pickleball swing check/learn/forehand long
Why does my pickleball forehand keep flying long?
Updated August 2026 · 2-minute read
Your pickleball forehand flies long because your paddle face is too open at contact. To fix this, close the paddle face slightly and finish your swing low-to-high with a shorter, controlled motion. This adds topspin and keeps the ball in play.
How to tell
- Balls land past the baseline.
- Your shots lack topspin.
- The ball feels like it floats.
- Paddle face points up at contact.
Why it matters
Closing the paddle face and swinging low-to-high creates topspin. Topspin makes the ball dip down, keeping it in bounds. A shorter swing gives you more control over shot depth.
The fix
- Close Face. Point your paddle face slightly down at contact. Imagine hitting the top of the ball.
- Swing Up. Start your swing low and finish high, brushing up on the ball. This creates topspin.
- Shorten Swing. Reduce your backswing and follow-through. A compact swing gives more control and accuracy.
One cue makes it click: Brush up, keep it in.
2-minute drill
Practice this drill at home or against a wall for two minutes.
- Stand facing a mirror or wall.
- Shadow swing, focusing on closing the paddle face and brushing up.
- If at a wall, hit gently, aiming to keep the ball low and in play.
Related fixes
Check yours in 10 seconds
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