In this week’s Drop In, top pro Zane Navratil breaks down one of the most misunderstood mechanics in pickleball — wrist lag. It’s the secret behind the pace, spin, and control that separate the pros from the rest.
Key Takeaways:
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What wrist lag really is — and why it’s a by-product of good preparation, not a forced motion.
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How loose grip pressure and a proper unit turn create natural lag and effortless acceleration.
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The importance of letting gravity drop the paddle below the ball instead of muscling it down.
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Why contact point and hand position determine whether your drive stays in the court or flies out.
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How to apply wrist lag to every shot — from serves and returns to drives and speed-ups.
Zane’s Tip:
“When you stay loose and let the paddle lag naturally, that’s when the magic happens — more spin, more power, more control.”
Why It Matters:
Good preparation, not extra effort, is what generates elite-level performance. Wrist lag isn’t about snapping your wrist — it’s about sequencing, rhythm, and connection to the ground.
Featuring:
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Zane Navratil, ProXR athlete and top-ranked Major League Pickleball star
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Filmed in partnership with SQAIRZ Pickleball, the official footwear designed for power, balance, and injury prevention
Gear Spotlight:
Zane trains and competes in the SQAIRZ XRZ™ Pickleball Shoe, built for stability, grip, and explosive court movement — proven to improve balance up to 26.5% in clinical motion-capture testing.
