pickleball shoe, and how brands like SQAIRZ are shaking things up.

If you’ve been playing in running shoes, or just curious if the switch is worth it, this one’s for you.

👉 Read: Do pickleball shoes actually make a difference?

 🤾 How to hit a better backhand slice drop

I’m stoked to welcome back James Ignatowich, top-5 ranked pickleball player in the world, for this week’s Level Up.

Hey Pickleheads readers,

When it comes to the backhand slice, the biggest mistake I see in my clinics is players using too much wrist.

Instead of flicking or chopping at the ball, you should focus on guiding it with a slow, controlled swing. Keep the motion compact, and let the paddle do the work.

You want to:

1. ✅ Minimize the backswing – no big wind-ups here

2. 🎯 Aim for the middle – it’s the lowest part of the net and cuts down your opponent’s angles

3. 🐢 Swing slow – it’s a touch shot, not a power one

Make these tweaks and you’ll be one step closer to mastering one of the trickier pickleball shots.

Watch James demo the right technique in this quick video. 👇

We’re always testing new gear to bring you the good stuff. Here are a few quick hits from this week’s sessions:

Stephen just won a tournament using this hybrid-shaped paddle

Right away, he got that familiar Bantam feel. The power, topspin, and control were really solid, so he knew he could succeed and be aggressive. His team actually went on to win the tournament.

Despite its strong performance, the GTO-C still doesn’t stand out enough from the other Bantam paddles. Stephen prefers the ESQ-C or TKO-C over this model as they give him more speed and reach, respectively.

If you like a hybrid shape, though, this is a paddle to seriously consider. It’s a great addition to Paddletek’s lineup, with only a few drawbacks that can both be solved if you’re willing to customize.

Not fancy, not flawless, but it gets the job done

Once it’s up, it’s pretty solid… after you weigh it down. The end posts like to wobble unless you anchor them (a couple of pickleball bags work fine).

Portability is good. Not featherlight, but it fits in the car and won’t eat your garage space.

If you’re expecting pro-level construction, this isn’t it. But if you just want a functional net that won’t bankrupt you, and you don’t mind MacGyvering the setup a bit, the SRIKEL Net delivers solid value.

Sun Mountain Lodge, Winthrop, WA

Perched high above the Methow Valley, Sun Mountain Lodge serves up pickleball courts with some serious wow factor.

It’s the kind of place where a well-placed drop shot might be followed by an eagle sighting. Or, at least a well-earned glass of wine from the lodge.

After you're done playing, unwind with a trail ride, a paddle on the lake, or a spa treatment back at the lodge. Bliss.

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