Perfecting Your Pickleball Block: Tips and Drills to Eliminate Pop-Ups

Blocking in pickleball can be a challenge, especially when facing fast-paced shots. Many players struggle with pop-ups that give opponents easy scoring opportunities. The key to successful blocking lies in avoiding common mistakes like punching forward, gripping too tightly, or losing your paddle angle. By mastering the right technique and focusing on fundamentals, you can develop “soft hands” and turn your blocking into an offensive asset. One highly effective way to practice this is the “Catch and Release” drill, designed to reinforce proper habits and eliminate costly errors.

One of the most frequent blocking mistakes is punching the paddle forward on impact. While it may feel instinctual, this motion adds unnecessary power to the block, causing the ball to float and giving opponents a prime chance to smash. Instead, focus on freezing your paddle and letting the ball’s momentum do the work. Grip tension is another major factor—keep your grip loose to absorb impact and control the ball more effectively. Additionally, your body positioning plays a significant role. Shifting your weight forward, rather than leaning back, keeps the paddle face steady and prevents pop-ups caused by poor balance.

The “Catch and Release” drill is an excellent way to fine-tune your blocking skills. Start by practicing with a partner, focusing on catching the ball on your paddle and gently volleying it back. This exercise emphasizes paddle angle, grip looseness, and forward weight distribution—all critical components of a perfect block. As you advance, one player can focus on catching while the other returns volleys to simulate game-like pressure. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you’ll soon find yourself blocking like a pro and dominating the kitchen line with confidence.