Fridge tactic: targeting a player to control the game

What this lesson covers

The fridge tactic involves directing the majority of shots toward one opponent to isolate them, reduce their partner's involvement, and maintain a consistent court position. By focusing on a weaker player, a team creates a clear objective and forces the opponents to defend a specific corner. This strategy remains effective as long as the targeted player stays under pressure and the opposing partner remains frustrated. To keep the targeted player in that corner, an aggressive volley early in the point forces them to cover their space before the team shifts focus back to them.

When caught in the fridge, the isolated player needs to regain involvement by hitting lobs down the line. A high lob allows that player to move toward the net to block the next shot, effectively forcing the opponents to change direction and hit toward the partner. Serving into the opponent's body also limits their ability to angle returns away. If the pressure becomes too much, the team can counter by switching sides on the serve or by adopting the same tactic against the opponents to shift the psychological burden back onto them.