After reading this newsletter, you’ll think differently about how you speed up the ball for the rest of your PB career.

Most amateur players attack with no rhyme or reason.

They see a ball they can speed up, so they do.

Pros are different.

They’re looking for the right opportunity to attack. Two main components make up a good speed-up.

This is the most important component.

One of the worst places to attack is the center of your opponent’s chest. They can react quickly and generate the most power on their counter.

Instead, here are 3 spots I’m looking to attack:

1. The chicken wing

This is the awkward area between your opponent’s forehand and backhand.

Attacking here can jam them up and force a weak response that you can put away on the next ball.

2. Paddle-side hip

This is one of my favorite spots because it’s extremely difficult to generate offense from this position.

At best, your opponent is usually just trying to get the ball back in play.

3. Extended out wide to the backhand

I especially look for this against players with a one-handed backhand.

If I notice my opponent struggles when they’re fully extended on that side, I’ll attack this spot over and over until they have an answer.

Where you attack is important, but how fast you attack matters too.

Most players make one big mistake:

Every speed-up is the same speed.

When you do this, your opponent doesn’t have to think. They know what’s coming and their body will naturally react.

Instead, mix up your speeds.

Hit one at 75%. Then the next at 50%.

Now your opponent has an extra calculation to make:

Where is the ball going AND how fast is it coming?

That tiny bit of uncertainty can be the difference between a clean counter and the pop-up you’re looking for.

So next time you’re about to speed up, don’t just think:

“Can I attack this ball?”

Think:

“Where should I attack it, and at what speed?”

Here’s this week’s video!

See ya next week!

-Tanner