Footwork first: defend the back glass

Most club points are lost with the feet, not the hands. If you arrive late, every shot is a rescue. Start each rally on the balls of your feet, racket up, and split-step as your opponent strikes.

At the back glass, let the ball come to you. Play one extra step behind where you think you should stand, keep the swing short, and lift through the ball instead of smashing at it. Patience from deep court wins more points than hero shots.

Drill it simply: twenty minutes of wall volleys, then lob-and-recover rounds where the goal is ten calm returns in a row. Count them out loud with a partner and watch your defence settle.

This is where a control frame earns its place. The Vortex Control Racket forgives late contact, and the Indoor Clay Racket stays steady when rallies stretch long on slower surfaces.