Mastering the Inside-Out Forehand: A Game-Changer for English Pickleball Players

Breaking Down the Inside-Out Forehand in Pickleball
In the growing landscape of English pickleball, where skill development is increasingly prioritised over sheer power, one shot has begun to distinguish savvy players from their peers: the inside-out forehand. Once reserved for high-level tennis rallies, this technique is now finding a home in pickleball courts across the UK, from community leisure centres in Bristol to competitive events sanctioned by Pickleball England.

The inside-out forehand allows a player to redirect the ball across the court with subtle deception and optimal court positioning. It is less about brute force and more about angles, footwork and intent. Executed well, it opens up the court and forces the opponent out of position. Misfired, it exposes the player to a swift counterattack. Understanding this shot’s mechanics and strategy can significantly elevate a player’s offensive toolkit.

What Is an Inside-Out Forehand?
The inside-out forehand is a shot hit with the forehand side of the paddle on a ball located on the player’s backhand side. Instead of switching to a backhand, the player steps around the ball and uses a forehand stroke to send it cross-court, away from their body. For a right-handed player, that means directing the ball to the left-hand side of their opponent’s court, often diagonally towards the sideline.

This shot is not to be confused with an inside-in forehand, where the player also steps around the backhand side but hits straight down the line. The inside-out variation is distinguished by its angle, spin and the illusion of a more direct shot.

Why It Matters in the English Game
Pickleball in England is still maturing tactically. Many recreational players favour straightforward rallies, dominated by forehands, lobs and the occasional volley exchange at the net. As local coaching continues to improve and British players attend more international competitions, the tactical sophistication of play is rising.

The inside-out forehand is particularly valuable for right-handers facing left-handed opponents, or for exploiting the common tendency of UK-based players to favour their own forehand side in defence. It also plays well on indoor courts — prevalent across England due to the weather — where bounce consistency allows for more precise shot-making.

On slower surfaces like gymnasium hardwood, the spin and placement of the inside-out forehand often prove more effective than power. This aligns with the preferences of many older English players who rely on craft and consistency rather than physical explosiveness.

Biomechanics of the Shot
Executing the inside-out forehand properly requires more than just paddle skill. Footwork and body alignment are essential.

1. Preparation and Footwork
To set up the shot, the player must quickly shuffle or pivot to move around the ball, positioning their body so the ball is slightly in front and to the side of their hitting arm. This involves what coaches call a “reverse crossover step”, allowing the paddle to remain loaded in a ready position.

2. Shoulder and Hip Rotation
As the paddle swings forward, the hips and shoulders must rotate in unison, generating controlled torque. The non-dominant arm extends for balance, helping keep the torso aligned through contact.

3. Contact Point and Follow-Through
Contact should occur slightly in front of the body, with the paddle face angled to guide the ball cross-court. A low-to-high swing path creates topspin, helping the ball dip inside the sideline. The follow-through should finish high and across the body, indicating a full release of momentum.

This sequence needs to be practised slowly at first. Even intermediate players across England often neglect the importance of footwork and core stability, focusing instead on paddle position alone. Without proper set-up, the shot becomes rushed and inconsistent.

Tactical Applications
The inside-out forehand thrives in specific tactical situations:

1. Third Shot and Fifth Shot Attacks
When returning a soft serve or drop shot, the inside-out forehand allows players to redirect the ball into space, often catching an opponent recovering late from the serve. It is also ideal after a soft third shot drop, followed by a shallow return that invites attack.

2. Pressuring the Backhand
Most English club-level players exhibit weaker backhand defences. By disguising the shot and placing it deep and wide to the backhand corner, the inside-out forehand exploits this common gap.

3. Creating Space for the Inside-In
When used repeatedly, the inside-out forehand conditions opponents to anticipate the cross-court angle. This opens up the down-the-line option — the inside-in forehand — which can then be deployed as a surprise finisher.

4. Doubles Play Strategy
In doubles, this shot is especially useful from the right-hand side of the court (for right-handers), allowing for diagonal attacks away from the stronger forehand of a left-handed opponent. In mixed pairs, it can also be used to shift the court and apply pressure to the weaker partner.

Drills to Develop the Shot
Several UK coaches and clubs now incorporate shot-specific sessions into weekly practice, particularly in London, Birmingham and Leeds. To build an effective inside-out forehand, consistent drilling is key.

1. Cone Targets Drill
Place cones or markers on the opposite court's sideline and practice placing the ball inside that angle from various positions. This develops directional control and consistency.

2. Shadow Footwork Drill
Without hitting a ball, practise the pivot and reverse crossover step repeatedly. Focus on balance, paddle positioning and rotation. This builds the muscle memory needed to set up properly.

3. Feed-and-Finish Drill
Have a partner feed a series of balls to your backhand side. Step around and hit inside-out forehands, alternating between aggressive angles and deeper rolls to maintain variation.

Common Mistakes
Several faults frequently appear as players attempt to master the shot:

Late Footwork: Players often do not move early enough to step around the ball, resulting in rushed, off-balance swings.

Flat Contact: Without topspin, the ball often sails wide or long. A low-to-high swing is essential.

Overreliance on Arm: Using only the paddle arm, rather than engaging the torso and hips, limits control and power.

Predictability: Using the shot too frequently without variation makes it easier to anticipate.

Correcting these issues requires repetition, feedback and sometimes video analysis. Coaches across England are increasingly offering video reviews during training sessions, using smartphones and tablets for instant playback.

Adapting the Shot for All Levels
For older players or those new to competitive play, the inside-out forehand need not be an all-out attacking weapon. It can be used with a more conservative swing and modest pace to move opponents laterally. When executed with subtlety, even a softly struck inside-out shot can be highly disruptive.

As more English clubs develop players through structured coaching pathways, this kind of tactical shot-making will become standard rather than advanced. Already, it is being taught at regional coaching clinics and incorporated into England-based strategy workshops for doubles partners.

Conclusion
The inside-out forehand is more than a flashy trick shot. It is a calculated tool that rewards positioning, timing and awareness. For English players looking to move beyond reactive play and take control of points, this shot offers a compelling edge.

It rewards intelligence over aggression and gives players of all ages a way to redirect rallies and outmanoeuvre opponents. With deliberate practice and an eye for opportunity, it can become one of the most versatile and reliable weapons in the modern English pickleball game.