Pickleball Block Shot Secrets: Clifford from Robust Pickleball recently shared new tips to help players defend against fast shots at the net. In a video posted on his channel, Clifford explained how to block powerful drives with either a “punch” or “drop” block. The goal is to stay in control when opponents attack near the kitchen line.
The video came with another update—Clifford announced he’s rebranded his channel from Cliff Pickleball to Robust Pickleball. Along with this change, he introduced “The Red,” a Gen 3 pickleball paddle designed for spin, power, and control.
How to Block Shots at the Net
Clifford explained that blocking is a useful skill for handling fastballs. He highlighted two main types of blocks:
Punch Block
This block hits the ball back quickly with some force. It works well for players who are fast and like to play aggressively. However, Clifford warned that if the shot goes too deep, the opponent might hit another powerful drive.
Drop Block
This block uses a light touch to slow the ball and land it in the kitchen. “This forces your opponent to move in from the baseline—slowing them down and potentially setting you up for an easy putaway,” Clifford explained.
Choose Based on Opponent’s Speed
Picking the right block depends on the opponent’s movement. Clifford advised players to watch their opponents closely. “If your opponent is slow on their feet, use the drop block. They may miss it or pop it up. But if they’re quick and athletic, a well-placed punch block might be a smarter choice,” he said.
Three Steps to Successful Blocking
Clifford broke down blocking into three easy steps:
1. Track the Ball
“Tracking the ball is critical and often overlooked,” Clifford said. Players need to notice how fast the ball is and what kind of spin it has. Topspin shots are easier to drop because they dip into the kitchen. Flat shots need more power, so a punch block is better.
2. Prepare Early
Clifford stressed the need for a quick setup. “You must be ready before the ball crosses the net,” he said. He told players to avoid jumping or using big swings. Instead, they should keep the paddle out front with a short backswing.
“As soon as you see your opponent winding up for a drive, get into your ‘guard’ position—knees soft, paddle up, and body relaxed,” Clifford added.
3. Control the Grip and Paddle Angle
Touch and control are also key. A soft grip helps slow the ball down, while a firm grip adds speed.
“For a drop block, your grip needs to be loose. A tight grip causes the ball to rebound too far, often into midcourt—an easy smash zone for your opponent,” Clifford said. He also shared that a slight upward paddle angle helps cushion the ball into the kitchen.
Clifford, who has a background in table tennis, prefers using short, smooth paddle moves. “It’s all about precision and timing,” he said.
News in Brief: Pickleball Block Shot Secrets
Clifford from Robust Pickleball shared new tips on how to block fast shots at the net using punch or drop blocks. He also announced his brand’s new paddle, The Red. His video highlights three steps to help players stay ready, adjust their grip, and choose the right shot based on spin and speed.
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