Back glass and corner tactics: building confidence

What this lesson covers

Players transitioning from tennis often avoid the glass, preferring to take balls early with half volleys. This lesson encourages embracing the back glass as a tactical tool to gain time and control. When a ball bounces on or behind the service line with speed, the goal is to let it hit the glass, move back early to track the ball, and then step forward into the shot. Contact should occur just in front of the body to allow for better weight transfer and a controlled approach toward the net.

For balls heading into the corner, the same principle applies to the double glass. Allowing the ball to strike the second glass provides more time and a more predictable trajectory than rushing to intercept it off the first wall. While initial attempts may lead to reaching or poor positioning, consistent practice is necessary to build the required confidence. This approach is most beneficial for players who currently rely on defensive half volleys to avoid using the glass.