Net positioning: communication for overheads

What this lesson covers

When a lob travels toward the left shoulder of the forehand player, the backhand player takes responsibility for the overhead. This prevents the forehand player from hitting an awkward shot while moving toward the center, which leaves the court exposed and forces the partners to collide. The backhand player calls out the command mine to signal the switch.

Upon hearing the command, the forehand player moves laterally toward the side fence to clear the area. This movement removes the partner from the hitting path and allows the backhand player to direct the ball toward the middle or crosscourt without obstruction. Once the shot is played, the forehand player returns to the original position. Clear verbal communication is the primary tool for managing these transitions at the net.