Defensive positioning: back of court drills

What this lesson covers

Defending from the back of the court requires managing different ball speeds and shot directions while under pressure from opponents at the net. The coach demonstrates drills where the defender must react to varied feeding patterns, including alternating between two opponents or receiving consecutive balls from the same side to increase intensity. These exercises place the defender in a challenging position, forcing them to maintain focus while anticipating attacks.

Tactical decision-making involves choosing shot direction based on the stroke used. Playing a forehand parallel and a backhand cross-court feels natural for a right-handed player, but the exercise also requires reversing these patterns to build versatility. When hitting off the glass, parallel shots are often effective, whereas cross-court shots offer more distance and allow for harder hitting. The final drill incorporates lobbing, where the player must land ten consecutive lobs behind the service line to succeed. This progression suits players looking to build consistency and tactical awareness in defensive situations.