How to Hit a Forehand Speedup in Pickleball (Technique, Timing, and Placement)

Main Points

• The forehand speedup off the bounce is one of the most dangerous shots in pickleball because it initiates a fast exchange that can put opponents immediately on defense.
• The goal of a speedup is not necessarily to hit a winner, but to start a quick firefight that you are prepared to win.
• Players should only attack balls that meet three key criteria:
  • Ball height (high enough to attack)
  • Ball tempo (slow or “dead” ball that sits up)
  • Court balance (you and your partner are in a good position).
• Many players make the mistake of speeding up balls that are too low, too fast, or when they are out of position.
• Proper body positioning is critical for an effective forehand speedup. Key elements include:
  • Getting your body behind the ball instead of reaching.
  • Loading the outside leg (right leg for forehand attacks).
  • Arriving early and staying low to maintain control and deception.
• A modern forehand speedup uses a compact “coil” technique instead of a large backswing.
• The contact point should be slightly in front of the right hip to maintain control and spin.
• The swing should brush the outside of the ball to create topspin rather than hitting flat.
• Players should focus on spin, placement, and control instead of maximum power.
• Effective speedups rely on three execution principles:
  • Combos – expecting a 2–3 shot sequence after the speedup.
  • Speed control – using varying power levels (around 60–80%) to disrupt timing.
  • Placement – targeting vulnerable areas rather than hitting directly at the opponent’s strength.
• Common attack targets include:
  • The right hip (especially against right-handed players).
  • The wings or sides where players must reach.
  • Areas that force awkward counters such as the chicken wing or high shoulder.
• Using the rebound or triangle effect helps anticipate where the opponent’s counterattack will return, allowing you to prepare for the next shot.

---

---

Summary

The forehand speedup off the bounce is one of the most powerful offensive tools in pickleball. When executed properly, it can completely shift the momentum of a rally by forcing opponents into a fast defensive exchange. Rather than trying to hit an outright winner, the purpose of a speedup is to initiate a quick hands battle where the attacker has the advantage.

Choosing the right ball to attack is the first critical step. Players should evaluate three factors before speeding up: the height of the ball, the tempo of the shot, and the overall court balance. The best opportunities occur when the opponent hits a slower, “dead” dink that sits up high enough to attack while both partners are in strong court position. Attempting speedups on low, fast, or poorly positioned balls often leads to errors or easy counters.

Proper movement and body positioning make the shot far more effective. Instead of reaching for the ball, players should move their feet to get behind it and load their outside leg for stability and power. Arriving early and staying low allows for better control and adds an element of deception, since the attacker can briefly hold their paddle position before striking.

Modern technique emphasizes a compact forehand speedup using a coil rather than a large backswing. By keeping the paddle close to the body and loading the torso, players generate power without telegraphing their intentions. The ideal contact point occurs slightly in front of the hitting hip, allowing the paddle to brush up and around the outside of the ball to create topspin and better placement.

Successful speedups also require smart execution. Advanced players think in terms of combinations rather than single shots. After attacking, they anticipate the likely counter based on the rebound angle and prepare for the next ball. Controlling pace is equally important—mixing speedups at 60–80% power often disrupts timing and creates weaker counters.

Placement ultimately determines how effective the shot becomes. Instead of attacking directly into an opponent’s strength at the body, the best targets are awkward zones like the right hip, wings, or high shoulder areas. These spots force uncomfortable counters and often produce weak replies that set up easy putaways.

When players combine smart shot selection, efficient footwork, compact technique, and strategic placement, the forehand speedup becomes one of the most dangerous weapons in pickleball. Mastering this shot can dramatically increase offensive pressure and make opponents think twice about where they place their dinks.

Source: Roscoe Bellamy | YouTube

---

---

Tags: Forehand | Roscoe Bellamy | Speed Up