Blockade technique: net transition and positioning

What this lesson covers

The blockade serves as a defensive tactic to transition toward the net when an opponent hits a short lob. When the lob is short and the opponent cannot accelerate, the player advances to a position a few steps in front of the service line. The player leaves the center open and shifts the body toward the side fence to cover the corner, as the center is easier for a partner to recover. The body remains slightly angled toward the fence to anticipate the incoming shot.

When the lob is deep, the player moves forward progressively while the opponent prepares to strike. The path of movement starts toward the side where the opponent is likely to hit, typically the backhand. As the ball moves toward the middle, the player closes in toward the center to reduce the available angle for the opponent. Once the player establishes this forward position, the back of the court effectively disappears, forcing the opponent to aim for the front of the court where the player can intercept the ball.