Smash defence: shot selection and tactical decisions

What this lesson covers

Defending a smash requires immediate recognition of the ball position relative to the body. When the ball is behind the player, the priority is to keep the shot down the line or through the middle to maintain court coverage. Playing cross-court from a defensive position behind the baseline leaves the court open and forces the partner to cover too much space. A sliced volley motion works best in these situations to keep the ball low and controlled.

If the ball arrives in front of the player but lacks sufficient height, attempting a power finish often results in hitting the net. In these cases, a chiquita with an open grip slows the ball down and resets the rally. When the ball is high enough, jumping provides the necessary momentum to snap the wrist and clear the net safely. An open grip, similar to a lob, facilitates this wrist movement. Players can also choose to wait for the ball to pass and hit it toward the net or out the door if they have enough time to adjust their position. Practicing these scenarios for a few minutes per session builds the necessary instincts to make the right choice under pressure.