Vibora technique: fixing common errors

What this lesson covers

This lesson addresses six technical errors that compromise the quality of the vibora. The first two mistakes involve improper preparation; keeping the racket too far from the body or pointing the head toward the net forces excessive wrist movement. Instead, keep the racket behind the head to maintain a compact, controlled motion. A third common fault is moving straight backward when tracking a lob. To maintain balance and speed, move sideways and toward the fence, allowing for a more effective cross-court contact point.

Regarding the racket face, avoid opening it toward the ceiling, which leads to high, defensive balls. Imagine a roof over your head to keep the face closed and ensure a downward trajectory. Furthermore, dropping the racket head—a habit often carried over from tennis serves—prevents the necessary horizontal slice. Keep the elbow at a 90-degree angle and aim the racket top toward the net to accelerate through the ball. Finally, hitting the ball late often stems from lazy footwork. Early recognition of the lob and quick, lateral movement are essential to ensure the contact point remains in front of the body, particularly for players on the right side of the court.