Catherine Parenteau shares top pickleball drills, one of pickleball’s most decorated players, is helping players elevate their game with her latest YouTube video, “How to Prevent Pop-Ups in Pickleball.” The insightful tutorial offers practical advice and drills designed to make players more effective on the court by eliminating pop-ups during gameplay.
“Do you always pop up the ball when you’re trying to block?” Parenteau asks her audience, setting the stage for a comprehensive breakdown of this common error.
The Science of Blocking: Why Pop-Ups Happen
Parenteau identifies the most common cause of pop-ups: following through too much when attempting to block.
“The number one reason why you pop up the ball when you’re trying to block is that you’re punching back forward. You cannot follow through. The minute you follow through and you’re trying to block, there’s too much pace behind the ball and you’re most likely going to give your opponents what they want, a second pop up.” – (Catherine Parenteau)
To address this issue, she offers three simple but crucial tips:
- Freeze the wrist – A steady wrist is key to controlling the ball.
- Let the ball do the work – Avoid overexerting force.
- Do not punch forward – A punch-like motion often leads to pop-ups.
She further explains that tight paddle grips, incorrect paddle positioning, and improper body weight distribution can also contribute to pop-ups.
“If your paddle is too parallel to the net, the ball is going to go straight down. But, if the paddle is slightly open towards the sky, it should be good enough for the ball to have an arc and go over the net. But if it’s too open, it will pop up. It’s hard to find the in-between with your paddle face.” – (Catherine Parenteau)
Drill Like a Pro: Catch and Release
To help players practice these concepts, Parenteau introduces her favorite drill, Catch and Release, which she runs with her coach and wife, Athena Trouillot. This exercise reinforces good blocking mechanics and encourages precision.
Here’s how it works:
- Both players take turns catching the ball mid-air and volleying it back.
- Focus on a loose grip, weight forward, and avoiding a punch motion.
- Start with backhand shots for better control.
Once players master the basics, they can step up the difficulty by assigning roles: one person catches and releases, while the other volleys.
“We’re both going to catch the ball and then hit it back as a volley. When you catch the ball, it’s focusing on what you need to work on to not punch back, the loose grip, and moving your weight forward. You’re practicing the basics of blocking. And when you hit the ball back, your practice partner can also practice blocking shots.” – (Catherine Parenteau)
Advanced Tips for Serious Players
Catherine Parenteau advises players to pay close attention to their body weight distribution while blocking. If the weight leans too far back onto the heels, the paddle face naturally tilts upward, leading to pop-ups.
With these tips and drills, Parenteau’s video promises to help players of all levels sharpen their blocking technique and improve their game.
Whether a beginner or a seasoned pickleballer, these strategies could be the key to making pop-ups a thing of the past.
News in Brief: Catherine Parenteau Shares Top Pickleball Drills
Pickleball player Catherine Parenteau shares expert tips to eliminate pop-ups in her YouTube video, “How to Prevent Pop-Ups in Pickleball.” Highlighting common mistakes like excessive follow-through and tight pickleball paddle grips, Parenteau offers three key tips: freeze the wrist, let the ball do the work, and avoid punching forward.
Catherine Parenteau also introduces the Catch and Release drill to refine blocking mechanics. With advanced advice on weight distribution and paddle positioning, Parenteau’s insights can help players of all levels elevate their game.
