Catherine Parenteau’s Pickleball Tips: Professional pickleball player Catherine Parenteau shared key tips on recognizing when an opponent will speed up the ball during a game. In a YouTube video, she explained what players should watch for, including body language, paddle positioning, and ball placement, to stay one step ahead on the court.
Spotting the Speed-Up
Parenteau emphasized that players should look for signs like “a dead dink,” meaning a soft shot with little spin. When a ball just sits there, opponents can easily prepare to attack. She said, “You can tell in their eyes they’re about to speed up.”
Watching an opponent’s preparation is crucial. If players see their opponent stepping back or pulling their paddle far behind their body, it often signals that a speed-up is coming.
Know the Opponent’s Combos
Parenteau advised players to study their opponents’ habits. “A combo is when you speed up the first ball and then you’re sitting on the next ball,” she said. She shared that one of her favorite combos is hitting a forehand and preparing for a backhand shot on the next ball.
Even when facing new opponents, players should observe if they prefer speeding up with their forehand or backhand after letting the ball bounce.
Give Yourself More Time
Parenteau suggested that when players sense a speed-up is coming, they should consider stepping back from the kitchen line. “Maybe take a step back to give yourself more time,” she explained. Staying too close removes time needed to react to a fast ball.
If the opponent strikes the ball out of the air, it’s harder to read, but stepping back slightly can help defend better.
Reading Paddle Angles
Learning to read paddle angles can make a big difference.
If I’m the one speeding up and my contact point on my forehand is back here, the only option I have here is to go line.” – (Catherine Parenteau)
If the ball is hit in front of the body with an open paddle face, players should expect a shot towards the middle or forehand.
“You watch at the angle; you watch the contact point.” – (Catherine Parenteau)
Watching the Middle
Parenteau explained what to do when the opponent speeds up through the middle.
“Your opponents or me in that case, the only really safe spot for me is to go back middle.” – (Catherine Parenteau)
She recommended that the person directly across should sit backhand, and the other player should sit forehand, depending on the situation.
Final Advice
Parenteau wrapped up her lesson with encouragement.
“Thanks for watching. I hope this helped you read your opponent’s speed up better.” – (Catherine Parenteau)
She also reminded viewers to “like, subscribe to my YouTube channel and leave any comments if you have any down below.”
Why It Matters
Parenteau’s advice helps pickleball players improve their reaction time and decision-making during games. Learning to spot a speed-up early can lead to winning more points and defending against quick attacks. Players who practice these tips can develop faster hands and smarter strategies for tournaments and friendly matches.
News in Brief: Catherine Parenteau’s Pickleball Tips
Pickleball star Catherine Parenteau shared tips on reading opponent speed-ups in her latest YouTube video. She taught players how to watch for body movements, paddle angles, and dead dinks. Her advice helps players react faster and defend better during games, leading to more success on the court.
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