Tip 07 — Read the paddle face, not the ball

By the time the ball leaves your opponent's paddle, it's already too late to start reacting — you're just guessing correctly or incorrectly. The players who look unfairly fast aren't reacting quicker; they're starting earlier, off a different signal.

That signal is the paddle face in the moment just before contact. An open face angled up usually means a lift or a lob. A face closed and level usually means it's staying low. Watch the preparation, not the ball itself, and you'll find your feet are already moving before contact happens.

It's a small habit to build, but it's the difference between defending a shot and anticipating it.

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