In pickleball, a punch volley and a block volley are two different types of volleys. Here are the differences between the two:
Punch volley:
- Used when the opponent is closer to the net and there is not enough time for a swinging volley.
- Created using leverage mostly from the elbow, by maneuvering the paddle to go over the ball with the butt of the paddle finishing down and forward.
- More of an offensive shot where the player is playing aggressively and attacking the opponent.
- Compact motion with a semi-open paddle.
Block Volley:
- Used more as a “reset” type of shot most of the time.
- Used when the opponent hits a hard shot and the player needs to block it back over the net.
- Created by holding the paddle steady and blocking the ball back over the net.
- More of a defensive shot that allows the player to regain control of the point.
It’s important to note that the difference between a punch volley and a block volley can be subtle and may depend on the specific situation in the game.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using a punch volley:
- Hitting the ball too hard: A punch volley is a compact shot, so it’s important to avoid hitting the ball too hard. This can cause the ball to go out of bounds or give the opponent an opportunity to counterattack.
- Allowing the ball to get too close to the body: When using a punch volley, it’s important to keep the paddle out in front of the body. Allowing the ball to get too close to the body can make it difficult to execute the shot properly.
- Getting pushed off the kitchen line: It is important to stay on or near this line when using a punch volley. Getting pushed off the kitchen line can make it difficult to execute the shot properly.
- Not moving the feet: When using a punch volley, it’s important to move the feet to get into the proper position. Not moving the feet can make it difficult to execute the shot properly.
The information in this blog post comes from my research and experience playing pickleball and can be found in my books — HOW TO GET STARTED PLAYING PICKLEBALL and HOW TO IMPROVE FROM BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE IN PICKLEBALL — both available on Amazon. I hope you learn something from this post that you can take onto the courts to help you improve your game.