How to Block Power Shots in Pickleball – (5 Easy Ways)

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Are you also tired of hard shots from your opponents and would like to learn the defense mechanism? I will share a few essential points that will give you a pretty good idea of blocking power shots in pickleball in no time.

But what is a power shot? In simple words, it is a shot with extra force and power. The most common example of this shot is a cross-court dink.

Power shots can be attractive when you throw them at your opponent but not when they come at you, right? As a pro pickleball player, I will break down a few tactics I used and succeeded in blocking these shots in my games.

5 Ways to Block Power Shots in Pickleball

As I said, these shots are not very pleasant when coming from the opposite side of the court. Blocking is significant, especially if you are playing at a higher level. You can adapt and apply a few ways in your games to avoid them.

Before getting into the essential details, remember that blocking alone has some techniques, and only knowing how to block isn’t enough; the players should know how to place it and whether to block the ball short or long.

1. Anticipate the Shot & Maintain your Position

The number one thing that you should keep in mind is to be ready both mentally and physically.

Try to put all of the nervous energy in the back of your mind and stabilize your position like you are about to be playing the best game of your life.

This step is crucial because only if your body is in the correct position, you’d be able to move and hit the shots without missing them.

The ideal position is to flex the knees, be on the ball of your feet and balance your body low and centred.

2. Make your Movement Smaller

To block a power shot, you must make your movement small. When stretching or reaching for the ball, do not speed it up.

Give your move on time and hit a relatively slow shot that preferably drops at your opponent’s feet. This step will give you and your partner enough time to come up to the net.

3. Correct the grip

The grip on your paddle also plays an influential role in blocking hard shots from your opponents. It should be lighter so that you can gain control of it.

Pickleball Paddle Grip

Additionally, stable your wrist on the paddle as well. A favourable outcome will only follow you if you carefully focus on these factors.

If you are purchasing a new pickleball paddle and you are not sure what size to get then you can use a ruler as shown in below image.

Pickleball Ruler for choosing paddle grip

Apart from this, if you are in between sizes, make sure you choose the smaller size as it is much easier to build up a grip on smaller sizes.

4. Correct your Paddle Position

Like your grip, your paddle position also matters when you block power shot. Keep it in the air, in an upward direction, almost at an 11 o’clock track. Keep your paddle tilted too.

Paddle 11'o Clock Position

When you understand the paddle position, practice it by moving left and right and playing it at every angle because we don’t know from where your opponent will throw these shots at you.

You will even be able to backspin while returning the serve putting your opponent in an uneasy position.

5. No Swinging

Last but not least, never swing the power shot. This is the last thing a player should do when they are blocking. It can ruin a pretty good reset shot.

It is a bad idea because if you swing at a power shot, you will have zero time to stop and hit the ball, resulting in trouble for you.

Stick the paddle and smash the block shot.

Final Thoughts On Pickleball Power Shot

Now, fortunately, you know the critical factors of blocking power shots you will be able to overcome the obstacles of these shots in no time.

I have had a hard time understanding concepts of how to block power shots in pickleball, but I kept in mind these essential aspects and practiced my way out of them. You will too. All the best!

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