Side fence defense: anticipation and racket position

What this lesson covers

Defending shots directed at the side fence starts with tactical awareness. If a rival forces play toward the fence, assess the ball trajectory and the opponent's style before committing to a move. When the ball bounces softly or lacks spin, allow it to hit the fence and play it afterward. Keep the racket ready and stay alert for the drop.

When anticipation is required to prevent the ball from hitting the fence, move forward to close the angle. Position yourself ahead of the service line to intercept the ball early. Keep the racket low and in front of the body at all times to avoid contact with the glass or fence. Avoid a full backswing. Instead, use a compact motion similar to a half-volley, letting the ball's incoming speed do the work. Focus on clean contact and redirecting the ball cross-court without applying extra force. On the deuce side, pay extra attention to keeping the arm and racket in front of the body to maintain control and avoid hitting the glass behind you.