Back glass defense: five tips for control

What this lesson covers

Defending off the back glass requires early preparation. Instead of keeping the racket high, keep it at waist level or lower to handle low balls coming off the glass. Turn side-on immediately and keep the knees bent to maintain a stable base. Staying relaxed is vital, as tension causes players to snatch at the ball and lose control. Use the speed already present in the incoming ball rather than adding extra power.

Let the ball travel in front of the body before striking. Hitting the ball behind the body leads to a loss of power and balance. Allowing the ball to drop further provides more time, which increases control and allows for better disguise. This extra time makes it easier to execute lobs or chiquitas. Finally, read the spin of the incoming ball. Topspin causes the ball to kick up off the glass, while slice makes it stay low. Adjust the racket height accordingly, keeping it low for slice, and use a short, guided push to send the ball back over the net.