Ever feel like your reactions to the ball are a bit slow? Like if you could just be quicker to the ball, you would win more points? I get it. You just need that extra split second. Sometimes you even feel like you are the better player, but a step behind. Don’t worry.

It’s time for a lesson to speed up your reactions. Here’s the mindblower: you’ll actually slow down the game so everything will happen right in front of your very eyes. The secret? Read the signs. They’re everywhere! You just have to be watching for them.

1. The Paddle Tells All (Your Opponent’s Paddle, That Is!)

Let’s start with the paddle. If you watch it closely, it’s like reading the end of the book on page one. Here’s how to read it:

Face open and under the ball? Expect a softer, like a drop or dink. If you see this at the kitchen line, be ready for a lob.
Paddle closed and above the ball? Prepare for speed. They’re going for a drive, maybe straight at your feet. Try to shorthop the ball with a little touch and get to the kitchen line.
Sudden flick of the wrist? Expect a roll shot and be ready for a quick reset. Brace yourself—trickery is afoot.

2. Read Their Feet

Want to know where the ball is headed? Look at their feet, not their eyes. Here’s what to watch:

Toes pointing cross-court? That’s likely where the ball is going.
Weight shifting back? Power shot coming.
Off balance? They’re in survival mode. Get ready to pounce.
Flat-footed? They’re running on fumes. This could be your chance to attack.

3. Watch your Opponent’s Tendencies

Every player has habits. Are you picking up on them?

Do they always go down the line on their third shot? Or cross-court?
Do they dink cross-court 97% of the time? This might open up opportunities for you to poach.
Do they panic and speed up when things get tight? You can outlast them in a dink battle. Patience wins.
Sports background matters too:

Racquetball players love their backhand.
Table tennis players have quick flicks and great reactions.
Tennis players have solid strokes but may struggle with softer shots.

The more you observe, the better you can predict the future, not with a crystal ball, but with pattern recognition.

4. Use Your Magnet and Face the Action

Here’s a weird but powerful trick: Pretend your paddle is a magnet, and the ball is pure metal.

Wherever the ball goes, your paddle follows.

This keeps your paddle active and tracking the ball at all times. You’ll naturally react faster, track better, and find yourself where you need to be before the ball arrives, even when your partner is hitting.

5. Speed Up Your Brain, Slow Down the Game

Pickleball is funny like that. The better your anticipation, the slower the game feels. The ball isn’t actually moving slower; your brain is simply ahead of the sequence.

By reading the paddle, watching the feet, spotting tendencies, and using the magnetic paddle trick, you’ll play faster, think sharper, and feel like you have all the time in the world to react or place your next shot.

Better Players Aren’t Guessing – They’re Reading the Game

Start observing and looking for subtle cues. Trust me, they’re always there.. Next time you're on the court, become a Pickleball Detective. Channel your inner Sherlock Holme (or Magnum PI… yes, I just dated myself!) and focus on the paddle and feet.

Remember: You don’t have to react if you already know what’s coming. Slowing down the game like this sharpens your reaction time and helps you stay one step ahead, and that means more points on your side of the scoreboard.

Be Psychic! AND Slow Down the Game: How to Improve Your Reactions Time in Pickleball