Pickleball continues to grow rapidly in the UK, with club sessions in London, Manchester, and Glasgow packed full of players testing their skills. For many, the basics of topspin drives and slice returns are already familiar. The next step is mastering advanced spin shots that can disrupt opponents and take your game to another level.
Three of the most effective shots at intermediate and advanced level are the roll volley, the sidespin dink, and the kick serve. Each requires good technique, a textured paddle surface, and an understanding of how spin changes the ball’s flight path. This guide breaks down these advanced spin options, explains when to use them, highlights common mistakes, and provides drills UK players can practise both indoors and outdoors.
The Roll Volley
What is a Roll Volley?
A roll volley is a controlled topspin volley played from the non-volley zone (kitchen) line. Instead of blocking or punching the ball flat, you brush over the back of the ball with a low-to-high motion, adding topspin. The result is a dipping shot that clears the net by a narrow margin before dropping quickly into the opponent’s court.
Why it Works
- The topspin makes the ball dip fast, forcing opponents to hit upwards.
- It changes the rhythm in a dink exchange, creating opportunities for attack.
- On slower UK indoor courts, roll volleys are especially useful as they add pace and spin without relying on raw power.
Technique Breakdown
- Stance: Stay low at the kitchen line with knees bent.
- Paddle Position: Start with the paddle below the ball.
- Contact Point: Make contact slightly in front of your body.
- Swing Path: Use a smooth, low-to-high brushing motion.
- Finish: Follow through only slightly, keeping the motion compact.
Common Mistakes
- Over-brushing and missing the ball entirely.
- Swinging too big, which reduces control.
- Standing upright instead of staying low.
Drill for UK Players
- Rally with a partner at the kitchen line. Every third dink must be converted into a roll volley.
- Focus on dipping the ball just over the net.
- Practise both forehand and backhand sides.
The Sidespin Dink
What is a Sidespin Dink?
The sidespin dink is a soft shot played at the kitchen line with a brushing motion across the side of the ball. Instead of floating straight, the ball curves sideways and skids off the court on the bounce.
Why it Works
- It forces opponents wide, opening space in the middle for you or your partner.
- The unusual bounce disrupts rhythm and timing.
- It is highly effective on outdoor UK courts, where wind exaggerates sidespin movement.
Technique Breakdown
- Paddle Angle: Tilt the paddle slightly sideways to brush across the ball.
- Contact Point: Hit in front of your body for control.
- Motion: Brush across the outside of the ball with a smooth push.
- Spin Control: Keep the shot soft enough to land in the kitchen but with clear curve.
Common Mistakes
- Overhitting so the ball sails high and is easily attacked.
- Brushing too hard and losing touch.
- Telegraphing the motion by swinging too wide.
Drill for UK Players
- Place two cones on the sideline of your opponent’s kitchen.
- Practise 20 dinks aimed to curve towards the cones.
- Switch sides to practise both forehand and backhand spins.
The Kick Serve
What is a Kick Serve?
A kick serve is a topspin serve struck with enough brushing motion that the ball jumps up after it bounces. It is legal as long as you strike the ball with a clean upward motion and release it properly.
Why it Works
- The heavy topspin clears the net safely but dips sharply into the service box.
- The ball kicks high after the bounce, forcing awkward contact.
- It is particularly effective in singles where serves need to set up aggressive play.
- On damp UK courts, where balls can skid, a kick serve exaggerates bounce changes and surprises opponents.
Technique Breakdown
- Toss: Drop the ball cleanly from your non-paddle hand.
- Contact Point: Strike low to high, brushing up the back of the ball.
- Paddle Angle: Slightly closed to encourage topspin.
- Follow Through: Finish high above your shoulder.
- Targeting: Aim deep into the service box for maximum effect.
Common Mistakes
- Illegal tosses, such as spinning the ball before striking.
- Hitting too flat, losing the topspin effect.
- Over-rotating the wrist and spraying the ball wide.
Drill for UK Players
- Place a target deep in the service box.
- Hit 15 kick serves focusing on topspin shape.
- Measure success by how high the ball jumps after landing.
Combining Advanced Spin Shots
Advanced players often string these shots together. For example:
- Use a kick serve in singles to draw a weak return, then finish with a topspin roll volley at the net.
- In doubles, start a dink rally, then mix in a sidespin dink to pull opponents wide and create space for your partner.
The key is not just knowing the shots but knowing when to apply them. Spin shots are most effective when they break patterns, surprise opponents, and force uncomfortable responses.
Equipment for Advanced Spin
Spin shots rely on both technique and paddle surface. Smooth paddles or worn grit reduce your ability to grab the ball. Raw carbon fibre paddles are the best choice for advanced spin play.
The Volleyer T700 paddle is built with Japanese Toray carbon fibre, offering long-lasting grit that maintains spin potential even after months of use. At £107.98, it is one of the best value options for UK players looking to develop advanced shots like roll volleys and kick serves.
To maintain performance:
- Clean your paddle face regularly with a damp cloth or paddle eraser.
- Store it in a cover to protect from damp UK conditions.
- Replace when grit wears smooth, usually after 6 to 12 months for frequent players. Or if you are looking to save money, grit your paddle.
Pro Player Examples
Watching professionals is one of the best ways to understand advanced spin.
- Federico Staksrud is known for his heavy topspin drives and kick serves that dominate singles.
- Etta Tuionetoa uses sidespin dinks and roll volleys to create angles in doubles.
- Many top players mix slice and topspin seamlessly, proving that spin variety is just as important as power.
By studying these examples, UK players can adopt pro-level patterns and adapt them for club play.
Conclusion
Advanced spin shots are the tools that elevate a good pickleball player into a dangerous one. The roll volley changes the pace of kitchen exchanges, the sidespin dink pulls opponents out of position, and the kick serve sets the tone from the very first shot.
For UK players, mastering these spins will give you a decisive edge in both indoor and outdoor environments. Practise with focused drills, avoid common mistakes, and invest in a paddle built to maximise spin. With time, you will not just keep up with rallies in London, Manchester, or Cardiff, but you will control them.
Spin is not about flash. It is about using skill and creativity to win points. The sooner you make roll volleys, sidespin dinks, and kick serves part of your repertoire, the sooner you will dominate rallies in 2025 and beyond.