Vibora technique: body position and footwork

What this lesson covers

Cold weather conditions reduce ball bounce and make finishing points with a smash risky. Replacing the smash with a vibora allows players to maintain pressure and finish points when the ball stays low. The coach demonstrates how to move backward quickly when a lob falls short, ensuring the ball stays in front of the body rather than overhead. This positioning allows the player to step forward into the shot with a long lunge on the left foot, lowering the body to flatten the ball trajectory.

Preparation involves placing the racket behind the head with the elbow at shoulder height while the non-dominant hand tracks the incoming ball. At the moment of impact, the arm extends fully, and the swing continues naturally without being forced to a stop. Aiming the shot cross-court toward the side fence makes the ball difficult to defend, though directing it toward the middle or at the opponent's feet also limits their reaction time. This technique suits players who struggle to put away points when the ball feels heavy.