Bajada technique: speed change and impact point

What this lesson covers

The coach emphasizes the importance of a sudden sprint to adjust for a bajada. When the ball comes off the back glass, players often maintain a steady pace, which leads to forced shots. Instead, the player should recognize the opportunity, abandon the initial plan for a bandeja, and sprint to position the body behind the ball. This allows for a clean, flat impact well in front of the body, rather than hitting the ball late or close to the chest.

Drills focus on letting the ball travel deep into the court before striking. The player must wait for the ball to emerge from the glass, ensuring the second bounce occurs near or before the service line. This helps develop the timing to strike with the full body weight moving forward. The coach highlights three specific situations where attacking the ball is a mistake: when the ball dies or pinches, when it has backspin from the glass, or when the player is forced to reach behind their body. In these cases, a lob is preferred over an aggressive shot. The lesson is best for intermediate to advanced players looking to add weight and accuracy to their transition game.