Drill

Drills

Pickleball

Smash Return Defense Reflex

Defend a hard overhead smash with a controlled block instead of retreating blindly

8 min
6 x 10 smashes defended
Advanced
Demonstration video coming soon

Instructions

  1. 1Partner hits overhead smashes from mid-court at moderate pace.
  2. 2Stay at the kitchen line rather than backing up in panic.
  3. 3Block the smash down with a short, stable paddle face angled downward.
  4. 4Reset to ready position immediately for a follow-up ball.

What to focus on

Standing ground with a stable paddle instead of retreating.

Common mistake

Backing up and swinging late, sending the block long.