Pickleball · Advanced Plan · Week 2

Counter the counter

Speed up, absorb the block, then win the third ball of the exchange — the one most players are still recovering from.

Video walkthrough

Coming soon

The on-court video for this drill is in production. The full step-by-step is below — and our in-depth guide goes deeper still.

Ten pickleball practice drills→

What it is

The counter is the answer to a speed-up — a punch block that redirects it, or a roll that dips at their feet. At 4.0 and above the first attack rarely wins; hands battles are decided on the third ball of the exchange.

When to use it

When the speed-up comes at you balanced and in front: punch from in front of the ball, roll from under it. And when you start the exchange, expect the block back — the point is won by whoever is ready for ball three.

When not to

Some balls can only be reset. Trying to win an exchange you have already lost is the most expensive habit above 4.0 — if you’re jammed or reaching, soften it into the kitchen and start again.

How to do it

1Neutral-start battles: partner feeds a ball at chest height and you both go. First to five, best of seven rounds.
2You speed up, they block — and you take the third ball of the exchange. Twenty repetitions, then swap.
3Backhand-only blocks: sixty from a hard feed, elbow in front of the ribs, paddle tip up.
4Absorb and re-attack: partner attacks first every rally, and you must block twice before you may attack.

Coaching cues

Recover the paddle to the centre of your chest after every contact.
Roll from under it, punch from in front of it — never the same swing.
First ball down the middle at the body, never wide.
The grip firms at contact and relaxes after it. A permanently tight grip is a slow one.

Common errors

Countering everything. The discipline to reset is what separates 4.0 from 4.5.
Swinging instead of punching. There is no time to swing inside three metres.
Recovering the paddle to your hip instead of your chest — the next ball beats you there.
Backing off the line mid-battle. Ground given is a target gained.

This is the Week 2 drill from the RacketRise Pickleball Advanced Plan. Go deeper with ten pickleball practice drills, or see all drill guides.