Universal Rackets Weekly Update!

Let’s Talk About Your Pickleball Game…

🔑Takeaways

• 🎾 Topspin Made Simple → Learn how to add margin, control, and pressure without needing a tennis background.

• ⬇️ Stop Popping Up Balls → Bend with your legs, not your waist, and keep your dinks under control.

• 👟 Drill of the Week → Practice low ball control with the Pop-Up Fix Drill.

• 🌊 CRBN TruFoam Wave Drops 9/25 → Foam-core power + spin, with early access available now.

• 🍂 Fall 2 Programs Are Open → 38+ locations across PA, NJ, TX, FL & IL — spots filling fast.

• 🤝 Who Has the Middle? → Forehand takes it, follow the ball, and always communicate.

• 🚨 Programs Selling Out → Multiple Fall 1 sessions are already full — register early for Fall 2.

How To Hit a Topspin Shot in Pickleball

A lot of players think they need a high-level tennis background and years of experience to hit an effective topspin shot. The truth? You don’t. If you follow a few simple steps, you can start hitting topspin today.

Why Topspin?

• Adds Margin for Error – A flat shot might sail long, but topspin dives down into the court.

• Lets You Swing Bigger – Hit harder, faster, and still keep the ball in play.

• Pressures Opponents – Instead of floating up, the ball dives to their feet and then kicks up, forcing awkward, defensive replies.

• Versatile – You can add topspin to almost every shot:

  • Drives & Drops: Dip the ball at your opponent’s feet.

  • Serves: Push them deep behind the baseline.

  • Volleys: Attack hard but still keep it in.

  • Dinks: Roll them back, making opponents bend and hit up.

How To Do It (Step by Step)

1. Tilt the Paddle Downward

   • Use an eastern, semi-western, or western grip.

   • The more the paddle face tilts down, the more topspin you’ll generate.

2. Exaggerate a Low-to-High Swing Path

   • Think: swing from 6 o’clock (your feet) to 12 o’clock (above your head).

   • The steeper the path, the more spin potential.

3. Brush, Don’t Smash

   • Don’t hit through the entire ball.

   • Contact just the back half or even the back quarter of the ball to “brush” it and create rotation.

4. Hold the Paddle Loose

   • In pickleball, to gain control you must give up control.

   • Let the paddle work for you — don’t strangle it with tension.

5. Accelerate

   • Spin unlocks with racket head speed.

   • You’ll need to double or triple your swing speed compared to a flat shot.

The Sideways Wave Motion

Here’s the secret: topspin doesn’t come from twisting your wrist.

❌ Don’t “turn the key” ✅ Instead, think of a sideways wave.

Stick your hand out in front of you and wave side to side. That motion — combined with the low-to-high path — is the true topspin mechanic.

Learn More

🎥 Click here for a 15-second demo of the 6-step motion

🎥 Click here for the full topspin masterclass

Bottom Line

Topspin gives you higher margin, more control, and a whole new way to pressure your opponents. Understand the benefits, follow the steps, incorporate the sideways wave motion — and watch your shots dip in, jump up, and win you more points.

You’re Popping Balls Up Because You Don’t Know How to Hit Low Balls

Here’s the truth: most players pop balls up not because of their paddle, but because of their body position.

And the fix? One simple tip can help you pop up 50% fewer low balls.

The #1 Mistake

Players bend at their waist instead of their legs.

When you bend at the waist, your paddle path naturally angles upward — causing you to lift the ball into your opponent’s strike zone.

When you bend in your legs, your body is lower, stable, and set to swing more forward instead of up. That one change alone can cut down half your pop-ups.

How to Put This Into Action

Think of it this way: on court, you want to be a foot shorter than your normal height.

• If you’re 5’ tall, play like you’re 4’.

• If you’re 6’ tall, play like you’re 5’.

Even a little bit goes a long way. Drop just an inch or two lower and you’ll immediately feel the difference in control.

More Tips to Reduce Pop-Ups

• Hold the paddle loose – tension = less control.

• Keep your body down – stay low through contact.

• Think push, not hit – guide the ball instead of jabbing.

• Minimize paddle movement – small, clean strokes.

• Less is more – don’t over-swing.

• Close the paddle face – slightly downward angle keeps the ball low.

• Hit with angles – use direction instead of height to win points.

Bottom Line

Stop giving your opponents free put-aways. Bend in your legs, not your waist, and you’ll pop up fewer balls, hit cleaner dinks, and control rallies from the kitchen.

