Defensive positioning: moving forward after a lob

What this lesson covers

Defensive positioning centers on the back court area to execute effective lobs. Players maintain a starting position near the orange mark on the court to ensure they have enough space to use the glass or move back to set up the shot. Staying deep after hitting a lob prevents the player from anticipating the opponent's next move, whether it is a smash, a bandeja, or a ball into the corners.

Moving forward becomes the priority once a deep, high-quality lob is hit. This transition allows the player to anticipate short returns, block smashes, or counter-attack at the net. The coach demonstrates a drill where the player hits a lob and immediately steps forward to assess the opponent's response. This practice builds the habit of taking the net position rather than remaining static at the back. Players who struggle with timing their approach or feel hesitant to move forward after a lob benefit most from this exercise.