A lot of time is spent at the net during a pickleball point where quick reactions and quick thinking are necessary.
This week we're taking a look at how to stand strong against a barrage of hard shots coming at you from close range.
Coach Mary's Tip of the Week: A block volley and punch volley tutorial
This week we are offering a quick lesson on block volleys and punch volleys at the net – you need these to defend against bangers. And for advice we turn to a new online instructor I've found recently in Cori Elliott.
If you find her tutorials on YouTube, you'll see she is usually working with and teaching another player, which is great as you can put yourself in the shoes of the student.
For punch volleys, Elliott emphasizes using the off arm and the upper part of your body to execute the shot. The shot is from your core,
not your arm. Extend out, not up.
Another tip from Cori is to emphasize the tip of the paddle is up, and you are incorporating your core and shoulders, with your off arm going back as you contact in front.
Cori does a great job showing how her student adapts and starts using her core, off arm and chest to execute the punch volley.
And as for my two cents, you want to have several options, or tools in your toolchest when you are at the net. Reset softly into the NVZ sometimes, block volley if needed, and punch volley when you have a ball you can attack. Now go out and get someone to drill with you!
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Pickleball tip of the week: Perfect that punch volley and block volley
