In pickleball, quick reflexes help—but anticipation wins points. The best players read their opponents like open books, reacting before the ball even leaves the paddle. How? By spotting subtle body language cues that reveal the next shot.
1. Foot Position — The First Clue
What to Watch:
- Closed stance (front foot toward target): Often signals a drive or deep shot.
- Open stance (feet parallel to net): Common before a dink or reset.
- Wide stance with weight back: Prepares for a lob.
Pro Insight: Look where the front foot points—the ball usually follows.
2. Paddle Angle — Your Instant Tell
What to Watch:
- Open paddle face (tilted upward): Expect a softer shot—dink, drop, or lob.
- Closed paddle face (tilted downward): Likely a drive or punch volley.
- Paddle high and forward: Signals an aggressive volley or smash.
Pro Insight: At the NVZ, a slight upward paddle tilt often means they’ll try to lift the ball over you—be ready to step back.
3. Swing Preparation — Speed Tells the Story
What to Watch:
- Long, fast backswing: Power shot coming.
- Short, compact motion: Soft control shot.
- No backswing, paddle already forward: Quick volley or block.
Pro Insight: You can start moving before contact if you trust this read—just don’t overcommit too soon.
4. Eye Focus — Where They Look, They Often Hit
What to Watch:
- Glances toward a corner or sideline can betray shot direction.
- Eyes up and scanning? Might be preparing a lob.
- Eyes fixed on your feet or paddle? They may aim at your body to jam your return.
Pro Insight: Advanced players will “fake” their gaze, so watch for patterns over time—not just one glance.
5. Shoulder and Hip Rotation — The Power Engine
What to Watch:
- Big shoulder turn + hip rotation: Expect a drive or topspin shot.
- Minimal rotation: More likely a dink or drop shot.
Pro Insight: Shoulders rarely lie—big coil equals big swing.
Training Drill: Anticipation Rally
- Rally with a partner, but you call out their shot type (“drive,” “dink,” “lob”) before they hit it.
- Start slow; increase pace as your reads improve.
- Switch roles and repeat.
Final Word:
Reading body language isn’t about guessing—it’s about gathering clues and making high-percentage predictions. Over time, you’ll feel like you’re playing one shot ahead. That’s when pickleball gets really fun.
