When to SPEED UP in Pickleball vs. Playing It Safe? 3 Balls to Look For

Summary

In this informative video, the focus is on mastering the art of speeding up the ball in pickleball. The key is to identify the right type of ball to speed up, such as a passive dink with high bounce, and avoid aggressive dinks that could lead to errors. The video emphasizes proper technique, including paddle positioning and a compact swing, and strategic placement of the speed up shot. It also introduces a half-court game drill for practice and hints at a giveaway of $11,000 worth of store credit for engaged viewers.

Takeaways

• 🏓 Understanding when to speed up the ball versus playing it safe is crucial in pickleball.
• 🎾 Focus on aggressive dinks that push you back or off balance for speeding up the ball.
• 🏑 Choose dinks with less spin and in a good position for you to speed up the ball effectively.
• 🚫 Avoid speeding up shallow dinks that pull you close to the net due to the risk of hitting it out or into the net.
• 🔝 Aim for dinks that bounce high as they are easier to speed up compared to low bouncing balls.
• 📍 Paddle positioning is key: hit with the tip down around the 4 or 5 o'clock position for top spin.
• 🔄 Maintain a compact swing for the speed up shot, avoiding large back swings that risk hitting the ball out.
• 💪 Use a 60% flick for a speed up aimed at the right hip area to create popups and confuse your opponent.
• 🎯 For a more aggressive approach, aim the speed up directly at the opponent's body with an 80% effort.
• 🏐 Practice the speed up shot with a half-court game to improve accuracy and strategy.
• 🏆 Participate in drills and games to refine your speed up technique and placement for competitive play.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The main focus of the video is to teach how to properly execute a speed up shot in pickleball, including when to use it and how to avoid common mistakes.

What are the three types of balls to look for when considering hitting a speed up shot?

The three types of balls to look for are: an aggressive dink, a passive dink, and a ball with the right depth and height of bounce.

Why should you avoid hitting a speed up shot on an aggressive dink?

You should avoid hitting a speed up shot on an aggressive dink because it has a lot of action and variables, increasing the chances of hitting an unforced error.

What is the ideal depth and height of the ball for executing a speed up shot?

The ideal depth is a ball that pushes you back but not too close to the net, and the ideal height is a ball that bounces high, making it easier to speed up.

How should you position your paddle when hitting a speed up shot?

You should position your paddle with the tip down, around the 4 or 5 o'clock mark on a clock, and rotate it through the shot to the 1 or 2 o'clock position to apply top spin.

What is the recommended swing technique for a speed up shot?

The recommended swing technique is a compact swing, hitting the ball in front of your body with a short and controlled motion.

How much power should you use when executing a speed up shot?

You should use about 60% power for a standard speed up shot aimed at the right hip area, and around 80% for a more aggressive shot aimed at the body.

What are the four attacking zones in pickleball and how can they be used strategically in a speed up shot?

The four attacking zones are the backhand side (Zone 1), front of the body (Zone 2), right side of the body (Zone 3), and the forehand side (Zone 4). Aiming between Zones 3 and 4 can create popups and make your opponent guess whether it's a backhand or forehand, while aiming at the body can be a high-risk, high-reward strategy.

What is the half-court game drill presented in the video and how does it help improve the speed up shot?

The half-court game drill involves playing on half of the court with a partner, using a cooperative serve that must bounce in the kitchen. The objective is to practice speed up shots by aiming for the left or right hip area or the body, switching sides after reaching 11 points.

What is the giveaway mentioned in the video and how can viewers enter?

The giveaway mentioned in the video is $11,000 worth of Selkirk store credit split between five lucky winners. To enter the giveaway, viewers can find the link in the video description.