Callie Jo Smith’s Backhand Speed-Up Trick: The craft of deception is a hallmark of elite pickleball play, and Callie Jo Smith is no stranger to its variations. In a recent video shared on Instagram, the professional pickleball player answered a frequently asked question: how to disguise a backhand speed-up effectively. Smith’s advice centered on mastering the two-handed backhand roll, a pickleball technique she considers crucial for players aiming to add unpredictability to their game.
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The Two-Handed Advantage
Smith began by highlighting the inherent benefits of a two-handed backhand, particularly for disguising speed-ups. With the two-handed roll, players can seamlessly alternate between a standard roll and a speed-up, making both shots appear nearly identical in their setup.
“It’s easier to roll, roll, and then speed roll,” Smith explained, demonstrating how the same motion can produce either a controlled dink or an aggressive speed-up, keeping opponents guessing. This subtle deception becomes a strategic advantage, forcing opponents to react late and often make errors.
In contrast, players relying on a one-handed backhand typically struggle with this disguise. Smith noted that one-handed players often resort to slice dinks, which are less versatile for attacking off the bounce.
The Limitations of the One-Handed Backhand
According to Smith, one-handed backhand players are often limited in their ability to initiate speed-ups from the bounce. Instead, their attacks are more predictable, typically coming from balls taken out of the air. This predictability can be exploited by skilled opponents who recognize the limitations of the one-handed technique.
Smith advised players looking to elevate their game to consider developing a two-handed backhand, particularly if they want to incorporate disguised speed-ups into their strategy. “If you’re playing someone like that [with a one-handed backhand], you can anticipate their attacks out of the air and adjust accordingly,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of reading an opponent’s tendencies.
Building a Two-Handed Backhand for Versatility
For players eager to add the two-handed backhand to their skills, Smith stressed the value of consistency and practice. Developing this skill not only enhances a player’s ability to disguise their shots but also opens up a broader range of options for offensive and defensive play.
Smith pointed out that the two-handed backhand offers superior control and power, making it an ideal choice for players aiming to blend finesse and aggression. The ability to smoothly transition between rolls and speed-ups adds complexity to a player’s game, making them more formidable at all levels of competition.
Practical Implications on the Court
Callie Jo Smith’s advice carries significant implications for competitive pickleball. At higher levels, where opponents are quick to adapt to patterns, the ability to disguise shots can be a game-changer. By keeping opponents uncertain about whether a dink or a speed-up is coming, players can create openings for winners and disrupt their opponent’s rhythm.
In matches where every point counts, this element of surprise can shift momentum and secure critical rallies. Callie Jo Smith’s emphasis on the two-handed backhand as a tool for deception shows its value as a core skill for aspiring professionals and serious recreational players.
News in Brief: Callie Jo Smith’s Backhand Speed-Up Trick
Callie Jo Smith shared her expertise on disguising backhand speed-ups in pickleball, emphasizing the effectiveness of the two-handed backhand roll. She highlighted its advantage in seamlessly transitioning between dinks and speed-ups, creating unpredictability.
Callie Jo Smith contrasted this with the limitations of one-handed backhands, which are less versatile and easier to predict. Encouraging players to develop a two-handed backhand, she emphasized its role in enhancing control, power, and deception, offering a strategic edge in competitive play.
