Net transition: assessing the lob before moving

What this lesson covers

Professional players do not rush to the net after every shot. They wait behind the service line to assess the quality of their lob. If the lob forces the opponents to hit a defensive shot, the players sprint forward quickly to secure the net position. If the lob is not deep or effective enough, they retreat behind the service line to defend from the back of the court.

Moving through the transition zone requires a clear decision. Players avoid lingering in no man's land, as this leaves them vulnerable to balls at their feet. If one partner moves forward and the other stays back, the pair risks being split, which makes defending difficult. Recreational players benefit from moving to the net together as a unit, which requires buying extra time to ensure the lob is truly effective before sprinting.