Net position and smash technique for tennis players

What this lesson covers

Tennis players often struggle with court positioning at the net. They frequently step inside the service line, which creates large gaps in the cross-court area. Opponents can exploit this by hitting lobs into the corners. Moving as a unit with a partner remains the most effective way to cover the court and maintain defensive integrity.

Regarding the smash, many players make the mistake of contacting the ball behind their body while falling backward. This prevents them from regaining the net position and often results in a weak shot. Instead of forcing an aggressive smash from the back of the court, players should use the bandeja to maintain control and move forward. When a lob goes deep, the goal is to get behind the ball and attack off the back glass with a bajada. Players who avoid the glass by hitting half-volleys often find themselves under pressure. Forcing opponents to play balls that hit the side glass is a reliable tactic to generate errors or weak returns.