In pickleball, pace can be your best friend or your worst enemy. When an opponent blasts a hard shot at you, your natural reaction might be to hit it right back with equal force. But high-level players know that absorbing pace—not just countering it—can put you back in control of the rally.
If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed by aggressive hitters or rapid-fire exchanges, this guide is for you.
What Does It Mean to Absorb Pace?
Absorbing pace in pickleball means taking the speed off an opponent’s shot and returning it with control instead of power. Instead of hitting the ball hard, you “soften” the shot by reducing its speed, making it land in a more controlled, strategic spot—often in your opponent’s kitchen.
This technique is especially useful in defensive situations where blasting the ball back might result in an error or an easy counterattack for your opponent.
When Should You Absorb Pace?
Knowing when to absorb pace is key to making smarter decisions in a rally. Here are the most common scenarios where this skill comes into play:
- When Facing a Banger – If your opponent loves driving the ball hard, absorbing their pace and dropping the ball into the kitchen neutralizes their power.
- During Defensive Situations – If you’re off balance or stuck in the transition zone, absorbing pace helps reset the point and regain control.
- At the Kitchen Line – When your opponent attacks with speed, blocking or absorbing the shot rather than counter-hitting keeps the ball low and controlled.
- In Hands Battles – When volleys are flying back and forth quickly, slowing the exchange by absorbing pace can force an error or give you time to reposition.
- When You Want to Reset the Point – If the rally has gotten too fast and you need a moment to regain control, a well-placed absorption shot can slow things down and reset the tempo.
What Shots Are Used to Absorb Pace?
Absorbing pace isn’t just about softening a shot—it’s about using the right type of shot to neutralize an opponent’s power and take control of the rally. Here are the most effective shots for absorbing pace:
| Shot Type | When to Use It | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Dink | At the kitchen line when an opponent drives hard | Softly dropping the ball into the NVZ to take away power. |
| Block Volley | During fast-paced exchanges or at the kitchen | A short, firm paddle position that absorbs power and redirects the ball softly. |
| Reset Drop | When stuck in the transition zone or on defense | A soft shot from mid-court that lands in the opponent’s kitchen, slowing down the rally. |
| Soft Roll Volley | When an opponent sends a hard shot but is out of position | Redirecting their power with a controlled topspin roll. |
| Punch Block | Against an aggressive drive when you need to keep it low | A compact movement that absorbs the ball while keeping it low over the net. |
By using these shots at the right time, you can frustrate aggressive players, stay in control of rallies, and force your opponents to adjust their strategies.
How to Absorb Pace: Step-by-Step
To effectively take speed off the ball, focus on these key techniques:
1. Grip Pressure
- Hold your paddle with a soft grip (around 4 or 5 out of 10). A tight grip will send the ball back too fast, while a soft grip absorbs the energy.
- Think of catching an egg—you want to soften the impact rather than smash it.
2. Paddle Positioning
- Keep your paddle in front of you, slightly angled upward to “catch” the ball.
- Avoid a big backswing—let the ball come to you and simply absorb it.
3. Stable Wrist & Body Position
- Keep your wrist firm but not rigid—stiffness can cause mishits.
- Stay low with knees slightly bent to remain balanced and react quickly.
- If possible, step into the shot slightly to control the ball’s direction.
4. Absorb Instead of Counter
- Instead of swinging through the ball, let the paddle act as a cushion.
- Think of “blocking” rather than “hitting” the ball.
- Aim to drop the ball into the kitchen, forcing your opponent to hit up.
5. Use Your Legs to Absorb Power
- Slightly bend your knees as the ball contacts your paddle.
- Absorbing through your legs helps control shot placement and prevents the ball from popping up.
Check out Coach Tanner Tomassi’s great tips on absorbing pace when resetting shots from mid-court:
@tanner.pickleball Pro Level Defense Tip In Pickleball! 🏆🥇 👉 When to scorpion, and when to slide. 🦂 Scorpion when the opponent is attacking a ball out of the air. 🛝 Slide when the opponent has a dead dink you KNOW they’re going to speed up. #pickleball #pickleballtips #pickleballtiktok #pickleballislife #pickleballrocks #pickleballaddict #pickleballtournament #pickleballhighlights ♬ original sound – Tanner.pickleball
🔥 Bonus Tip: Read Your Opponent’s Contact Point
A great way to prepare for absorbing pace? Watch your opponent’s contact point. If they’re making contact below net level, odds are they’re sending a softer shot, and you might not need to absorb as much. But if they’re striking the ball at shoulder height or higher, brace for speed and be ready to take the pace off.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | How to Fix It |
|---|---|
| Holding the paddle too tight | Keep your grip pressure at 4–5 out of 10. A grip that’s too tight (7–10) will cause the ball to rebound too fast. |
| Swinging instead of blocking | Keep your swing short—no more than 4–6 inches of movement. Let the paddle absorb the shot rather than redirecting with force. |
| Standing too upright | Bend your knees at least 10–15 degrees to maintain a low, stable stance. This helps control shot placement and keeps balls from popping up. |
| Hitting the ball too high | Tilt your paddle 5–10 degrees downward to ensure the ball stays low. Avoid opening the paddle face too much, which can send the ball sailing. |
| Not watching the ball | Keep your eyes on the ball until it makes contact with your paddle. If you’re misjudging the shot, slow down your reaction to track the ball better. |
Pro player Callie Jo Smith breaks down the biggest mistake in blocking volleys and shows you how to absorb pace at the net:
Drills to Improve Absorbing Pace
1. Wall Absorption Drill
- Stand 6 feet away from a wall.
- Hit the ball gently against the wall, aiming to keep it low and controlled.
- Focus on soft hands and minimal paddle movement.
2. Partner Blocking Drill
- Have a partner hit drives at you from the baseline.
- Stand at the kitchen line and practice absorbing the shot by dropping the ball softly into the kitchen.
- Rotate between blocking forehand and backhand shots.
3. Transition Zone Reset Drill
- Start at the baseline while your partner attacks with speed.
- Absorb pace while moving forward through the transition zone, aiming for soft resets into the kitchen.
- Continue advancing until you reach the non-volley zone.
Let Them Hit Hard—You Play Smarter
At the end of the day, pickleball is about control—controlling the ball, controlling the rally, and controlling your opponent. Absorbing pace isn’t just about defense; it’s about dictating how the game flows. The best players don’t just react; they redirect, reset, and reimagine the point in their favor.
So, next time you step on the court, focus on playing smarter, not harder. Watch how the best players absorb pace and practice the techniques that let you stay calm under pressure and make your opponents play your game—not theirs.
