Pinch Shot

A Pinch Shot is an offensive shot that is designed to end the rally by hitting the ball low into the corner that you are facing.  The pinch shot should be hit at kill shot level, but can also be effective at pass-kill level as well.  Ideally, the lower you hit it without skipping it the better.

The pinch shot is very specific in nature.  As you can see in the picture, you should strike the ball very low in your hitting zone and back in your stance, so that your racquet is angled toward the front corner that you are facing (see forehand mechanics).  The ball will then travel toward the side wall in the corner, rebound toward the front wall, and then bounce away from the front wall, very low, taking its second bounce before your opponent can retrieve it.  The second bounce should ideally happen closer to the front wall than the foot fault line so that you're opponent can't retrieve it.

Some instructors recommend hitting the pinch shot (as well as ALL other shots) off of your front foot, and just stepping toward the corner to hit it.  I've never agreed with this as it gives away your shot.  If I see you stepping toward the right corner, I know you're hitting there.  Fran Davis teaches to move the ball around within your hitting zone while keeping your swing the same.  I agree with this philosophy because of the deception and consistency it creates.

Here's a pinch shot in action:

Important:

The best time to hit a pinch shot is when your opponent is either behind you on the court, or when they're playing too deep and you have a set up.  Going for a pinch shot when your opponent is in front of you isn't wise because of the nature of the shot.  It is designed to place the ball in the front court.  So if your opponent is in the front court, why would you want to hit the ball to them?  In that case you should hit a Down The Line Pass or Cross Court Pass.

You have the pinch mastered now?  Maybe it's time to learn the Reverse Pinch.