Win the Hands Battle: How to Stay Calm, Strike Clean, and Finish Points

When the ball is flying at you in a firefight, your technique either holds up—or you get exposed.

In this episode of Pickleball Cheat Code, Brodie Smith and Tanner Tomassi break down the art of winning hands battles: how to stay compact, how to read your opponent’s attack, and what to do when chaos erupts at the kitchen.

From counterattack mechanics to partner positioning, they cover everything you need to know to hold your ground and finish points when the pace picks up. Whether you’re looking to improve your reaction speed or build better instincts with your doubles partner, this episode delivers practical tips for winning more fast hands exchanges.

Technique: Compact Is King

  • Keep your elbow tucked like you're holding a ball under your armpit

  • Let your wrist be the “final boss”—use it for extra snap and spin

  • Avoid swinging big; it slows you down and makes you less consistent

  • Keep the paddle out front and stay calm in the legs

“If you’re not compact,” Brodie says, “you’re gonna lose the battle—unless you get really lucky.” 

Placement Over Power

  • Your goal is simple: get the ball down

  • Waist-level or lower contact forces your opponent to hit up

  • Don’t try to hit angles—focus on neutralizing and countering

Pro Insight: “When I'm in a hands battle, I’m just trying to force my opponent to lift the next ball.” – Tanner

Anticipation and the Triangle Effect

Tanner explains a key principle called the triangle effect:

  • If you attack diagonally (e.g., a backhand flick from the sideline), the next shot will often come back on a diagonal.

  • This lets you or your partner pre-position for the next ball—without verbal communication.

  • Read paddle angle, contact point, and natural swing paths to stay one step ahead.

Drills That Actually Help

Want faster hands and better instincts? Try these:

  • Hammer Time: One player rips from mid-court while the other counters live from the kitchen

  • Live Fire Reps: One player dead-dinks, the other speeds up—the rally starts from there

  • Kitchen Shuffle Drill: Lateral movement with volleys to simulate chaos

Final Word: Stay Cool to Strike Clean

The best hands players aren’t tense. They’re relaxed, rhythmic, and ready to react. Stay compact. Let your wrist work. And above all—stay calm when the chaos hits.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Pickleball Cheat Code on Spotify or Apple Podcasts for even more cheat codes to help you win the battle at the net.

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