Defensive and attacking technique fixes

What this lesson covers

Defensive consistency relies on early and slow preparation. The racket should be frozen in position before the ball arrives, rather than moving during the swing. When the ball is low, the racket head should match that height during the preparation phase. Players often hit into the net because they move too late or strike the ball behind their body. Moving closer to the back glass when the incoming ball is slow helps maintain a better contact point in front of the body. Conversely, when the ball is fast, staying put is often more effective than rushing.

At the net, low preparation often leads to floating volleys or shots into the net. Keeping the racket head high allows for more downward pressure and better control. When the ball is easy, players should move closer to the net to reduce the opponent's reaction time. Tactical errors often stem from playing too hard from defensive positions or failing to change the direction of the ball. Playing to the middle or the fence is essential to move opponents out of the corners. The most effective defensive players use a split step to transition between shots and maintain a neutral shoulder position during overheads.