Do this to get faster hands

In partnership with

Health, Without the Hassle

Between work, family, and everything else, most people aren’t looking for another complicated wellness routine. They just want something that works.

AG1 Next Gen is a clinically studied daily health drink designed to support gut health, fill common nutrient gaps, and help maintain steady energy. One scoop a day, and you’re covered.

Start your mornings with AG1 and get 3 FREE AG1 Travel Packs, 3 FREE AGZ Travel Packs, and FREE Vitamin D3+K2 in your Welcome Kit with your first subscription.

Tip of the day

Coach Austin Hardy introduces the FAST framework—Fully ready, Aim, Shift, and Train—to help pickleball players drastically improve their hand speed and reaction times at the kitchen line.

Maintaining a wide base with your weight on the balls of your feet provides the stability needed to handle fast-paced exchanges.

Leaning forward during hands battles naturally points your paddle face downward, which is a major advantage for winning rallies.

A box step combined with a split step allows you to create space and buy extra time when you anticipate an incoming speed-up.

Pointing your paddle tip directly toward the ball helps you automatically open your paddle face for a more efficient counterattack.

When dinking crosscourt, point your paddle tip at the ball to prepare for the most likely speed-up through the middle.

A backhand-ready position is often more effective for covering the body because it prevents your elbow from getting in the way of the shot.

Different pro players use various ready positions, from JW Johnson’s low-waist stance to Anna Leigh Waters’ higher chest-level position.

Shifting your body toward the ball helps you avoid being jammed in the chicken wing position and puts the ball in your ideal strike zone.

Choking up on the paddle handle as you move into the transition zone can provide better control and slightly faster reactions.

Consistent training for at least three hours a week through focused drilling is essential for turning these technical steps into muscle memory.

Key Points:

  • Adopt a wide stance and lean forward to keep your paddle face angled down for better counterattacks.

  • Use a box step to gain space and reaction time when you expect a fast ball from your opponent.

  • Track the ball with your paddle tip to ensure you are always ready for the most likely attack angle.

  • Shift your entire body toward the ball to maintain a comfortable contact point and avoid awkward body shots.

  • Practice lateral movement drills to build the footwork necessary for staying balanced during high-speed exchanges.

Tired of news that feels like noise?

Every day, 4.5 million readers turn to 1440 for their factual news fix. We sift through 100+ sources to bring you a complete summary of politics, global events, business, and culture — all in a brief 5-minute email. No spin. No slant. Just clarity.

Deal of the day

Meme of the day

Who else hurts? 🤣

Instagram Reel

That’s it for today! As always, thank you for reading. 🙏

If you’d like to support Pickleball Daily and want to read ad-free, please consider a premium membership.

Happy pickling,

Paul