Callie Jo Smith’s Disguising Speedups Trick: Callie Jo Smith, one of the top names in professional pickleball, recently offered valuable insights into a skill that separates advanced players from the rest: disguising shots. Sharing her experiences on Instagram, Smith emphasized the importance of concealing speedups to catch opponents off guard and shift the momentum during rallies. Her advice is beneficial for players looking to add unpredictability to their game.
View this post on Instagram
The Subtle Art of Disguising Speedups
Smith began by addressing a common question among players: How can dinks and attacks be disguised to keep opponents guessing? For Smith, the key lies in making every shot look the same. She candidly shared that opponents often identify her speedups because of slight variations in her preparation.
“Everybody’s told me they can tell when I’m speeding up. They say I have a little bit of a hold or I wait just a little bit longer.” – (Callie Jo Smith)
Recognizing this tell, Smith has worked diligently to refine her technique, especially on her forehand side. The goal is to create consistency in her body language and paddle positioning, making it impossible for opponents to anticipate whether she’s dinking or attacking.
The Power of the Hold
A central part of Smith’s pickleball strategy is her ability to “hold” her shot for a split second before committing to a speedup or dink. This brief pause forces opponents to freeze, giving her a decisive advantage.
“For example, if I hold, I make them think I’m going cross-court. And at the last second, I go middle, or whip it at the person in front of me.” – (Callie Jo Smith)
This unpredictability disrupts the opponent’s rhythm, leaving them unsure of whether to counterattack or prepare for a soft dink. That momentary hesitation, according to Smith, can make all the difference in rallies.
Why Speedups Don’t Always End the Point
Smith also reminded players not to become discouraged if their initial speedup doesn’t immediately win the point. Instead, the purpose of a speedup is often to put opponents off balance, setting up an opportunity for a decisive follow-up shot.
“A lot of times, the initial speedup will not be the point-winner. But it will get your opponent off balance so you can put away the point on the next shot.” – (Callie Jo Smith)
This perspective encourages patience and strategic thinking, focusing on building an advantage rather than forcing a quick resolution.
Creating Doubt in the Opponent’s Mind
Ultimately, Smith’s pickleball strategy revolves around making her opponents second-guess every move. By disguising her intentions, she ensures they are constantly reacting rather than executing their own game plan. Her ability to hold her shot and mix up her placements—whether going cross-court, middle, or targeting the player in front—keeps opponents guessing.
“That little bit of a freeze or those few seconds make them think, ‘What shot is she hitting?’ It just makes them stop for a second.” – (Callie Jo Smith)
This uncertainty often leads to mistakes or defensive plays, giving Smith the upper hand.
News in Brief: Callie Jo Smith’s Disguising Speedups Trick
Callie Jo Smith, a top professional pickleball player, shared insights on disguising shots to gain an edge during rallies. She emphasized making all shots, including dinks and speedups, look identical to confuse opponents. Smith highlighted the power of “holding” her shot briefly to create unpredictability, forcing opponents to hesitate.
This tactic disrupts their rhythm and creates opportunities for follow-up shots. Callie Jo Smith also noted that the goal of a speedup is often to set up an advantage rather than win the point outright. Her advice focuses on deception, patience, and breaking opponents’ confidence to elevate players’ mental and tactical game.
ALSO READ: Callie Jo Smith’s Shot Disguise Technique for Outwitting Opponents in Pickleball