PICKLEBALL INSTRUCTION
Move, Block, Freeze.
THE
BLOCK
SHOT
How to defend against the hard hitters.
BY ROBERT ELLIOTT, ENGAGEPICKLEBALL
B
locking hard shots correctly is a very
important facet of the game. Most people
add too much movement to their “block shot.”
Remember, less is more. The simpler you keep
it, the stronger and better your blocks will be.
BODY STANCE (THE “READY POSITION”)
Similar to most sports, you want to have your
center of gravity on the balls of your feet.
• Bend your knees (with your feet
approximately shoulders-width apart).
• Lean slightly forward (so your body weight
and balance shifts to the balls of your feet).
• Paddle out front of you (with your elbows
slightly bent).
• Shoulders square with the net (your chest
should be facing the net).
• Paddle face/head should be above your
wrist (this ensures the ball trajectory is
upward).
This body position will keep you nimble, quick
and in balance.
42
MOVE
Body movement (how to get to the ball so you can block correctly):
You must move your feet (you never want to hit a block shot while
lunging). Remember, the ball will rarely be hit to you where you
don’t have to move.
• To maintain proper body positioning (square to the net), step
with your foot that’s on the same side of your body as the side
you are hitting the ball.
Note: If you turn your shoulders so you are perpendicular with
the net (or your back is facing the net), it will be very easy for
your opponent to hit the next ball behind you.
BLOCK
As noted above, always remember: “Less is more.” A “block”
is exactly that—a block, not a swing, punch forward or a cut
(downward swing).
• Your paddle should always be in front of your body (never take
a back swing, which means bringing your paddle back so it is in
line or behind your body).
• Paddle face toward the target (point the face of the paddle
toward your target).
• Paddle head should be above your wrist (if the ball is low, bend
your knees more to ensure paddle face remains above wrist).
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