Defending backspin: footwork and racket control

What this lesson covers

Low shots with heavy backspin die against the glass rather than bouncing forward. To neutralize these balls, the player must pivot and step back immediately rather than running or crossing the legs. A large, controlled step keeps the body balanced and ready to react to the unpredictable drop of the ball.

The racket must stay low and tilted open before the ball hits the glass. By adapting the wrist position, the racket waits below the ball for the moment it drops off the glass. Proper core rotation then drives the shot forward. This technique allows the player to return the ball effectively or execute a lob to regain the net position or reset the defensive stance.