Attacking short: keeping the ball before the service line

What this lesson covers

Professional players often target the area before the service line when attacking to deny opponents the use of the back glass. By taking the ball early, the defender is forced to hit from a low position, making it difficult to execute controlled shots like the chiquita or a deep lob. When the ball reaches the glass, it loses speed and drops, giving the defender more time to rotate and transfer body weight into their return.

Training to keep the ball short requires a compact swing and precise control. A useful drill involves playing points where every shot must bounce before the service line. This restriction forces players to prioritize ball rotation and placement over raw power, while also improving shot selection. By limiting the depth of the attack, players become more aware of how to use changes in pace and drop shots to pull opponents out of their defensive comfort zone. This approach is particularly effective against players who rely heavily on the glass to reset their position.