3 Ways to Handle Hard Shots in Pickleball
Jul 20, 2026Hard-hit balls are one of the most uncomfortable things to face at the NVZ line. In this video, Coach Tony and Coach Kyleen walk through how to read them before they happen and what to do when they come.
First, the anticipation side. You will learn five clues that tell you a hard ball is coming: whether you are facing a true banger, your opponent's preferences (do they attack from the forehand or backhand?), the type of ball they have to work with, their body setup, and their paddle preparation. The better you read these, the less time the hard shot has to catch you off guard.
Then the response side. Tony covers the paddle position to start in, why taking a small step back can buy you time, and three things you can do once the ball comes: a block volley, a counter, or the technique most players skip entirely. Tony saves that one for the end. If you start using it, your play will improve at least 10%.