Pro tactics: fence shots, drop shots, and net play

What this lesson covers

Professional players utilize the fence to create unpredictable rebounds during attacks. By opening the racket face and making contact well in front of the body on the outside, players direct the ball toward the central area of the fence. This approach prioritizes margin over speed, avoiding the corners near the glass or door. Drop shots serve to pull opponents toward the net, provided the preparation mimics a standard volley to disguise the intent until the final moment. Adding slice helps the ball retreat toward the net after the bounce, though timing remains critical to avoid setting up an easy counter-attack.

Effective net play relies on a timely split step, executed as the opponent makes contact to keep the body weight on the toes for quick reactions. When hunting for a winner, pros favor cross-court trajectories. This angle allows for a full body swing and greater acceleration compared to parallel shots, which carry higher risks of hitting the glass or net. Finally, the classic transition combo involves hitting a deep, sliced volley to force a defensive response, then immediately closing the net to intercept the ball as it exits the glass.