Why Your Pickleball Speedups Fail (and How to Fix Them Like a Pro)

Think of it like a jab in boxing: it’s quick, it’s deceptive, and it sets up the knockout blow

Ever feel like you’re stuck in a dinking loop that only ends when you try to speed up and immediately get countered into oblivion?

It’s the classic 4.5 plateau. You’ve got the fundamentals, you’re consistent, but you lack the "weapons" to actually finish points.

Jack Munro recently sat down with Zeyad, a local Austin player and former tennis standout, to run a diagnostic on this exact problem. The verdict? Most players are sabotaging their own aggression before they even swing.

Love pickleball? Then you'll love our email newsletter. We send the latest news, tips, and highlights for free each week.

Stop Short-Hopping Your Potential

Zeyad, like many who picked up a tennis racket before they could walk, had a habit of short hopping almost every dink when he made the switch to pickleball.

It’s great for consistency (you can make twenty balls in a row that way) but it’s a death sentence for your offense. When you take the ball on the rise, you’re forced to hit up on it. You’re defensive by default.

Munro’s fix? Let the ball bounce and reach its apex.

When the ball is at its maximum height (or even just starting to fall), you have the leverage to hit through the ball rather than just lifting it. Honestly, if you’re always attached to the kitchen line, you’re limiting your options.

• Take a step back
• Let it rise
• And suddenly the court opens up

It’s okay to give up a little ground to gain a lot of leverage.

The "See Paddle, See Ball" Rule

One of the biggest "tells" in pickleball is a massive backswing. If your paddle disappears from your peripheral vision, you’ve already lost the element of surprise.

Munro noticed Zeyad’s backswing was way too big, which not only gave away the attack but led to spraying the ball long.

The pro adjustment is simple: you should be able to see your paddle and the ball at the same time.

Your power shouldn't come from a big wind-up; it comes from your wrist. By keeping the motion compact and using a quick wrist flick, you generate massive topspin without the telegraphing. Think of it like a jab in boxing: it’s quick, it’s deceptive, and it sets up the knockout blow.

If you’re swinging with your whole arm, you’re just asking to be countered.

It’s a Setup, Not a Winner

You've heard this before but we'll say it again: stop trying to win the point on the first speedup.

Instead, Munro emphasizes that a speedup is a setup shot. It’s the "one" in a one-two punch.

Instead of raw pace, focus on jamming spots. Aim for the "chicken wing" (the dominant shoulder) or force your opponent to reach.

If you put the ball in a weird spot at 40% power, they’re going to pop it up. That’s when you go for the slam dunk. Says Munro:

Munro also introduced the "triangle" pattern.

• If you speed up down the line, expect it to come back down the line
• If you go cross-body, expect it to funnel toward the middle

By viewing your opponent as a concrete wall, you can actually predict where their counter is going to land before they even hit it. It’s like playing chess while they’re playing checkers. Honestly, why work harder when you can just play smarter?

The Path to 5.0

Fixing your speedups isn't about hitting the ball harder. It’s about timing, compact mechanics, and smarter targeting.

As Munro told Zeyad, you don't need to learn this overnight. Just pick one or two items to focus on next time you’re on the court. Pretty soon, those failed attacks will turn into easy putaways.

The transition from a "consistent" player to an "aggressive" one is all about these small technical shifts.

Stop short hopping, keep your paddle in sight, and treat your speedup like a setup. Your win rate (and your partners) will thank you.

Heads up: hundreds of thousands of pickleballers read our free newsletter. Subscribe here for cutting edge strategy, insider news, pro analysis, the latest product innovations and more.