Pickleball Speed Ups Strategy: Speeding up the ball in pickleball can change the outcome of a game—especially when all four players are at the kitchen line. It’s a tactic used to break neutral play and win points. But when is the right time to attack? That depends on the player, the situation, and how well they prepare for the move.
Many players win points with third-shot drives or wait for mistakes at the kitchen. But this pickleball strategy focuses on when all players are in a balanced position at the kitchen and looking for an opening to take control.
Why Players Use Dinks First
In pickleball, dinks are soft shots near the kitchen meant to prevent attacks. These shots matter because they create chances to hit aggressive shots.
A “dead dink” has little energy and is easier to attack. A strong dink makes the other player respond defensively. Players dink not just to keep the rally going, but to open up chances to strike. “If I see a ball I can handle, I’m balanced, and it’s a little bit dead, that’s my opportunity.”
How to Decide When to Speed Up
There’s no set rule for when to speed up. It depends on the opponent, the player, and the ball’s placement. Some players might attack a low ball, while others wait for the perfect chance. “I might attack a different ball than another player would.”
Yes, the ball’s height matters. A low ball can be risky, but if the opponent isn’t ready, it could still work.
Power Moves Work at Lower Skill Levels
For players between 3.0 and 4.5 skill levels, playing aggressively can lead to wins. “If blasting through teams is working for you, keep doing it.” At higher levels, players need to build up to the speed-up with careful setup. But aggressive play isn’t always wrong—it just comes with more risk as the skill level rises.
Why Good Footwork is Key
Balance is everything. Attacking off the back foot can backfire. Here’s the right way to move:
Step back and reset your feet.
Push forward off the right foot.
Shift weight forward.
“Think of it like a dance move. That weight shift allows you to control the shot and generate topspin.” Without balance, players can’t keep their shots low and accurate.
How to Swing During a Speed-Up
Once balanced, players should:
Point the paddle tip down.
Use a short, tight swing.
Avoid big swings like in tennis—they’re easy to see and not needed. Using a “windshield wiper” motion adds spin, hides the direction, and makes shots tighter.
Best Places to Aim on the Right Side
Simple targets work best:
Down the line to the opponent’s forehand.
At their right shoulder—known as the “chicken wing.”
These spots make it harder for the opponent to return the ball. Avoid crosscourt shots too often. They can bounce back to your partner in a confusing pattern, called the “triangle effect.”
Off the Bounce or Out of the Air?
Speed-ups can happen after the bounce or before it. Hitting the ball out of the air speeds up play and puts pressure on the opponent. Use a quick wrist flick with little backswing. Keeping the shot disguised as a dink helps surprise the other player.
Change Strategy Based on Opponent
Good pickleball players adapt. If an opponent struggles with counterattacks, speed up more often. If the opponent is good at counters, set up the attack carefully. Some players give space, then move in fast to catch their opponent off guard.
Don’t Stop After the Speed-Up
One common mistake? Thinking the point ends after the speed-up. Players should stay alert. “Tyson McGuffin says it best: Speed it up, then clean it up.”
This means being ready for the ball to come back and finishing the point with control.
Why This Matters in Pickleball
Speed-ups are not random—they are planned attacks meant to win points. Using them well can give players a big edge. Each match is different, and each opponent reacts in a new way. Players should experiment, learn what works, and focus on staying balanced and prepared.
News in Brief: Pickleball Speed Ups Strategy
Speed-ups in pickleball help players win points when all four are at the kitchen line. By using dinks to set up attacks, staying balanced, and targeting smart spots, players can shift rallies in their favor. As Tyson McGuffin says, “Speed it up, then clean it up.”