Attacking combinations to create space at the net

What this lesson covers

Creating space involves forcing opponents to move and disrupting their defensive positioning. One effective tactic involves playing the ball into the center to pull an opponent out of position before hitting into the corner. Another sequence requires hitting cross-court volleys followed by a shot to the middle to force movement. When an opponent is pinned deep against the glass, moving closer to the net limits their options for a lob or an aggressive return.

Controlling the pace remains vital when attacking. Hitting a slow ball to the opponent's feet forces them to defend while you advance to a more aggressive net position. Mixing these slow shots to the feet with a sudden lob creates significant space behind the opponent. When an opponent is stuck in the corner, a follow-up shot to their feet makes it difficult for them to recover. Finally, using a drop shot when an opponent is positioned deep against the back glass exploits the distance they must cover to reach the ball. These combinations work best when you target one specific opponent to build pressure and induce errors.