Double glass and bandeja: tactical positioning

What this lesson covers

Anticipating the ball path is the foundation of defending the double glass. Players often freeze or stand in front of the ball, forcing a desperate scoop. Instead, identify whether the ball hits the side or back glass first and move behind it to open up more shot options. Maintaining space between the body and the ball is equally vital during the bajada, where hitting too close to the body causes a loss of balance and poor shot selection.

Net positioning requires constant alertness, especially when the opponent attacks off the back glass. Late volleys often result from standing upright with the racket held too low. When hitting a bandeja, the primary objective is to recover the net position immediately. Staying at the service line leaves the court exposed and allows opponents to take the net. Finally, overhead direction determines the outcome of the point. Avoid hitting flat smashes that bounce directly off the back glass, as this sets up the opponent. Either hit with enough speed to finish the point or soft enough to keep the opponents pinned at the back.