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Tip of the day
Coach Jordan Briones breaks down the three shots that decide most rallies: the return, the third-shot drop, and the fourth shot.
On the return, back off the baseline. Standing on the line against a deep server forces you to take the ball right off the bounce, and it kills your momentum to the net.
Read forehand or backhand the moment the serve leaves the paddle and turn your shoulders immediately. Late prep is how returns land short or in the net.
Hit the return with your momentum moving forward, even if that costs a little depth. A deep return you have to stand still for leaves you stuck in transition.
Aim your returns deep down the middle instead of flirting with corners. And if you're not fast, add loft to keep the ball in the air longer while you get to the line.
On the third-shot drop, create space. When a deep return comes in, adjust your feet back so you take the ball a little after the apex instead of getting jammed.
Keep your swing speed slow to medium. Drops that sail high and get crushed usually come from swinging too fast, not from bad aim.
Decide drive or drop early and never change the decision mid-flight. Send your thirds toward the middle with real margin over the net, because pros almost never miss thirds wide and it's because they don't aim near lines.
On the fourth shot, stop moving before your opponent hits. Split step after your return so you're stable for the volley instead of hitting on the run.
Then pin them deep with your paddle face open, pushing the volley forward and out rather than swinging high to low. Swinging down is how fourth-shot volleys die in the net, and overswinging for winners is how they sail out.
Against drivers, keep it to a compact punch volley. Against droppers, lean in, take the ball above knee height, and be aggressive back with topspin.
Key points
Start behind the baseline, turn your shoulders as soon as the serve leaves the paddle, and return deep middle with momentum moving forward.
On third-shot drops, adjust your feet back from deep returns so you contact a little after the apex.
Keep drop swing speed slow to medium and commit early to drive or drop without changing your mind.
Split step and stop before your opponent hits so you're stable for the fourth shot.
Push fourth-shot volleys out with an open face and a compact swing, never down and never for a winner.
Deal of the day
Meme of the day
Chivalry is dead? 🤣
That’s it for today! As always, thank you for reading. 🙏
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Happy pickling,
Paul
