T H E B L O C K S H OT
FREEZE QUICK TIPS
When you make contact with the ball (i.e., block), freeze
your paddle for one second at the end of the block (this
ensures your paddle face remains/ends up pointing toward
your intended target (there is NO swinging in the block
shot; simply “freeze” your paddle so there’s no backswing
or follow-through).
• As you block, keep your center of gravity on the balls
of your feet (you should never be standing straight up
or leaning backward). Improving Your Ready Position (to have a stronger stance):
• Get in your ready position. To test the strength of your
stance, have a friend face you and push slightly on your
shoulder. You should be able to stay on the balls of your
feet.
Body Movement:
• Practice moving without hitting the ball. Get in ready
position. Practice stepping sideways ensuring your
shoulders stay mostly square with the net. If one
shoulder is in front of the other or your back is facing
the net, you know you have turned too much.
The Block:
• At home, practice blocking (to create muscle
memorization and to dramatically improve your game),
in front of a mirror. Place paddle in front of your body.
Ensure that the paddle is facing imaginary ball/target.
Now move as outlined above, keeping your paddle
frozen in front of your body. Freeze at the end of
moving/stepping to your imaginary point of contact for
one second (this ensures the paddle face is facing your
imaginary target). Repeat until you master this. •
Hint: When blocking, if you have to lunge (i.e., the
ball is hit too far to one side to move in front of it),
squeeze your grip tighter. This stiffens your wrist,
helping absorb the energy (making your arm stronger
and less likely to move backward from the force of
the hard hit). Hold your paddle firm (freezing your
paddle movement) to simply block the ball back (do
not swing/punch). Less is more. Simply move, block,
freeze.
MAY/JUNE 2017 |
MAGAZINE
43