Master Pickleball Strategy: Speed-Up Shots That Win Games

Want to refine your pickleball game? It’s all about practicing with purpose and focusing on one specific aspect of your game at a time. Instead of just running through your usual drills, narrow in on specific areas to tweak and improve. Small, intentional changes can lead to big results.

Let’s dig into speed-ups - an underutilized but powerful move. Speeding up the ball isn’t just about hitting harder; it’s about hitting smarter. Consider this: if your opponent is right-handed, their right hip is the prime target. Why? Most players favor their forehand, which makes a shot to their right side tricky to handle. Aim there, and you’re likely to force an off-balance response or even set yourself up for a winner.

But don’t stop there! Once you’re comfortable with this, expand your strategy. You can work on strategic placements - try targeting your opponent’s backhand or incorporating a speed-up into a dink rally. Explore different placements and observe how your opponent reacts.

The key? Thoughtfulness. It’s not about power all the time - it’s about timing and placement. When you approach each practice session with a specific focus, like speed-ups or strategy angles, you’ll build a sharper, more efficient game.

So, next time you hit the court, pick one area to work on: speed-ups, angles, placement, or even morement. The more deliberate your practice, the quicker you’ll see progress - and the more fun you’ll have along the way!