When (and When Not) to Speed Up the Ball at the Kitchen

Speeding up the ball is a weapon. Used at the wrong time, it's a gift.

You're at the kitchen line. The ball comes up.

Speed it up? Block it? Let it go?

Coach Brett's rule: speed up the ball at the kitchen. Attack. But there's a "when," and there's a "when not."

When to Attack

Look for the green ball. A ball above your chest is yours to put away.

That's your cue. Take it.

When the Ball Is Driven at You

If you're at the kitchen line and your opponent drives, read where it comes from:

• Drive from the baseline? Drop volley.
• Drive from the center of the court? Punch volley.

Different starting spot, different answer.

When Not to Hit It

Here's the one that surprises people. If a banger drives hard from the center of the court, it will most likely go out.

Duck. Don't hit out balls.

And if you're dealing with a banger, it's okay to step back away from the kitchen and punch volley.

Stepping back isn't giving up. It's buying time.

Why This Matters

Players lose points two ways: they pass on attacking chances, and they attack balls that were never theirs to hit.

Reading the ball solves both.

The Bottom Line

Attack the green ball. Drop volley the baseline drive. Punch volley the center drive. Duck the ball that's going out.

Speed is only useful when you've picked the right ball.

Fast hand battles at the kitchen reward a paddle that stays stable when you block, volley, and counterattack. The DadGummies™ Adjustable Weight System lets you dial in your paddle's balance in seconds, with no lead tape or tools.

Play smarter. Play stronger. Play DadGum. Visit DadGumPaddles.com to see the DadGummies™ system in action.

Related: Red, Yellow, Green: Coach Brett's Pickleball Ball Color System.