Back glass technique: preparation and contact

What this lesson covers

Successful play off the back glass begins with early racket preparation. The racket must be set before the ball touches the glass to avoid rushed, uncontrolled swings. Players often fail to move behind the ball, resulting in contact points behind the body. This forces defensive lobs because the player lacks the space to drive the ball forward. Regardless of whether the shot is defensive or aggressive, the contact point must remain in front of the body.

Shot selection follows a traffic light system based on ball height. Balls below waist height are red, requiring a defensive approach. Neutral balls between waist and chest height are orange, allowing for controlled play. Balls above chest height are green, signaling an opportunity to be aggressive. Matching the racket height to the incoming ball height ensures stability. The ultimate goal remains achieving the net position, so players should prioritize sensible shot selection over high-risk attempts.