Pickleball Pro Tip: Beat the Bangers - Block It!

Learn how to properly block the ball at the net and finally beat the bangers. I've been teaching for a few years now, and one of the common mistakes I see most of the time with my students, even those I've been training for years, is that they still struggle with blocking. In this video, I'm going to go over the mechanics. Without wasting any more time, let's jump into it. The first topic is how to use blocking after a third-shot drop. Imagine they serve the ball to you, you return it—that means you have to get to the net quickly. Once you get there, you must be ready for two possibilities: first, if they are going to drive the ball at you, and second, if they are going to drop it. Let’s go over the first scenario where they drop the ball at you. I'll explain exactly how to do it, including the mechanics and everything else. Let me show you. *Introducing the RED by Robust Pickleball!* The RED paddle brings you cutting-edge Gen 3 technology, including a foam-injected SPS core and a T700 carbon fiber face—all at an unbeatable price. This high-performance paddle offers top-tier power, precision, spin, and incredible touch for just $145. Go to https://robustpickleball.com/ and use code "Pirates" to get 10% off your purchase. Play Robust! Now, back to the first topic. As soon as you return the ball, you must use your momentum to get to the net. When you get to the net, you should be ready to handle the ball. Ensure the ball is high enough because, most of the time, you’ll need to take it out of the air. Some balls will go high but land very short. When you try to take these out of the air, you might hit the edge of your paddle, leading to errors such as hitting the net or popping the ball up. Before you strike the ball, you must prepare mentally. Decide whether you’re going to counter the ball or drop it. Once you’re clear on your intention, you can focus on the technique. The first thing I do is loosen my grip. My grip pressure is around three or four because I cannot have tension in my hand or body. The ball is coming, and I need to block it or drop it very softly. A tight grip will cause the ball to pop up, which I want to avoid. That’s why I relax my grip and let the ball do the work. It’s essential to let the ball drop. If you try to hit the ball in the air when it’s high, controlling it becomes challenging. By letting the ball drop, I can position my paddle under the ball, allowing me to guide it to where I want it—whether in the middle, in front of me, or down the line. The angle of the paddle is also crucial. When the ball hits my paddle, I don’t push it or add force. The ball's pace does the work for me. To keep the ball short and slow, I just let it hit my paddle and guide it gently. *Next: When They Drive the Third Shot* When they drive the third shot at me, I block hard. This often happens when people drive the ball and rush forward. If I can aim for their feet, that’s ideal. Driving the ball hard at me is an opportunity. I block it fast and low to neutralize my opponent. A slow or high block will just set them up for another aggressive shot. To block effectively, you can’t just let the ball hit your paddle this time. You need to hit the ball deliberately. The angle and grip are very important here. Unlike the drop block, my grip pressure is tighter—around 8 or 9. Timing is also critical. Watching the ball closely is essential, and you must avoid hitting while running, as this increases inconsistency. Stop, set your position, and then hit the ball. *Mechanics for Driving Blocks* I come from tennis, so I use a bit of wrist action. However, I don’t actively move my wrist. Instead, I position it to create the right angle. The power comes from my body, not my wrist. When I make contact with the ball, my wrist is locked, and I use my shoulder and a bit of elbow to push the ball forward. Many players make the mistake of relying too much on their wrists, losing control of the ball. Instead, break your wrist to set the angle, take a small backswing, and follow through forward. Always stop and get into a ready position before hitting the ball. --- *Key Tips* 1. *Drop Block:* Loosen your grip (3-4 pressure), let the ball hit your paddle, and guide it gently. 2. *Drive Block:* Tighten your grip (8-9 pressure), lock your wrist, and use your body to push the ball forward. Aim to hit low and deep to neutralize your opponent. If you put this into practice, you’ll find it much easier to block effectively, especially against aggressive players or "bangers." You’ll dominate them! I really hope you enjoyed the video. If you did, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and I’ll see you next time! --- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PickleballPirates #pickleball #pickleballtips #pickleballlessons Source: The Pickleball Pirates

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