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How do you move for a ball off the back glass?
Turn side-on early, shuffle back with the ball, watch it hit the glass, then step forward into the shot.
A ball is going past you to the back glass. What is the correct footwork to play the rebound?
Turn side-on early, shuffle back with the ball, watch it hit the glass, then step forward into the shot.
Why
Wall play is footwork first. As the ball goes past, turn side-on, the same way you would set up for a groundstroke, so that you can see both the ball and the court over your shoulder. Shuffle back with small steps, keeping the ball in front of you as it goes to the glass. Watch it hit the wall, let it come out, and then step forward into the shot with your weight moving toward the net. The step forward is what turns a defensive scramble into a controlled lob or drive; players who hit off the back foot float the ball short.
What this means at your level
Beginner
Turn sideways as soon as the ball goes past you. Small steps back, eyes on the ball, then step into it when it comes off the wall.
Intermediate
Keep your racket back and ready during the shuffle, so the only thing left to do when the ball comes out is swing.
Advanced
The last step forward is timed to the rebound: it lands as the ball reaches its hitting height. Late steps produce late, floating balls.
Common questions
A ball is going past you to the back glass. What is the correct footwork to play the rebound?
Turn side-on, shuffle back, watch it hit, step into the shot. Turn side-on early, shuffle back with the ball, watch it hit the glass, then step forward into the shot. Wall play is footwork first. As the ball goes past, turn side-on, the same way you would set up for a groundstroke, so that you can see both the ball and the court over your shoulder. Shuffle back with small steps, keeping the ball in front of you as it goes to the glass. Watch it hit the wall, let it come out, and then step forward into the shot with your weight moving toward the net. The step forward is what turns a defensive scramble into a controlled lob or drive; players who hit off the back foot float the ball short.
Why not run straight back, turn at the wall, swing?
Running straight back means your back is to the court and you have to spin round at the last second. Turn early.
What should a beginner do here?
Turn sideways as soon as the ball goes past you. Small steps back, eyes on the ball, then step into it when it comes off the wall.
How does this change for an advanced player?
The last step forward is timed to the rebound: it lands as the ball reaches its hitting height. Late steps produce late, floating balls.
Puzzles like this one
The 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.
intermediateA smash is coming at you. What is your job?
You are not trying to win this ball. You are trying to still be in the point two shots from now.