Gancho technique: avoiding high backhand volleys

What this lesson covers

Players often struggle with lobs directed toward the middle of the court, frequently resorting to high backhand volleys that cause them to fall away from the net. This approach creates defensive gaps and makes rapid recovery difficult. The alternative is to prioritize the front side of the racket, using an overhead motion instead of a backhand volley for any ball coming over the shoulder.

When executing a gancho, the movement remains compact. The player starts from a high bandeja position and simply blocks the ball over the shoulder, avoiding unnecessary elbow extension or large swings. Aiming the gancho cross-court helps maintain court position, whereas hitting down the line risks opening too much space for the opponents. This tactical choice is standard at the professional level, where players consistently opt for a gancho or rulo rather than a backhand volley to keep the initiative.