Hey,

This week, I’m in Dallas!

I’ve been training really hard the last five weeks and am ready to get back into tournament mode for the APP this weekend.

I'll be in both the main draw in Mixed with Rachael James and the men's main draw with Tanner Tomassi!

I’ll do my best to film these matches, and share some insights in next week’s edition!

If you happen to be around, be sure and say hi!

Kyle

How You Think 🧠 Will Change the Speed of Your Hands ✋

Want faster hands? It’s not all about reaction time—it’s about how you THINK and how you PREPARE. This video 👆 (released last night) explains how you can prepare better, which in turn makes your hands like LIGHTNING!

1. The Preparation Principle

Focus, Focus, Focus

It’s so easy to check out mentally when your partner is in a cross-court dink exchange, but that’s when you get caught off guard. Next thing you know, your opponent speeds it up, and BOOM—you’ve lost the point before you even realize what happened.

What’s the fix? Mini-split steps.

Don’t just stand there like a statue. Even when the ball isn’t coming your way, stay engaged by bouncing lightly on the balls of your feet. Nothing dramatic, just enough to keep your mind and body in the game. This way, when the ball does come, you’re ready to react with power.

It's All About Footwork

You probably don’t think about your feet when trying to get faster hands.

And… you’d be wrong not to! 🤣

For many players, footwork is what’s holding them back. A well-timed split step puts you in a strong position to counter any speed-up. You’ll be quicker on the trigger when your feet are prepared and planted.

Your Paddle Position Matters

The other piece of this is your paddle. If you’ve got it down by your knees, guess what? You’re wasting time bringing it up to defend against a fastball. Keep your paddle up—just below your chin is a good spot. That way, you’re ready for whatever comes your way without overreaching or swinging wildly.

2. The Everything Principle

Expect the Speed-Up

The next principle? Expect everything to be sped up. By always preparing for the speed-up, you’ll react faster when it ACTUALLY happens. During a dink rally, think to yourself, "This is getting sped up." Even if it doesn’t happen, you’re mentally and physically ready for it.

Stay in the Fight

Never assume the point is over until it actually is. Too many players relax in the middle of a hands battle, thinking the rally is done, only to get smoked on the next shot. Always be ready for one more ball. Until the ball is dead, the fight isn’t over.

3. The Patterns Principle

See the Patterns, Get Ahead

Just like a great hitter in baseball, top pickleball players recognize patterns and make predictions. If you can read the situation—like when your opponent hits a weak "dead dink" that floats into the kitchen—you’ll know it’s time for an attack. The more you recognize these patterns, the less likely you are to get surprised, which means faster hands.

Pro-Level Positioning

Watch the pros, like Colin Johns or Megan Fudge. They don’t just react; they anticipate. You’ll see them shift their paddle position or cheat toward a certain side based on where the ball is likely to go. It’s NOT MAGIC—it’s reading the game and getting yourself into the right position before the ball even gets there.

4. The Coefficient Principle

Compact = Fast

Big swings slow you down. When you’re in a fast exchange, you don’t have time to take huge cuts at the ball. Stay compact and efficient in your movements. Your reaction time will skyrocket just by shortening your swings.

Power comes from the Core

Here’s an advanced tip: use your core, not your arms, for power. You’ll see top players twist their torso to generate speed instead of taking long, drawn-out swings. It’s faster, more controlled, and keeps you in the rally.

5. The Down Volley Principle

Hit Down, Win More

In hands battles, the player who hits the ball down has the advantage. If you’re consistently hitting down, your opponent has to hit up, which gives you better opportunities to FINISH the point. Don’t just hit at your opponent—aim low and force them into tough positions.

Bonus: Adjust Your Grip for Faster Hands

Experiment with different grips to see what works best for you. Some pros change grips mid-rally to handle different shots. You don’t have to be a pro to play around with this—find what gives you the best control and speed.

Final Thoughts

Faster hands come from thinking ahead, staying prepared, and making small adjustments in your footwork and paddle position. It’s not just about reflexes—it’s about being in the right place, at the right time, with the right mindset.

Watch the video to see these tips in action!

Learn How to Hit the RAREST Shot in Pickleball