Backhand Brilliance & Dad Life Wins: Elevate Your Game On + Off the Court

Hey there, pickleball fam!

It’s been a great weekend here in Columbus, spending time with my brother, sister-in-law, and godchild before the hospital pharmacy conference kicks off Monday in downtown Columbus, Ohio. We started the day right, with some serious pickleball at a new indoor facility—shoutout to my brother and his buddies for bringing the competition. No better way to start the week than with a few dinks and drives, right?

Also, major dad moment: My daughter scored her first soccer goal yesterday! (Okay, so it was for the other team, but hey, a goal’s a goal!) She’s so proud, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to watch her growth!

Now, on to the Pickleball Tip of the Week—and this one’s all about turning that backhand return from a weakness into a weapon. If you’ve ever found yourself favoring your forehand because, well, your backhand feels like a liability, you’re not alone. Let’s fix that.

Turning Your Backhand Into a Weapon:

• Two-Hander? Make sure your non-dominant hand is leading the charge. Keep that finger on the paddle, and you’ll notice the control immediately.

• Start Position: Keep the paddle no further back than your back hip. When you extend, stay low and move that body weight forward.

• Drill it Like a Pro: One of my go-to drills is to hit the ball into the net. Sounds weird, right? But it forces you to extend with your left hand to get that perfect follow-through. If you don’t do it right, the ball doesn’t come back.

• Chip Return Magic: Want more power? Close the paddle face—don’t open it up where it’ll float the ball. A square or slightly closed face will get the ball skimming across the court. No pop-ups here! Check out the video below!

And here’s the big question for you this week:
What are you currently working on in your game? Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to add your suggestions to my content pipeline for future videos. Need help with your backhand or want to work on something else? Let’s chat. Virtual lessons are always an option, and it’s a great way to break down film and work on your game no matter where you are.

Oh, and a quick shoutout to Urban Pickleball Club in Austin, TX where I film most of my content. It’s the perfect spot to level up your game if you're ever in the area. They’ve got great courts and even better vibes!

For the Busy Dads:

This week, I also tweeted a thread for all my fellow busy dads who want to get better at pickleball but feel stretched for time. One of the guys here in Columbus mentioned how his family can tell when he’s overdue for some pickleball time—because it keeps him grounded and healthy, both physically and mentally. The sport’s good for more than just your game!

Here’s a sneak peek of that thread:

🧵 The REAL Reason You’re Not Winning at Pickleball as a Busy Dad. (And How to Fix It) 👇
1 | Being a busy dad isn’t a valid excuse for a weak game. Let’s get REAL.
2 | Ditch hour-long practices for quick, 10-minute power drills. (You do have time—waiting for coffee counts!)
3 | A few short HIIT workouts will keep your energy up and help you crush it on the court.
4 | Turn distractions into training moments. Play a mini-pickleball game with your kids—boost your hand-eye coordination and be the fun parent at the same time.
5 | Break your day into small chunks and find time to practice in 15-minute windows.
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And more! Follow along on Twitter (@SalcedoBryant) and let me know which tip you’ll start using today.

Thanks again for being part of this growing community. Every week, we’re building not just our pickleball skills but also something much bigger—our connection to family, faith, and the sport we love. If this newsletter brought you some value, don’t forget to share it with a friend or two!

Have an amazing start to your week. Keep grinding, keep laughing, and keep playing the game you love.

Until next time,
Bryant
Helping all amateurs on the road to 5.0—without botching the 3rd shot.

P.S. What’s one thing you’ll focus on this week—pickleball, fatherhood, or something else? Would love to hear what’s on your mind!