How to Read Your Opponent’s Speed-Up Before It Happens

Speed-ups might feel like sneak attacks, but in truth, they rarely come out of nowhere. Most players give off subtle cues—dead dinks, paddle position, even eye contact—before launching that blazing forehand. The trick is knowing what to look for and where. Reading a speed-up isn’t about having lightning reflexes; it’s about anticipating the shot based on patterns and posture. If your opponent looks too comfortable, steps back, or subtly shifts their weight, it’s not time to relax—it’s time to sit on your backhand and brace for the heat.

Knowing your opponent’s tendencies also gives you the upper hand. If they like combo attacks—like a forehand speed-up followed by a backhand volley—recognize it early and be ready. Watch for contact points and paddle face angles: if their forehand strike is from behind the body, it’s going down the line. If it’s out front, expect more angle. On the backhand side, those shots tend to go straight. And when the attack comes from the middle, 9 out of 10 times it’s coming right back up the gut. Use that knowledge to set up your defense accordingly.

Just as important as reading your opponent is positioning yourself to respond. If you know a speed-up is coming, don’t stand frozen at the kitchen line. Step back a bit to give yourself more reaction time, then reset once you’ve countered. Pickleball isn’t about guessing right—it’s about understanding the game within the game. Because once you see the clues, the speed-up stops being a surprise and starts becoming your next highlight reel block.