How to See the Shot Before It Happens: Anticipation Tips for Intermediates
Why smart anticipation beats fast reflexes every time
Today I walked on the court with Cara, I asked if she’s ever played against Jim who we were about to face. She hadn’t, so I let her know that everything comes back fast from him. That’s tip #1, pay attention to their habits.
Pickleball magic isn’t just in the swing—it’s in the seeing. The players who seem to always be in the right spot aren’t psychic; they’ve just trained themselves to read the game before the ball leaves their opponent’s paddle. At the intermediate level, anticipation is what separates steady players from the ones who can truly dictate play. Here’s how to sharpen that sixth sense.
1. Notice Their Patterns
Every player has habits. If you know Peter on Court 3 always lobs when pressured, you can be waiting for it before he even swings. Others will drive off the third shot 80% of the time. At open play, it’s easy to get caught up in your own strokes and forget that your opponents are giving you clues with every rally. Start tracking their “go-to” shots.
2. Watch the Paddle, Not the Ball
This is the classic secret of anticipation: the paddle tells the story before the ball does. A closed face hints at a drive. An open face at the kitchen line screams dink. A last-second wrist flick usually means topspin. Instead of ball-watching, get in the habit of reading the paddle angle and swing path. Your reaction time will instantly feel faster.
3. Pay Attention to Court Position
Where your opponent is standing will often predict their shot. If they’re back near the baseline, odds are you’re getting a drive or lob. If they’ve crept up to the kitchen line, expect softer play. Even better: combine this with their body positioning. Someone leaning forward on their toes is about to attack. Someone leaning back? Likely a defensive lob or block.
4. Read the Contact Point
The height of contact is another dead giveaway. If your opponent meets the ball low, a dink or lift is coming. If they meet it high, brace for speed. You don’t need to overthink it—just train yourself to notice whether they’re hitting up or down on the ball.
5. Stay Balanced Yourself
Anticipation doesn’t work if your feet are stuck in cement. Keep a wide stance and light feet, ready to spring in any direction. Think of yourself as a coiled spring at the kitchen line. If you’re flat-footed, even the best read won’t help.
6. Use Peripheral Vision
Great anticipation isn’t just about watching the hitter—it’s also about knowing where everyone else is. Use your peripheral vision to clock your partner and the other opponents. If the crosscourt player is hugging the sideline, there’s room for a down-the-line winner. If your partner is pulled wide, be ready to cover middle.
7. Practice “Calling It”
One sneaky way to improve anticipation: silently predict what shot is coming before it’s hit. Say it in your head—“dink,” “drive,” “lob.” At first you’ll be wrong a lot, but over time your read percentage will climb. The mental reps are just as powerful as the physical ones.
The Bottom Line
Intermediate players already know how to hit the shots. The next level is knowing which shot is coming before it arrives. By watching paddles, studying positions, and tuning into patterns, you’ll start feeling less like you’re reacting—and more like you’re orchestrating. And nothing makes pickleball more fun than returning a hard hit shot that your opponent was sure was a winner.
