still attackable, you can let it bounce, tee it up in front of you, and hit an offensive roll without retreating. And sometimes, if the ball is clearly attackable early, you’ ll keep moving and take it out of the air right at the nonvolley line— just like giving that soft-close drawer a gentle final push.
The key is that you choose, rather than being rushed into a reaction.
Deciding Your Speed Comes Down to Reading Your Opponent
A much-overlooked skill in the transition zone is opponent awareness. You must watch your opponents as they prepare to strike the ball. Their paddle preparation tells a story— if you’ re moving slowly enough to read it. Here’ s what to look for: Paddle below net height This often signals a potential pop-up. As the serving team, this is where the tiger wakes up. But remember— tigers don’ t sprint early. You slow down, wait to see where the ball arrives, then explode decisively to attack the fifth shot.
Paddle at or just above net height This usually indicates a block or roll coming back toward your feet. This is your cue to slow your feet, stay balanced, and prepare for defense or a neutralizing shot like a drop or offensive reset.
Paddle above the shoulder Now the story is clear. The ball is coming down. If you’ ve already moved forward, you may need to stop— or even step back— to brace for defense.
Each of these scenarios demands a different response, and you can only make the right one if your body isn’ t outrunning your eyes.
Smart Movement Wins More Than Fast Movement
Getting to the line fast might work early in your pickleball journey, but getting to the line smart is what wins points long term. Speed without control limits your options. Speed with awareness expands them.
By slowing your body just enough to see what’ s unfolding, you give yourself the reaction time to either defend calmly or attack explosively. That balance— between patience and power— is where great pickleball lives.
So, the next time you’ re in transition, remember: Don’ t race like a cheetah. Stalk like a tiger. Then pounce when the moment is right. •
Want to see this speed control in action? To watch the companion videos and on-court demos, visit suzeeandersonacademy. com / speedcontrol.
PADDLE BELOW NET HEIGHT
PADDLE AT OR JUST ABOVE NET HEIGHT
PADDLE ABOVE THE SHOULDER
Suzee Anderson PPR Coach Developer Suzee Anderson Pickleball PPR Education Department
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026 | MAGAZINE 49