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The ball hits your side glass and comes across. How do you play it?
Side glass sends the ball back across. Step toward the middle and let it come to you.
A cross-court ball bounces and hits your side glass, coming back across the court toward the middle. How do you set up?
Side glass sends the ball back across. Step toward the middle and let it come to you.
Why
A ball that hits the side glass comes off it heading back across the court, at roughly the mirror angle. The defender steps toward the middle, turns partly toward the wall to watch the ball, and lets it come to a comfortable hitting position in front of them. Rushing toward the wall puts you on top of the ball; waiting in place lets it pass behind you. The side-glass ball usually arrives at a good height and gives time, so it is often the moment for a controlled lob or a firm drive rather than a scramble.
What this means at your level
Beginner
When the ball is going to hit your side wall, take a step toward the middle of the court and wait for it to come across.
Intermediate
Watch the ball hit the wall. Your racket goes back as it hits, and you swing as it comes toward you.
Advanced
Balls with side spin come off the side glass at unexpected angles. Read the spin from the hitter's racket and adjust your first step.
Common questions
A cross-court ball bounces and hits your side glass, coming back across the court toward the middle. How do you set up?
Step toward the middle and let the ball come across to you. Side glass sends the ball back across. Step toward the middle and let it come to you. A ball that hits the side glass comes off it heading back across the court, at roughly the mirror angle. The defender steps toward the middle, turns partly toward the wall to watch the ball, and lets it come to a comfortable hitting position in front of them. Rushing toward the wall puts you on top of the ball; waiting in place lets it pass behind you. The side-glass ball usually arrives at a good height and gives time, so it is often the moment for a controlled lob or a firm drive rather than a scramble.
Why not rush to the glass to take it early?
You will be on top of the ball with no room. Let the wall do the work and take it as it comes across.
What should a beginner do here?
When the ball is going to hit your side wall, take a step toward the middle of the court and wait for it to come across.
How does this change for an advanced player?
Balls with side spin come off the side glass at unexpected angles. Read the spin from the hitter's racket and adjust your first step.
Puzzles like this one
The ball is at your feet at the net. What now?
A ball below the net cannot be attacked. Block it deep and wait for one above the tape.
beginnerThe ball is coming off the back glass. When do you hit it?
Move back with the ball, let it pass you, hit it in front of your body.
beginnerThe ball bounced then hit your own back glass. Still in play?
One bounce on the floor, then any number of walls. Only a second floor bounce ends the point.