Drill of the week
Loose-Grip Putaway Swings
Overhead / smashCompeting (DUPR 3.0–3.5)10 minutes
The drill
Shadow-swing or hit against a fence/wall, focusing entirely on grip pressure and arm looseness. Start with a deliberately tight grip and notice how stiff the swing feels, then consciously relax your shoulder and arm — keeping only a slightly firmer grip than a dink — and feel the difference in how the paddle whips through. When you hit live balls, say "loose" to yourself before each swing as a reset cue.
Spotted in a breakdown by The Pickleball Clinic — watch the full lesson.
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