Crush Your Friends On The Pickleball Court

If you want your friends to wonder how you got so good, this one's for you.

❎ Never get beat by a banger

5️⃣ Pickleball tips nobody tells you

👆 Always keep a backup pickleball paddle

🏔 The online pickleball masterclass event

💯 New training videos to crush your friends

🔥 Play of the week

Block Bangers With THIS Shot

We've all been up against opponents who only know how to score with fast-paced shots and, let's be honest, it's extremely frustrating. Pickleball is a game of runs, so it's important to know how to slow your opponent down when they're outperforming you with speed or force. The block shot is largely a defensive tool used to neutralize an opponent, but if used properly, it could gain you the upper hand.

Although a block shot likely won't win you any points, it's incredibly useful in helping you regain control of the rally. Here are a few cases in which you should consider the block shot:

| When you're uncomfortable or off-balance

If your opponent is moving you around with dinks and tries to start a fast-hands battle, you'll likely be in a bad court position to contend. Consider the block shot here to reset the point until you're ready to attack.

| Your contact point is below the net

If your opponent hits a low shot while you're in a fast-hands battle, it's best to use a block shot to defend. Attempting to volley from below the top of the net will likely result in a shot into the net or a pop-up error.

| When playing a tennis convert

Pickleball players who transitioned from tennis are likely to stay near the baseline and hit hard groundstrokes. Using a block shot is an effective way to force your opponent to the kitchen line.

Executing the block shot relies on a few key elements. First, it's important to have a loose grip and keep your paddle close to your body. Good block shots rely on absorbing the energy of the ball, and a tight grip will not allow you to do that. That means you should also avoid following through the ball — this could cause a pop-up. Finally, open your paddle face so it's angled slightly toward the sky. Angling your paddle face parallel to the net or lower could cause an error into the net.

Click below for drills you can do to practice your block shots and start beating bangers.

5 Pickleball Tips You'll Wish You Knew Sooner

If you want to advance your pickleball skills, the basics of the game will only get you so far. Knowing these 5 tips will take your game to the next level and provide an effective foundation for crushing your friends on the pickleball court.

Tip 1: Get to the kitchen line (and stay there!)

Tip 2: Return & run

Tip 3: Stop using your wrist to hit shots

Tip 4: Take balls out of the air

Tip 5: Master the ready position

No. 1 Pickleball Tip: Pack A Backup Paddle!

As any pickleball purist will tell you, the two essential components needed to play pickleball are a paddle and a ball. As any pickleball lover knows, anything can happen out on the pickleball courts. Don't be that person who comes unprepared — pack a backup paddle! Backup paddles are essential for a long day of play if something happens to your primary, but they're also great for introducing new friends to the sport before they have gear. Be prepared to hit the courts this summer with the #1 brand in pickleball. Save $30 on the Selkirk Original AMPED and $40 on the SLK OMEGA for a limited time.

SLK OMEGA

$140 $100

Original AMPED

$150 $120

The 2024 Pickleball Summit: Must-See Pickleball Masterclass

Join more than 15,000 pickleball players for an online masterclass hosted by the world's top athletes and coaches. The 2024 Pickleball Summit is a free online event featuring more than 20 top pickleball professionals and coaches, including six Selkirk athletes. Attendees gain access to live sessions with the foremost experts in pickleball as they discuss pickleball mechanics, strategy, gear, mental focus, injury prevention, and more.

As the title sponsor for this event, Selkirk is thrilled for the opportunity to connect with the community, share our expertise, and inspire players of all levels to reach new heights.

The 2024 Pickleball Summit will take place July 14-16. Entry is free but a ticket is required. Click below to secure yours now!

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