Defensive wall shots: technique and movement

What this lesson covers

Defensive play off the glass relies on a single movement pattern. Open the racket and the corresponding leg simultaneously to establish the hitting shape. Adjust the stance by moving backward for slow balls or forward for fast ones. When the ball travels toward the body, move away to create space. If the ball moves away, step toward it to maintain the distance.

Corner play involves managing rebounds off the side glass. For balls hitting the first side panel, take the shot after the first bounce with the racket held low. When the ball hits the second side glass, take a deeper step to prepare for the rebound. Use the same base technique regardless of the bounce pattern. For balls hitting the back glass, wait for the ball to separate from the glass before initiating the swing. Push into the shot and recover to the center position. When the ball is close to the body, convert the swing to finish in an optimal defensive stance.