The speed-up is one of the most effective strategies in pickleball when executed correctly. But it’s not just about hitting the ball hard—it’s about timing, placement, and understanding your opponent’s weaknesses.
Let’s break down when to speed up and where to aim for maximum impact and avoid common mistakes.
3 Perfect Times to Use the Speed-Up Shot
Timing is everything with the speed-up shot. Here are the key moments when you should consider speeding up the ball:
- Opponent Out of Position: The best time to speed up is when your opponent is not fully prepared. If you notice their paddle is not in front of their body or they’re off-balance, that’s your green light. They’ll struggle to defend a quick, well-placed shot, often resulting in a pop-up or a mistake.
- High-Bouncing Balls: Look for dinks or shots that bounce high, giving you a good opportunity to strike. High bounces allow you to hit down on the ball, making it harder for your opponent to counter.
- Passive Dinks: During a dink rally, be on the lookout for passive dinks—those slow, low-spin shots that lack pace. These are ideal for speeding up since they’re easier to control and place with accuracy.
Where to Aim Your Speed-Up
Just speeding up the ball isn’t enough—you need to place it in spots that are difficult for your opponent to handle. Here’s where to aim:
- Paddle Shoulder (Chicken Wing): Aiming at your opponent’s paddle shoulder, often referred to as the “chicken wing,” forces them into an awkward position. This area is particularly tricky because it’s where the paddle arm meets the body, making it tough for players to decide whether to use a backhand or forehand.
- Dominant Hip: Targeting the hip on your opponent’s dominant side is another effective strategy. Most players are more comfortable resetting with their backhand, so forcing them to use their forehand from this position can throw them off balance.
- Body Shots: For a higher-risk, higher-reward play, aim directly at your opponent’s body. Increase your swing speed to around 80%, which can overwhelm them. If they can’t react quickly enough, the ball might hit them, resulting in a point for you.
The Most Common Mistake to Avoid When Speeding Up
The biggest mistake players make with speed-ups is taking too large of a backswing. A big backswing reduces control and often leads to hitting the ball out of bounds.
Another common error is attempting to speed up from a low-bouncing ball. When the ball is too low, it’s difficult to generate the necessary power and control, increasing the chances of hitting into the net or out of play.
To execute a speed-up effectively, focus on a compact backswing and look for higher bounces or passive dinks, which are easier to control and allow for a successful, well-placed shot.
Want to be ready for speed-ups? Start with solo drills:
Your Go-To Tips for a Good Speed-Up
When performing a speed-up, remember to:
- Compact Backswing: Keep your backswing short to maintain control and avoid hitting out of bounds.
- Paddle Positioning: Rotate your paddle tip down to generate topspin, keeping the ball low and in play.
- Balance and Weight Transfer: Stay balanced with your weight slightly forward for better power and accuracy.
- Controlled Power: Use 60-80% of your full power to deliver a fast, controlled shot.
- Stay Ready: Be prepared for a counterattack after your speed-up by keeping your paddle up and ready.
Check out Coach Kyle Koszuta as he breaks down the perfect technique for nailing a speed-up shot:
Don’t Miss Out on Speed-Up Opportunities
If you’re not incorporating any speed ups into your game, you’re missing out on a powerful tool that can help you win more points.
I’ve seen players who stick to dinking, even when they’re handed a golden opportunity to speed up with the ball sitting high above the net. Don’t be that player. If you get a ball during a rally that gives you a better chance to win by speeding it up, go for it. It’s all about recognizing those opportunities and taking advantage of them to keep your opponent off balance and on the defensive.
Happy pickling!
