Center court tactics: depth and trajectory

What this lesson covers

Playing into the center of the court neutralizes opponent angles. When hitting from the net, a straight trajectory forces rivals to reach for the ball without being able to create width. Aggression here means either hitting with depth to push the opponent forward or flattening the ball to minimize the bounce. Aim for the second bounce to occur before or just as the ball touches the back glass to prevent an easy recovery.

When hitting from an angled position, the target for the second bounce shifts to the center of the court. The ball must land within the service box to ensure it travels toward the middle. Whether executing a volley, bandeja, or smash, the goal remains the same: keep the ball moving straight so the opponent cannot anticipate the direction. Once the center shot is successful, the next ball should target the back glass with a fast smash or a short drop shot to the fence. This forces the opponent to cross the entire width of their square to retrieve the ball.