In today's pickleball, speedups are a necessary skill to develop.
If you can execute a well-timed speedup, you dictate the rally and put your opponent on the defensive. If you're not using speedups in your game, you risk falling behind, and you'll often be the one constantly on your heels.
The key to successful speedups lies in the unpredictability of when you use them. Knowing when to accelerate the game can be the difference between winning a point and giving away an easy shot to your opponent.
Types of Speedups
While speedups may all look the same, there are different types of speedups you can use based on your and your opponent's skill levels.
Flat Speedups
A flat speedup is a shot delivered with a straight, fast trajectory without any spin.
This is the simplest form of a speedup, and it works best during fast exchanges when your opponent is least expecting it. The goal is to catch your opponent off guard, forcing them to react quickly. Flat speedups require good paddle control and a clean, direct hit to maintain speed.
How to execute:
- Hold your paddle flat and swing with a firm wrist.
- Aim for a direct line shot toward your opponent’s body or feet.
- Focus on speed over spin, keeping the ball low and fast.
Topspin Speedups
Topspin speedups add an extra layer of unpredictability to your game.
By putting topspin on the ball, you not only increase speed but also make the ball dip quickly as it approaches your opponent, making it harder for them to control their return.
How to execute:
- Use a brushing motion with your paddle to create topspin.
- Follow through with your shot to maintain the spin while accelerating the ball.
- Aim for a deeper shot in your opponent’s court, allowing the topspin to drop the ball into a tough position for them to return.
Counter-Speedups
Counter-speedups are used in response to an opponent's speedup.
If your opponent tries to accelerate the pace, you can fight back by returning their speedup with one of your own. This can surprise them, especially if they expect a defensive return.
How to execute:
- Stay balanced and ready to react when you see a speedup coming.
- Use the pace from their shot to add power to your own return.
- Maintain control by keeping your paddle angled correctly to prevent mishits.
Key Techniques to Master Speedups
To execute speedups effectively, you need to focus on a few fundamental techniques:
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Paddle Angle and Positioning
Your paddle should be in a “ready position,” particularly when at the kitchen line. Keep your paddle high and slightly angled downward. This positioning allows you to quickly transition from a soft shot to a powerful speedup.
Speedups are not just about arm strength. Proper footwork and positioning are essential to ensure you’re balanced and able to deliver a fast, controlled shot. Practice maintaining a stable, athletic stance with your feet shoulder-width apart, ready to shift your weight as you execute the shot.
Body Mechanics and Core Strength
Your core plays a huge role in generating power for speedups. Instead of relying solely on your arm, engage your core and rotate your torso when swinging. This will give you more power and better control, preventing injury and fatigue during long rallies.
When to Use Speedups in a Match
Knowing when to execute a speedup is crucial. Here are a few key moments when speedups are most effective:
- During dink exchanges: When both you and your opponent are dinking near the net, a speedup can suddenly change the tempo and force your opponent to make a quick decision.
- To surprise your opponent in a slow rally: If you’ve been engaging in a series of dinks or soft shots, throwing in a speedup can completely disrupt your opponent’s rhythm.
- When your opponent is off-balance or unprepared: If you notice your opponent is not in a strong position or is recovering from a previous shot, a speedup can exploit their weak positioning.
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Speedups vs. Soft Shots: Knowing the Right Balance
While speedups are powerful tools, overusing them can make you predictable.
A good player knows how to mix up their shot selection to keep their opponent guessing. Balancing speedups with soft shots (like dinks and drop shots) keeps your opponent off-balance, making it harder for them to predict your next move.
Use speedups when you have a clear opportunity, but don’t forget to reset the pace with soft shots when necessary. This balance between aggression and control is what will ultimately make you a more complete player.
Drills to Improve Your Speedup Game
Drill #1: Dead Dink Recognition
- With a partner, dink back and forth while standing straight in front of each other.
- Any time one of you hit a dead dink, make sure to speed the ball up. This will help you recognize when to speed the ball up and force you to take more chances.
Drill #2: Speedup and Reset Drill
- Alternate between hitting a speedup and then immediately resetting with a softer shot.
- This will train your ability to control the pace and prevent over-reliance on one type of shot.
Drill #3: Randomized Speed Drill
- Work with a partner and have them mix up soft shots and speedups unpredictably.
- Your goal is to stay ready and react quickly, practicing your own speedups at the right moments.
Common Mistakes When Attempting Speedups
Rushing the Shot
One of the most common mistakes is rushing the speedup, leading to loss of control and accuracy. Always focus on proper form first before trying to increase speed.
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Telegraphing the Shot
If you overuse speedups or telegraph your intention too early, your opponent will see it coming. Mix up your shot selection and disguise your intentions to keep your opponent guessing.
Poor Paddle Positioning
A poorly positioned paddle can lead to weak or off-target shots. Always keep your paddle high and angled slightly down when preparing for a speedup to maintain control and power.
How Speedups Can Help You Mentally Outsmart Your Opponent
Speedups are not just physical; they also play a crucial psychological role in the game. When used effectively, they can frustrate your opponent, causing them to make rushed or poor decisions. By keeping your opponent guessing and changing the pace of play unpredictably, you force them into uncomfortable positions, leading to more forced errors.
Mentally, speedups can give you a sense of control and confidence in dictating the flow of the game. The key is to stay unpredictable and adapt to your opponent’s reactions.
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