Blocking fast balls: positioning and technique
Key takeaway from our Guru
How do I block a fast ball at the net?
Keep your racket head up at chest height, like resting it on a table. Squeeze the grip firmly and lean your body weight forward into the ball to keep your shot controlled.
What this lesson covers
Effective blocking begins with correct net positioning. Standing too far back creates gaps in the center, while standing too close reduces reaction time. The ideal position is one small step in front of the second post, aligned with your partner. Movement depends on the ball trajectory. When the ball travels down the line, the player on that side covers the line while the partner shifts to cover the center. If the ball goes through the middle, both players maintain equal distance from the center line to defend the gap and the angles.
Beginners often fail by keeping the racket too low. Keep the racket head up, as if resting a drink on a cocktail table, to ensure readiness. Advanced players should hold the racket closer to the body, slightly turned to the left, as most blocks occur on the backhand side. Maintain light feet and perform a split step as the opponent strikes. Lean your body weight forward over your toes to prevent the racket face from opening. Squeeze the grip and keep the forearm firm at contact to provide a solid surface for redirecting high-speed shots.
Keep learning in the app
Your Guru points you at the videos that fit your level and your last matches, and helps you find a coach to train with.
Get the Padelguru app
Original video
Added on Apr 2, 2026
Learn How To BLOCK Effectively! | ThePadelSchool.com
Description
When your opponent hits the ball REALLY FAST it can be difficult to BLOCK THAT BALL. Whether you're playing against HARD HITTING tennis players, that are hitting HEAVY GROUNDSTROKES or maybe you hit A LOB and they're hitting an ATTACKING BAJADA off that back glass - we're here to TEACH YOU how to BLOCK THAT BALL EFFECTIVELY and get it to go where you want it to! If you’d like to see the extended version - We do have a *7-DAY FREE TRIAL* on our online platform with a bunch of other exclusive content as well! *SIGN UP NOW* and don't miss out on an opportunity to IMPROVE YOUR GAME! 💻 Website: https://www.thepadelschool.com 🔍 Check out our podcast episodes at: https://podcast.thepadelschool.com 🔍 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepadelschool 🔍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepadelschool 🔍 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepadelschool *Chapters* 00:00 Intro 00:19 Covering the Court 01:02 Covering the Court - Areas 01:54 The Technique - Beginner 03:02 The Technique - High Intermediate / Advanced 03:44 The Tips 04:27 The Accuracy #padelgame #padel #padelpractice #padeltechnique #padeltraining #padelskills #padeltennis #padeltips *Disclaimer:* We do not accept any liability for any loss or damage which is incurred by you acting or not acting as a result of listening to any of our publications. For all videos on my channel: This information is for general & educational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, CPA, or financial professional for advice based on your specific situation. *Copyright Disclaimer:* Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favour of fair use © The Padel School
Good for
Skill level
Beginner, Intermediate, High Intermediate, Advanced, High Advanced
Court position
Net
Play style
Offensive
Secondary shot
Volley
Keywords
Support The Padel School
Every lesson on this page is The Padel School's work. If it helped your game, subscribe on YouTube and tell them.
Subscribe on YouTube