Block Speed-Ups: Assume It’s Coming, Read Body Language, Paddle Face Down

Summary

Pickleball Kitchen closes the “ultimate blocking machine” series with three steps for dealing with speed-ups.

(1) Assume a drive is coming whenever you dink over — especially off your forehand — so you buy reaction time. (2) Watch body language: paddle pull-back or twitchy aggressive motion means it’s coming. (3) Technique: get the paddle in the ball’s path fast, wrist down, face pointing toward the opponent’s feet so you don’t pop it up. Block well and opponents stop driving at you as often.

Key takeaways

• Assume the speed-up after every dink (esp. FH side)
• Read paddle pull-back / aggressive body language early
• Paddle face down toward their feet — no open-face pops

Action items

• Partner feeds random speed-ups after a dink; your only cue is “assume + face down” for 20 reps
• In games, silently say “coming” after every dink and note how often you still get surprised