Speed-up mechanics

A speed-up (also called an "attack" or "punch") is a sudden hard, flat shot hit from a dink rally, aimed at your opponent's body or feet to force a weak reply. The best speed-ups come off a ball sitting slightly above net height — going for one on a low ball usually just hits the net.

What makes a good speed-up target

• Height: only attack balls that sit above the net; low balls should stay soft.
• Placement: aim at the body or the feet, not into open court — a speed-up to open space gives your opponent time to react.
• Disguise: keep your paddle prep identical to a normal dink until the last moment so the speed-up isn't telegraphed.

Countering drives

When your opponent speeds one up at you, the reset (covered in our strategy guide) is your default answer — but at the advanced level, a well-placed counter-speed-up back at their body can turn defense into offense in one shot.

Counterattack drill

1. Have a partner feed hard speed-ups at your body from the kitchen line.
2. Practice a short, compact block first — the goal is control, not power.
3. Once blocking is consistent, add a counter-punch back at your partner's midsection on balls you can handle cleanly.

Applying kitchen pressure

Sustained pressure at the net means dinking with intent — working the ball to your opponent's backhand, pulling them wide, and forcing a weaker shot you can eventually attack. It's a patient process; rushing a speed-up before the opening is there is the most common advanced-level unforced error.