Block
A block is a short, no-backswing return used at the net to absorb an opponent’s pace and reset the rally. The racket is held in front of the body with the face slightly open, and the ball is met with a firm grip rather than a swing. Block volleys are the defensive option when a drive volley is too risky.
What is a block?
A block is a volley played with no backswing. The racket-face is held still in front of the body, and the ball is allowed to make contact and rebound off the face. The lack of swing means the ball loses pace rather than gaining it - which is exactly the point when an opposing pair is hitting hard and you want to slow the rally down.
When do you use it?
Use a block whenever the incoming ball is too fast for a controlled drive volley but you do not want to retreat. Common scenarios include a smash directed at your body, a drive volley aimed at your hip, or any volley where you need to absorb pace and reset. The block is the staple defensive volley.
How to play it
Stand with the racket in front of the body at chest height, continental grip, racket-face slightly open. As the ball arrives, step toward it with a small forward motion and let the ball make contact with no swing. The face does the work - a slightly open face produces a low, soft rebound. Aim deep so the opposing pair has time to read it.
Coach tip: The block volley is a reflex shot, not a planned one. Build it by playing fast-paced rallies against the wall - the wall fires the ball back at speed, your hands learn to block it instinctively. Five minutes of wall-block drilling beats an hour of rally-block practice.
Common mistakes
Two common errors. First, swinging too hard - which turns a block into a poorly-controlled drive volley. Second, opening the racket-face too far, which produces a soft sit-up ball that opponents attack. The block should feel like catching the ball on the strings, not hitting it.
