Back glass technique: controlling the chiquita

What this lesson covers

Effective back glass play requires moving the feet early to ensure contact occurs in front of the hip. Players transitioning from tennis or squash often struggle with a high takeback and contact behind the body, which leads to scooping the ball rather than pushing it. The coach demonstrates that the racket should move back like opening a door, keeping the head low to maintain control over speed and trajectory.

To execute a successful chiquita, the racket must remain low throughout the preparation. A short takeback allows the player to loop the ball down toward the opponent's feet. If the racket is raised too high, the margin for error shrinks significantly. The follow-through remains essential for consistency, even when hitting softly. This lesson is suited for players who possess strong ball-striking skills but need to adapt their timing and contact point for the specific demands of the back glass.