Whether you are watching pros like Ben Johns or Tyson McGuffin, you may have noticed a unique, high-spin shot that looks a bit different from a traditional swing. This technique is known as the "Chariot Whip," and it is becoming a staple at the highest levels of pickleball for its ability to create immense spin and disguise.
Below is a breakdown of what the Chariot Whip is and how you can use it to level up your dinks, drops, and attacks.
What is the Chariot Whip?
While a traditional topspin shot often involves swinging across your body, the Chariot Whip is characterized by a "same-side" finish. To execute it, you drop your paddle tip low and finish the stroke by "answering the phone" — bringing the paddle up toward your ear on the same side of your body where you started.
The fundamentals
- Target the Southern Hemisphere: You want to contact the bottom half of the ball (below the "equator") with the paddle tip pointed down.
- Grip Pressure: Keep your grip pressure light to allow for maximum whip and feel.
- Timing: This shot is not meant for "short hops." You must use spacing to let the ball reach its apex and begin to descend into your paddle face before making contact.
Three ways to use the Chariot Whip
1. The Chariot Whip dink
Incorporating this into your kitchen game allows for incredible disguise.
- Execution: Keep the stroke nice and compact.
- Versatility: This technique works whether you are dinking straight ahead or crosscourt.
- Benefit: It generates significant topspin, which helps the ball dip quickly after crossing the net.
2. The Chariot Whip drop
When moving back toward the baseline, the mechanics remain similar but the scale of the motion increases.
- The Adjustment: Because you are further from the net, you need a larger follow-through. Your elbow should even raise slightly as you "answer the phone".
- The Result: This creates a consistent, high-spin drop shot that is difficult for your opponents to attack.
3. The offensive attack (the fourth shot)
One of the most effective times to use this shot is on a "sitter"—a ball that is floating in the middle zone, too low for an overhead but high enough to attack.
- Close the Face: Unlike a defensive drop, you should slightly close your paddle face for this shot.
- Accelerate: Whip through the ball and finish high.
- The Goal: This creates immense topspin that drives the ball deep into the opponent's back line, keeping them pinned at the baseline.
The Chariot Whip is a versatile tool that adds both power and finesse to your arsenal. By mastering the "answer the phone" finish, you’ll be able to generate professional-level spin from anywhere on the court.