< 1 min read
In tennis, a blocked stroke refers to a stroke in which the player does not actively swing or fully extend the ball, but rather holds the racket passively and blocks or bounces the ball. This is often used in situations where the opponent plays very fast or hard, leaving the player no time to execute a normal stroke.
Typically, the blocked stroke is used against fast serves (especially on returns) or against very aggressive groundstrokes from the opponent. The player uses the speed of the incoming ball and steers it back into the playing area with a stable racket position, without having to apply much force of their own. The aim is to keep the ball in play until the player can regain control of the rally.
It is an effective technique for buying time or neutralizing strokes under pressure.
