Sneakiest Shot in Pickleball? Meet the Forehand Topspin Speed-Up

There’s a shot in pickleball that hits like a plot twist: the forehand topspin speed-up. It disguises itself as a dink—calm, composed, polite even—until it explodes off the bounce and takes your opponent’s paddle (and pride) by surprise. This shot isn’t just about flash; it’s about strategy. Because you’re letting the ball bounce, you buy yourself milliseconds of balance. Add compact wrist-driven topspin, and you’ve got a shot that stays inbounds, kicks low, and rarely gives your opponent a clean counter. The best part? They often don’t see it coming until it’s already at their chest.

But you can’t just whip this out whenever the mood strikes. Timing is everything. You need to be balanced—body centered, feet planted, court awareness sharp. And you need the right ball: one that bounces up near net height. Attacking low balls might look gutsy, but it’s usually just giving your opponent a chance to hit down and hurt you. Instead, wait for that ideal setup, load your paddle tip like it’s 6 o’clock on a clock face, and flick it forward with wrist lag—just enough speed to surprise, but not enough to telegraph.

Targeting matters too. Skip the cross-court chaos and aim straight down the line or into your opponent’s body, cross-court but compact. These angles force the return back at you, where you’re ready for it, instead of blindsiding your partner. Practice this shot with intention—set cones, aim precisely, and don’t just go for power. The most dangerous version isn’t always the fastest—it’s the one they never saw coming.