Fence shots: when to play short from the net

What this lesson covers

Aggressive play at the net relies on reading ball position relative to the body. When the incoming ball stays inside the body line, avoid forcing a shot to the fence. These balls lack the necessary angle and should return to the middle or the opponent's feet to maintain court structure.

Target the fence when the ball arrives on the outside of the body. This position provides the angle needed to shorten the trajectory effectively. If the opponent forces a wide reach that leaves the player off-balance, abandon the fence target. Instead, play down the line to recover the center of the court. This tactical framework suits players looking to build a consistent decision-making process for net transitions.