THE SECRET IS OUT! HOW TO BEAT SPEED HITTERS

by Jenny Foster

Although volley exchanges are a common sight in pickleball matches, some players may find themselves losing the ball at the net. Well, those who are unlucky to have experienced this should not worry. There is definitely something that they can do when facing off against quick players.

In volley exchanges, pickleball players should not be afraid to hit hard at the ball at a level just above the net. However, they should first determine whether the outcome of this exchange will be in their favor. To win in a volley exchange, pickleball players must have proper control of the speed of the ball and can hit more quickly than their opponents.

Notably, not all pickleball players are gifted with speed. But when it comes to volley exchanges, there are all sorts of training that players can try to improve their skills and speed. Specifically, the training should include high-speed volley exchange drills with other players to acclimatize the players in high-speed ball hitting conditions.

Given that certain players can play volley exchanges very well, others should be equipped with the proper tool and knowledge to emerge victorious when dealing with such individuals.

Opponents who are skilled in volley exchange speed up the ball aim for a return that is favorable to them. Obviously, they take advantage of their situation and skillset to gain more points. But all hope is not lost. Pickleball players can still beat speed players at their own game while at the net.

Specifically, speed and hard hitters can be beaten by keeping the ball down. This means that one must avoid hitting the ball hard, that is, a block volley, which can lower the contact point of the opponent at a level below the net. To do this, one should block the ball and deflect at a slightly downward direction. In this case, no extra force is needed. The player should just let the ball hit their paddle face, which should be angled downward to prevent the opponent from further making hard and high-speed shots.

In this manner, players who may lack in speed can make the tables turn and get the upper hand in a pickleball match. Given that such a strategy is highly effective against hard and fast hitters, every pickleball players are encouraged to add this tactic to their skillset.

As a final word, although pickleball players who hit the ball hard and fast can dominate matches most of the time, they are not unbeatable. One must only look for the right strategy to improve their condition inside the court.