When to Block vs. Counter Against Pickleball Bangers

Bangers thrive on chaos. They want you panicking, swinging wildly, and popping the ball up for easy putaways.

Most pickleball players lose to bangers not because of raw power, but because they panic.

That's the insight from Cori Elliott's Court Work series, where she breaks down exactly how to neutralize hard-hitting opponents by making smarter decisions under pressure.

Elliott drills with Christine Maddox, a top-5 APP pro in mixed doubles and top-10 in women's doubles, to reveal the system that actually works against aggressive players.

Love pickleball? Then you'll love our free newsletter. We send the latest news, tips, and highlights for free each week.

The Real Problem Isn't Their Power

Here's what separates players who can handle bangers from those who can't: the winners stay calm. Bangers thrive on chaos. They want you panicking, swinging wildly, and popping the ball up for easy putaways.

The moment you understand that blocking and resetting aren't about winning the point but rather about surviving it, everything changes.

Elliott and Maddox identify the biggest mistakes players make against hard hitters:

• Trying to out-hit a banger at their own game (spoiler: you'll lose).
• Speeding up low balls right into their wheelhouse.
• Blocking high and backing up, which gives them more time to attack.
• Panic counters that disrupt your timing and rhythm.

How to Block a Banger the Right Way

Blocking isn't about stopping the ball dead. It's about absorbing pace and lowering the height so your opponent can't keep attacking.

When you block, focus on three things:

1. Keep your paddle face open to absorb the speed.
2. Don't swing; just absorb the energy.
3. Target as low as you can to keep the reset down.

If your reset stays low, the banger loses their advantage. They can't keep ripping the ball; they have to change strategy. That's the whole goal. You're not trying to win the point yet. You're trying to survive and force them into a different approach.

When to Block vs. When to Counter

Knowing when to block and when to counter separates good defenders from great ones. Block the ball when:

• The ball is above your shoulders.
• You're late getting to it.
• You're stretched wide and out of position.

Once the pace drops and you've neutralized the attack, that's when you counter.

Counters should be short, compact, and in front of your body. No big swings. The goal is to hit a ball that forces your opponent to defend instead of attack. The moment they're defending, the banger's advantage disappears.

The Complete System from Start to Finish

Elliott and Maddox lay out a straightforward sequence that works:

1. Absorb the pace with a solid block.
2. Reset the ball low to neutralize their attack.
3. Force them forward with your positioning.
4. Counter to their feet or backhand to keep them on their heels.

This system removes the chaos bangers love. Instead of reacting frantically, you're controlling the point with intention. You're making them work harder and think more, which is exactly what you want against a player whose strength is hitting hard.

Heads up: hundreds of thousands of pickleballers read our free newsletter. Subscribe here for cutting edge strategy, insider news, pro analysis, the latest product innovations and more.

The Mental Game Matters Most

The biggest takeaway from Elliott's breakdown isn't technical. It's mental.

Bangers want you panicking. They want you swinging big and popping balls up. Stay composed, trust your blocks, and wait for the right moment to counter. That patience and discipline is what separates players who beat bangers from those who keep losing to them.