Enhancing Pickleball Skills with the FAST Framework

Austin Hardy, a professional pickleball player, introduces the FAST framework, a structured approach designed to enhance players' hand speed and reaction times. This method emphasizes four key components: Fully Ready, Aim, Shift, and Train. By focusing on proper positioning, paddle placement, addressing vulnerabilities, and structured practice, players can significantly improve their performance on the court. Hardy's insights provide a clear pathway for athletes looking to gain an edge in fast-paced pickleball matches. Explore how these strategies can transform your game and lead to success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 26, 2026, 17:41 IST

Introducing the FAST Framework

Austin Hardy, a professional pickleball player and coach, has introduced a new method known as the “FAST framework.” This approach aims to help players enhance their hand speed and reaction times at the kitchen line. On his YouTube channel, Pickleball Playbook, Hardy detailed the four essential components of this framework: Fully Ready, Aim, Shift, and Train, which he believes are crucial for succeeding in hand battles.

Fully Ready: Establishing a Strong Foundation

Hardy emphasizes that effective hand speed begins with proper positioning. He suggests maintaining a wide base in the ready position, staying on the balls of the feet, and leaning slightly forward. He cautions against leaning back during quick exchanges, as this can cause the paddle face to tilt upwards. In contrast, leaning forward helps keep the paddle face angled downwards, which is advantageous in hand battles. Additionally, he highlights the significance of the “box step,” a small backward step combined with a split step to prepare for fast shots, stating that this technique can significantly enhance reaction times.

Aim: Paddle Positioning Matters

The second element, “Aim,” focuses on the positioning of the paddle. Hardy explains that directing the paddle tip towards the ball can drastically improve reaction times. This adjustment opens the paddle face to the correct angle needed to counter the ball effectively. He notes that players often waste valuable milliseconds adjusting their paddle at the last moment, which can be critical in fast-paced exchanges.

Shift: Addressing Vulnerabilities

Under the “Shift” principle, Hardy tackles a common weakness in pickleball known as the “chicken wing” position near the hip. He explains that opponents often aim for this awkward position when speeding up the ball. By shifting their body weight towards the incoming shot, players can neutralize angles and eliminate the opponent’s easiest target. Hardy stresses the importance of forcing opponents to take more challenging shots to gain an advantage in hand battles.

Train: The Importance of Repetition

The final component of the FAST framework is dedicated to structured practice. Hardy recommends training for three hours each week, suggesting that dividing this time into shorter, focused sessions can lead to more effective drills and improved muscle memory. He expresses confidence in the framework's effectiveness, encouraging players to try it out and witness an increase in their hand speed as they implement the drills and tactics.

As the pace of pickleball continues to accelerate, Hardy’s FAST framework offers players a straightforward, step-by-step strategy to enhance their hand speed, where even a fraction of a second can determine the outcome of a match.