👟 Quick Drill of the Week

Low Ball Pop-Up Fix Drill

• Start with you and a partner at the kitchen line.

• Partner feeds you soft, low dinks that force you to get down.

• Your job: bend in your legs, not your waist → push the ball forward, not up.

• Focus on loose grip, small paddle motion, and keeping the ball low.

• Switch roles after 10–12 reps.

Goal: Train your body to stay low and eliminate pop-ups by bending correctly.

🌊 Big News: CRBN TruFoam Wave Drops 9/25!

CRBN is changing the game again with the release of the TruFoam™ Wave Series — launching September 25th.

🔥 What’s New?

• 100% Foam Core – delivers maximum legal power.

• More Spin & Control – cutting-edge core tech gives you a bigger sweet spot.

• Early Access available now at CRBN Pickleball.

Click here to watch Tyler and Michele’s first impressions and full review of this awesome paddle!

Special Discount for Our Players

As part of this partnership, all Universal Rackets players get 10% off their CRBN orders.

👉 Use code UNIVERSAL at checkout and save today!

Shop CRBN Paddles Here 

Bottom Line: CRBN makes some of the best paddles on the market, and we’re thrilled to bring this partnership to our players. Don’t miss your chance to try them out — risk-free, with 10% off.

🍂 Fall 2 Programs Are Here!

Universal Rackets is kicking off another exciting season — now offering indoor and outdoor programs at 38+ locations across PA, NJ, TX, FL, and IL!

Whether you’re looking for:

✅ Adult or Youth Clinics

✅ Rating Clinics

✅ Ready Set Rackets (Toddler Pickleball & Tennis Programs)

✅ Social Tournaments

✅ Round Robins

✅ Picklepaloozas

✅ Fundraising Events

✅ …or just a great way to play —

We’ve got something for every pickleballer and tennis player, at every age and skill level.

Why Universal Rackets?

As your all-in-one, inclusive community provider, Universal Rackets makes it easy to get involved. We offer:

• Flexible scheduling — weekdays, weekends, mornings, and evenings.

• Expert instruction for all levels.

• Programs designed to build skills and community.

📍 Register Now by Region

• Philadelphia Programs → www.phillypickleballclinics.com

• Main Line Programs → www.mainlinepickleballclinics.com

• Montgomery County Programs → www.montgomerypapickleball.com

• Bucks County Programs → www.jerseyshorepickleballclinics.com

Don’t wait — spots fill fast every fall!

Grab your paddle, invite your friends, and join us on court this season.

Click here to view all of our PA programs!

Who Has the Middle? Should I Take Middle Balls?

“Down the middle solves the riddle!” But here’s the real question — who actually takes that middle ball?

If you’ve ever hesitated, only to watch the ball sail by because you and your partner both thought the other would cover it, you’re not alone. Middle coverage is one of the most common sources of confusion in doubles pickleball.

Here are 3 simple rules to follow:

Rule #1: Forehand Covers the Middle

Most of the time, the player with their forehand in the middle should take the shot. A forehand gives you more reach, control, and power than trying to stretch with your backhand.

Rule #2: Follow the Ball (Advanced)

At higher levels, it’s not just about forehand vs. backhand — it’s about positioning.

• If the ball is pulled to the left side, the player on the right has the middle.

• If the ball is pulled to the right side, the player on the left has the middle.

This ensures that the player with the momentum toward the ball is ready to cover.

Rule #3: Communication is King

When in doubt, say it out loud.

• “YOURS!”

• “MINE!”

Calling balls early and clearly prevents hesitation, saves points, and keeps partners on the same page.

Bottom Line

The middle is where points are won — but only if someone takes it.

✅ Forehand in the middle is the default.

✅ Follow the ball if you’re more advanced.

✅ Communicate every time.

Next time that ball heads down the middle, you and your partner will know exactly what to do.

Lesson of the Week: Pickleball Accuracy Masterclass

Click here to view this week’s lesson

🎾 Program Spotlight: Multiple Fall 1 Programs Have Sold Out!

This past week, Universal Rackets officially kicked off our Fall Programs — and the response has been incredible! Multiple sessions have already sold out, and spots for Fall 2 (starting in October) are filling quickly.

Don’t miss your chance to join one of our exciting fall pickleball or tennis programs. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player — we’ve got something for everyone.

👉 Secure your spot today: Click here to register

Thank you for reading and we can’t wait to see you on court!

-Universal Rackets