Bandeja technique: body rotation and arm movement

What this lesson covers

The coach addresses the bandeja by focusing on the full body movement rather than just the arm. A common mistake involves dropping the elbow and relying solely on the hand, which leads to a downward stroke. To correct this, the player must keep the elbow up and use the left hand to balance the body, pulling it back to facilitate a full rotation of the shoulders. This rotation ensures the shot remains linear and fluid, allowing the player to hit the ball out in front of the body on the right side.

Another essential element is the use of a jump to adjust positioning, especially when the lob is short. This jump helps maintain balance and allows the player to move into the shot with the legs and hips. The goal of the bandeja is not to hit with maximum power, but to maintain precision and keep the ball low, forcing the opponents to play from below and allowing the player to recover the net position. Proper rotation at the start of the movement is necessary to generate speed and control.