Reading the GameĀ &
Making DecisionsĀ
Take Control of the Court!
Smart players donāt just reactāthey dictate the game. Learn how to use placement and pressure to outthink and outplay your opponents.
āļø Be sure to bookmark this page for easy access later, and check your inbox for a printable handout!Ā āļø
Placement
Dividing the Court for Smart Shot Placement. Middle vs Outsides
Pressure
Combine lateral & forward pressureĀ to dictate play and create opportunities.
Picking a Fight
Choose the right type of pressure at the right time to maximize your effect.
Middle vs Outsides
Every shot you hit influences your opponentās next move. Use smart placement to control the rally and create offensive opportunities.
š¹ Balls to the Middle ā The middle is your attack zone.
- Great for applying pressure and setting up an offensive shot.
- ForcesĀ pop ups into the middle zone for attacking.
- Limits angles, making it harder for opponents to move you effectively.
š¹ Balls to the Outsides ā Use width to stretch your opponents.
- More angle forces them to move and defend out of position.
- Longer distance gives you more spaceĀ to add pace & spin.
- Opens up the middle for a strong follow-up attack.
Hit with intention, control the rally, and dictate the point!
Applying Pressure
When faced with an opportunity to pressure your opponents, you have two effectiveĀ options to take control of the point:
š¹ Lateral Pressure ā Hurt them with wicked placement. Use a sharp cross-court dink or an offensive dink to the open court. This forces your opponent to move, often generating a pop-up for an easy attack.
š¹ Forward Pressure ā Speed it up and apply pace. Drive the ball at your opponentās body to jam them up, forcing a weak return or setting up a put-away.
Donāt justĀ default to power to apply pressure. Ā Utilize both lateral and forward pressure to create opportunities.
When to Pick a Fight
Ā Not all speed-ups are created equal. To win a firefight, you must have two key factors in place before you pull the trigger:
Be Balanced and In Position
š¹ Ā Firefights arenāt won with a single shot. You need to be ready for the hand battle that follows. You MUST be balanced and in position to initiate the speed up!Ā Never speed up out of desperationādo it deliberately.
Choose the Right Ball to Attack
š¹ Contact height is everything. As you contact below the net, attacking the wrong ball can backfire. You don't want to be lifting up an attack.
Follow this golden rule:
If itās high ā make them cry.
If itās low ā go slow.
Be smart, be steady, and pick your fights wisely to win more points!
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