Back glass usage: when to avoid the wall

What this lesson covers

The primary objective from the back of the court is to control time and space to earn a transition to the net. Players achieve this by hitting shots in front of the body, which allows for greater control over speed and placement. Relying on the back glass forces a player to calculate complex angles and generate extra power, which reduces accuracy and consistency. The back glass serves as a secondary option only when the ball travels behind the player and there is no time to move into a position to strike it in front.

When forced to use the glass, the lob remains the most effective and risk-free choice. Aim for the top half of the glass to send the ball over the opponents. This tactic becomes significantly harder as the distance from the glass increases, making it nearly impossible to execute from beyond the service line. Furthermore, attempting a backhand glass lob requires high-level timing and accuracy, making it an unreliable choice for most players. Stick to the forehand side for these defensive lobs to maintain control.