Breaking solid defensive pairs with pace and movement

What this lesson covers

Solid defensive players rely on consistent lobs to force errors from opponents. To break this comfort zone, force one player out of their back-court position. A well-placed chiquita draws a defender toward the net, disrupting their formation and creating gaps in the middle. Once the pair is split with one player forward and one back, the defensive structure collapses, forcing them to scramble and cover more ground.

Another approach involves changing the pace of the game when facing repeated lobs. Instead of smashing, play a controlled bandeja to gain time and anticipate the next lob. Follow this with a fast, deep shot toward the feet or the side fence to move the opponent forward. Crucially, the player who initiates this change of pace must immediately move toward the net to capitalize on the resulting weak return. This tactic is ideal for players struggling against opponents who wait patiently for unforced errors.