Let’s talk about Hayden Patriquin’s forehand speed-up. If you’ve watched him play, you’ve seen it happen: that moment when he transforms from controlled player to absolute assassin, unleashing a forehand that leaves even elite players unable to get out of the way as they get hit by the ball, resulting in a classic “body bag” situation.
(Note: body bags can be dangerous and are not always proper etiquette in friendly rec games, so use this shot at your discretion).
“Powerful, accurate, and unavoidable” doesn’t even begin to cover it. Patriquin’s forehand speed-up has become his signature weapon: an offensive shot that combines calculated aggression with unwavering confidence.
The result? Pure chaos for his opponents.
So what’s the magic behind this 19-year-old phenom’s killer shot? Let’s break it down.
What Makes Hayden’s Forehand Speed-Up Special?
If you’re wondering why Patriquin’s forehand is creating such a stir, here’s what sets it apart:
- The Bold Decision-Maker: What truly distinguishes Patriquin isn’t some unique mechanical ability. It’s his unwavering willingness to pull the trigger. While other pros possess the technical skill to execute this shot, Patriquin consistently chooses aggression when others opt for caution.
- The Quiet Killer: Watch Patriquin carefully and you’ll notice something surprising: his speed-up barely looks different from his regular shots until the very last moment. There’s no giant wind-up or obvious tell. Just a smooth, quiet motion that suddenly delivers a cannonball.
- Finding the Awkward Spots: Plenty of players can hit hard, but Patriquin has an uncanny ability to tag opponents in the most uncomfortable places, usually that tricky spot where backhand meets forehand, creating what players call the “chicken wing” effect.
- Compact and Deadly: In a sport where court space is tight, Patriquin’s compact stroke is perfectly adapted for quick exchanges. No wasted movement means more time to react and more precision when it matters.
- The Confidence Factor: There’s a certain swagger to how Patriquin uses this shot. He’ll pull the trigger when others might play it safe, and that fearlessness makes opponents hesitate. This confidence isn’t unfounded. In 2024, Patriquin made headlines by defeating world No. 1 Ben Johns not just once, but twice with his aggressive play and precise shot selection.
Watch Patriquin beat Ben Johns:
The Natural Gifts Behind the Shot
Not to burst your bubble, but some elements of Patriquin’s speed-up come down to his unique physical gifts:
- Elite Athleticism: At just 19, Patriquin brings extraordinary athleticism to the court. His lightning-fast reflexes allow him to transition from defense to offense in the blink of an eye.
- Exceptional Hand-Eye Coordination: Patriquin’s ability to read the ball and make split-second decisions about when to speed up comes from his remarkable hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.
- The “It” Factor: One team owner described Patriquin’s game as “cold-blooded” with “immaculate swagger.” That mental edge can’t be taught, and it’s a huge part of what makes his forehand speed-up so effective under pressure.
Breaking Down How Hayden Generates Such Power
Let’s get into the nuts and bolts of this shot:
- Arm-Dominant Power: Unlike many pickleball shots that use the entire kinetic chain, Patriquin’s speed-up is primarily generated by his arm. While the rest of his body remains relatively still, his quick arm action delivers surprising power.
- Minimal Body Movement: What makes this shot so deceptive is how still Patriquin keeps his body. There’s minimal telegraphing or wind-up, just a quick arm action that catches opponents off guard.
- The Whip Effect: Rather than muscling the ball, Patriquin creates a whip-like effect with his arm and paddle. The energy transfers from his body to his arm to the paddle in perfect timing.
- Controlled Wrist Action: The secret sauce might be his wrist control: loose enough to create snap but controlled enough to direct the ball with precision. That final wrist action adds the extra juice that turns a fast shot into an untouchable one.
- Forward Drive Finish: Notice how his follow-through doesn’t loop around his body but drives forward? That direct finish keeps the ball on its intended trajectory across the court.
Watch a breakdown of Patriquin’s forehand speed-up:
Can You Add Some Patriquin Power to Your Game?
While we can’t all play like Hayden, you can definitely steal some elements of Hayden’s technique:
1. Find Your Foundation
Start with a solid grip foundation. At the kitchen line, Patriquin uses an Eastern forehand grip. This grip gives him the control needed for quick, precise shots while still enabling enough power.
Your stance should be slightly open, with knees bent and weight centered between your feet.
2. Focus on Arm Speed
While groundstrokes often require full-body engagement, Patriquin’s speed-up at the kitchen line is primarily an arm-dominant shot. Practice generating quick arm speed with minimal body movement.
3. Work on Your Whip
The wrist “lag” in Patriquin’s forehand is what gives it that extra pop. Practice keeping your paddle head slightly behind your wrist during the forward swing, then accelerating through contact. This creates that whip-like effect that amplifies power.
4. Stay Compact and Quick
Forget big tennis backswings. In pickleball, compact is king. Keep your preparation motion small but your acceleration through the ball big. This gives you more time to react and keeps opponents guessing.
5. Target Practice Makes Perfect
Power without placement is just showing off. Dedicate practice time to targeting specific zones, particularly the transition area between opponents in doubles or at the body in singles.
Consistent placement turns a good speed-up into a nightmare for opponents.
Who Can Benefit From This Approach?
For the Newbies
Focus on fundamentals first! Work on proper grip and basic weight transfer before worrying about generating maximum power.
Practice standard forehand drives from the baseline until contact becomes second nature.
For the Weekend Warriors
Start implementing controlled acceleration while maintaining accuracy. Practice recognizing which balls are perfect for speed-up opportunities versus which ones should be handled with a softer touch.
Vary your pace to keep opponents off-balance.
For the Serious Competitors
Work on making your preparation look identical for both soft shots and attacks. Develop comfort attacking balls from various heights and positions on the court.
Add subtle variations in spin while maintaining that deadly accuracy Patriquin is known for.
How Patriquin is Changing the Game
Hayden Patriquin’s forehand speed-up isn’t just changing how he plays. It’s influencing how the entire sport approaches offensive shots.
Patriquin represents the future style of pickleball, where aiming directly at an opponent and intentionally trying to hit them becomes a strategic part of the game.
With increasingly powerful paddles, this aggressive approach seems inevitable. And since Patriquin already owns his bold style in every other aspect of the game, many feel it’s time to stop apologizing for bagging his opponents to win the point.
For recreational players, the biggest lesson from Patriquin’s game isn’t about copying his exact technique, but about understanding the boldness needed to commit to aggressive shots. It’s not just about having the skill to execute a speed-up; it’s about having the confidence to choose that option when it matters.
Whether you’re looking to add some heat to your own game or just appreciate the technical brilliance of top professionals, Patriquin’s signature shot offers plenty to admire!
