Rulo technique: vertical swing for net pressure

Vibora14:05Feb 8, 2026

Key takeaway from our Guru

How do I maintain my net position when I receive a difficult lob?

You must hit the ball from a high contact point and use a vertical downward swing. Keep the ball close to your body and rotate your shoulders to direct it toward the fence or the side glass.

What this lesson covers

This lesson focuses on the rulo, a high-contact shot designed to keep players at the net when facing uncomfortable lobs. The primary objective is to direct the ball toward the fence or the start of the side glass, preventing opponents from gaining an advantage. By hitting the ball at a high point and using a vertical downward motion, the player maintains offensive pressure and avoids the defensive trap of pushing the ball forward into the opponent's reach.

The coach emphasizes using the same high preparation as a vibora but adjusting the swing path to move from top to bottom. The paddle face should point toward the fence, with the shoulders driving the rotation rather than relying solely on the wrist. A key cue is to keep the ball close to the body's vertical line to ensure control over the direction. The non-dominant hand remains high to assist with balance and timing throughout the movement. This technique serves as a foundation for more advanced variations, allowing players to eventually transition into different placements like the feet or the center once the vertical contact point is mastered.

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Original video

Good for

Skill level

Intermediate, High Intermediate, High Advanced

Court position

Net

Play style

Offensive

Secondary shot

Volley

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