How to Put More Spin on a Pickleball: Technique First, Then the Paddle (2026)
Last updated: October 2026
Brush the ball, loosen the grip, use the legs. Then the paddle traits that add spin, with RPM numbers from our testing.
Spin comes from brushing the ball instead of hitting through it.
For topspin, start the paddle below the ball and swing low to high with a slightly closed face. For slice, swing high to low with an open face. Loosen your grip so the paddle can accelerate, contact the ball out in front, and let your legs and shoulders create the speed. A textured face adds bite: in our testing, the 11SIX24 Ultre Power 2 measured about 2,381 RPM, the Volair CMD HYB 2,380 and the Bread & Butter Loco 2 Elongated 2,360. A dirty or worn face loses spin, and hand-spinning the ball on the serve is not allowed.
The rankings
Each category below links to the full review for that paddle.
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Brush, do not push
A flat hit sends the paddle straight through the back of the ball. A spin shot sends the paddle across the ball, so the face grips it and rolls it. The steeper the swing path relative to the face, the more spin and the less pace. Most players who want more spin need a longer, more upward path, not a harder swing.
Topspin step by step
- 1. Relax the grip to about a 3 or 4 out of 10. A tight grip slows the paddle head.
- 2. Drop the paddle head below the ball as you prepare.
- 3. Close the face slightly so it points a little toward the court.
- 4. Swing low to high, contacting the ball in front of your body.
- 5. Finish high, over your shoulder on the forehand.
- 6. Use your legs. Bend at the knees and push up through the shot. Arm-only swings run out of speed.
Slice and backspin
- Open the face so it points slightly up.
- Swing high to low and under the ball, with a short follow-through toward your target.
- Slice stays low and skids, which works on drops, dinks and approach shots.
- Too much slice floats. Keep the swing forward as well as down.
Spin on the serve: what is legal
You can put spin on the ball with the paddle on any legal serve. What is not allowed is spinning the ball with your hand when you release it, which was removed from the rules. Keep the toss or drop clean and let the paddle create the spin. More in pickleball serve rules.
Paddle traits that add spin
Every paddle in our catalog has to stay within the rules on surface roughness and spin. See the USAP spin rate test explainer.
- Face texture: raw carbon and applied grit faces grip the ball more than smooth faces. A face that holds its texture keeps its spin. See paddle grit explained.
- A clean face: dirt and ball residue cut spin. Wipe it after every session.
- Head speed: elongated paddles are longer, so the face moves faster at the same swing speed. A long handle also helps two-handed backhands.
- Swing weight you can control: a paddle that is too heavy for you slows your swing and costs spin.
Spin drills that work
- Topspin dinks: dink cross-court with a short low-to-high brush. Aim for the ball to dip just after the net.
- Roll volleys: from the kitchen line, roll a mid-height ball with topspin into your partner's feet.
- Slice drops: from the baseline, hit drops with a slight slice and watch how low they stay.
- Film it: you can see your swing path on video much more clearly than you can feel it. See how to film your pickleball games.
Gear that helps
- 11SIX24 Ultre Power 2: $209.99, $199.99 with code PRH. About 2,381 RPM in our testing, flat-top hybrid, 5.75" handle, Tier 1 spin durability in independent lab testing.
- Volair CMD HYB 16mm: $179.99, $161.99 with code PRH. 2,380 RPM in our testing, HexGrit face, Tier 1 spin durability.
- Bread & Butter Loco 2 Elongated: $220, $198 with code PRH. 2,360 RPM in our testing, Space Dust durable grit, Tier 1 spin durability.
- Spartus Spitfire Elongated: $109.99, $98.99 with code PRH. About 2,350 RPM in our testing.
- Vatic Pro V-Sol Tour Elongated: $109.99, $99.99 with code PRH. 2,350 RPM in our testing, Evergrit face.
- More picks in best paddles for spin.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you put topspin on a pickleball?
Relax your grip, drop the paddle below the ball, close the face slightly and swing low to high, contacting the ball in front and finishing high.
Does the paddle affect spin?
Yes. A textured, clean face and good head speed add spin. In our testing the 11SIX24 Ultre Power 2 measured about 2,381 RPM. It is $199.99 with code PRH.
Is a spin serve legal in pickleball?
Spin from the paddle is legal on any legal serve. Spinning the ball with your hand on the release is not allowed.
Why did my paddle lose spin?
Usually dirt or ball residue, which cleaning fixes, or worn grit, which it does not. Paddles with Tier 1 spin durability in independent lab testing lose the least.
Do elongated paddles give more spin?
They can, because the longer face moves faster at the same swing speed. The Bread & Butter Loco 2 Elongated measured 2,360 RPM in our testing and is $198 with PRH.
What is the best spin paddle under $100?
The Spartus Spitfire Elongated, about 2,350 RPM in our testing, $98.99 with code PRH.
Related guides
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Brands on this page: 11SIX24, Bread & Butter, Spartus. Codes are on each shop button and on /deals.