Moco potato shot: control and depth

What this lesson covers

The moco or potato shot is a slow, deep overhead designed to keep opponents pinned at the back of the court. The ball must land close to the baseline to prevent the opponent from attacking the net or playing a ball at the feet. If the shot is too short, the opponent gains an advantage by moving forward. If it is too deep, the ball may bounce off the glass too aggressively.

Execution relies on core rotation rather than wrist manipulation. The player loads the hip during preparation and uses the body weight to guide the ball toward the target. The follow-through remains full and controlled, avoiding any sudden deceleration or stiff, square movements. By rotating the core and shifting weight forward, the player maintains consistent length and accuracy. This shot is built for reliability rather than power, making it a high-percentage option for building points during a match.