Net positioning and decision making

What this lesson covers

Being at the net does not automatically mean a player is in an attacking position. If the opponent hits a high lob, the net player transitions into a defensive situation. A player must read the opponent's shot and anticipate their next move based on the ball's trajectory. When holding the racket in front of the body, a player keeps options open to either play a chiquita or a lob. Movement is constant because staying stationary after hitting the ball limits the ability to cover the court.

Avoiding the first barrier, the net, is a priority. A player should never hit the net, especially when the opponent has already played a lob. Against a left-handed player, opening the angle too wide creates unnecessary risk. Playing without pressure against higher-level opponents can lead to a false sense of performance. Focusing on small tactical decisions, such as reading the opponent's patterns, helps bridge the gap between skill levels.