Callie Jo Smith’s Game-Changing Pickleball Advice to Break Predictable Speedup Habits

Callie Jo Smith’s Game-Changing Pickleball Advice: In her latest Instagram post, professional pickleball player Callie Jo Smith offered valuable advice for players looking to disguise their speedups and improve their game. For players who struggle with predictability when speeding up the ball, Smith’s tips provide a straightforward approach to fixing the issue. With a focus on improving shot variety and disrupting opponents’ expectations, Smith’s guidance is a must-read for anyone looking to refine their game at the net.

Through her experiences, Smith demonstrated the significance of disguising speedups in pickleball—an area that, when mastered, can make a significant difference in competitive play. Her insights touch on self-awareness, habitual changes, and the importance of adapting techniques to achieve success.

 

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A post shared by Callie Jo Smith (@calliejosmith_pickleball)

Identifying the Problem

Smith began by acknowledging that many players are unaware that they have a “tell” or predictable behavior when it comes to speeding up the ball. She suggested a simple method for players to determine whether they have a speedup issue: assess whether their speedups are consistently successful. For Smith, a successful speedup isn’t just about ending the point—it’s about getting the opponent out of position or off balance to set up a subsequent shot.

“If your speedups are successful in some capacity, even if they don’t always end the point, you might not have a big issue. But if you’re unsure, ask your partner or someone you regularly play with.” – (Callie Jo Smith)

In her experience, Smith found out she had a speedup “tell” when she asked a regular partner whether they knew when she was about to speed up the ball. “They laughed and said that I always paused a second longer before speeding up,” Smith shared, showing how even small habits can make a big impact on shot predictability.

A Step-by-Step Plan to Fix the Issue

After identifying the problem, Smith outlined an action plan to correct it. The first step is to get out on the court and assess what naturally happens when players go to speed up the ball. Are they adding a loop to the shot? Do they pause before hitting it?

Smith emphasized that the goal is to break any habits that make the shot too predictable. For some players, simply recognizing these signals can be the first step to correcting them. However, if players find it difficult to break these habits entirely, Smith suggested a different approach: incorporate the same habit into every shot.

“Try adding that same pause or loop to all your shots. Make every shot look like a speedup. The key is to make your shots look the same—whether it’s a dink or a speedup.” – (Callie Jo Smith)

This strategy works to throw off the opponent’s expectations, ensuring that they cannot anticipate when a speedup is coming. By making every shot look identical, players force their opponents to remain alert and ready for anything, increasing the chances of a successful speedup.

Making Every Shot Look the Same

The core principle of Smith’s advice is simplicity: consistency. She encouraged players to make every shot look the same, regardless of whether they’re attempting a dink or a speedup.

“If you can disguise your speedups to look like dinks, your opponents will have to be on their toes at all times.” – (Callie Jo Smith)

This approach also works for players who naturally rely on speedups but want to avoid being predictable. By incorporating a uniform technique into all their shots, players can maintain control and keep their opponents guessing.

News in Brief: Callie Jo Smith’s Game-Changing Pickleball Advice