BUILD YOUR SHOT SELECTION
Green-light speedups.
The right speed-up begins with the right ball. This drill teaches you to wait for a real green light.
12 minutes · 2 players · Kitchen line
What this drill builds
Identify balls above net height, speed up with control, and reset everything else.
Set up
Start a crosscourt kitchen exchange. One partner varies the height slightly; the other calls “green” or “red” before choosing a shot.
Make the rep useful
Common miss: Deciding to attack before seeing the ball’s height.
A good rep: Your partner agrees that most of your green-light calls are correct.
The takeaway
Waiting for the right ball makes your attacks more effective and prevents the forced speed-ups that give points away.
Progress the drill
Use three calls before each exchange: green for above-net and balanced, yellow for uncertain, red for below-net or stretched. Only green balls may be sped up.
Carry it into a game
When you want to attack, say the cue silently first: height, balance, and partner coverage. If one is missing, keep the ball neutral.