Tame the Bangers: How to Use Soft Blocks and Resets in Pickleball
Let’s face it: some pickleball players treat the ball like it owes them money. You know the type – every single shot is a drive, every rally a battle, every speed-up an attempt to know the paddle out of your hand. That strategy can only take you so far. Let them do it. We’ll counter with the art of slowing things down and taking back control – not just of the point, but of the tempo.
First Rule of Soft Blocking: Don't Fight Fire with Fire
(Unless it is a gigantic meatball… then, yes. You still have to be opportunistic)
When an opponent blasts a drive at you, your first instinct might be to smack it right back. It’s easy (trust me) to get baited into that exchange. Resist. Soft blocking is your Zen moment in the chaos.
Technique:
Loosen your grip
Open the paddle face slightly and let the pace of the ball do the work
Keep your paddle out in front and absorb the energy, like a shock-absorbing wall of calm.
Aim to drop it softly into the kitchen or reset to a shallow angle that’s unattackable.
The goal? Make their next shot uncomfortable – or better yet, impossible to attack.
Resetting in the Transition Zone
The transition zone can feel awkward, especially if you’re new. But, in my opinion, it’s the most important part of the court. It might feel chaotic – like in survival mode – but it doesn’t have to. Think of it like that quiet house when all the kids are at practice and the TV is on mute. Don’t act like you don’t know what I mean. 😆
This is where the reset becomes your best friend.
Technique:
Stay low – like knees-burn-in-the-morning low
Use a short, controlled swing with a soft wrist
Keep your eyes on the ball until contact – don’t get distracted by your opponent’s follow-through
Aim for net height and drop the ball gently into the kitchen
Photo by The APP
Resets are like saying, “Let’s take this down a notch.” You’re turning their aggression into your control.
Surviving the Speed-Up Battles at the Kitchen Line
Ah yes, the dreaded kitchen firefights. One minute you're dinking like a civilized adult, and the next someone’s trying to rip your eyebrows off with a forehand flick. Don’t get mad – embrace it. This is part of the game.
And when you calmly respond with a reset? That’s so annoying to them. Even better – it throws them off and often leads to errors.
Technique:
Keep your paddle up
Minimize your backswing (think: high five motion)
Block or counter with control, not panic.
Can’t counterattack? Reset and live to dink another day
Winning the Mental Game:
Stay calm. If you flinch or retreat early, they know they’ve got you
Mix up tempo – add in dinks, maybe even an occasional volley lob
Use your soft game to set the mood, change the pace, and take back control
Own that kitchen line. Stay mentally and physically grounded.
The Takeaway: Take Back the Tempo from Your Aggressive Opponent
Aggressive players want to control the pace. Your job? Be the puppet master. (Tim Nelson, that’s a shoutout to you, brother 💪)
When you learn to block, reset, and reset again (and again), they start to unravel. Frustration creeps in. That’s when you win – not with power, but with calm, thoughtful play. Train your body to respond this way, and you’ll be surprised how far it takes you.