Defensive shot selection: varying height and target
Key takeaway from our Guru
How can I make my defensive shots from the back of the court more difficult for the net player?
You should practice alternating between a chiquita to the feet, a fast ball to the body, and a high lob. Keep your swing compact for all three to disguise your intention and prevent your opponent from reading the shot.
What this lesson covers
Players often hit neutral balls that allow opponents at the net to finish points easily. This drill focuses on controlling the height of shots from the back of the court to force difficult volleys. The exercise involves hitting three distinct types of shots toward the opponent's backhand: a chiquita that dips at the feet, a fast ball to the body, and a high lob.
Maintaining a compact swing is necessary for all three variations to ensure the opponent cannot read the shot early. Disguising the intention is as important as the placement. This progression works well during a pre-match warm-up, turning a routine hit into a focused session on accuracy and consistency. It suits players looking to transition from thoughtless defensive play to tactical shot selection.
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Original video
Added on Sep 19, 2026
Good for
Court position
Backcourt
Play style
Control
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