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Back glass first, then side glass. Where does the ball go?
Back glass then side glass: the ball runs forward along the sideline, low. Move forward with it.
A ball bounces, hits your back glass, and then the side glass. Where does it come out and how do you play it?
Back glass then side glass: the ball runs forward along the sideline, low. Move forward with it.
Why
The order of the walls decides the exit path. A ball that hits the back glass first and then the side glass comes off the second wall heading forward, along the sideline, usually low and losing pace. The player has to move forward and toward the side to meet it before it dies, staying low. The reply from there is usually a lob down the line or a soft ball through the middle. You are not in a position to attack. Reading which wall comes first tells you where to go, and going early is what keeps this ball in play.
What this means at your level
Beginner
If the ball hits the back wall and then the side wall, it will run forward along the side. Follow it and lift it high.
Intermediate
Get low early and take it on the move. Waiting for it to come to you means it dies on the sideline.
Advanced
Against a pair that keeps finding this corner with sliced volleys, stand a step wider so you are beside the exit path instead of behind it.
Common questions
A ball bounces, hits your back glass, and then the side glass. Where does it come out and how do you play it?
Forward along the sideline, low: take it as it runs. Back glass then side glass: the ball runs forward along the sideline, low. Move forward with it. The order of the walls decides the exit path. A ball that hits the back glass first and then the side glass comes off the second wall heading forward, along the sideline, usually low and losing pace. The player has to move forward and toward the side to meet it before it dies, staying low. The reply from there is usually a lob down the line or a soft ball through the middle. You are not in a position to attack. Reading which wall comes first tells you where to go, and going early is what keeps this ball in play.
Why not toward the middle, like the other corner ball?
That is the side-then-back ball. This one comes out along the side, not toward the middle.
What should a beginner do here?
If the ball hits the back wall and then the side wall, it will run forward along the side. Follow it and lift it high.
How does this change for an advanced player?
Against a pair that keeps finding this corner with sliced volleys, stand a step wider so you are beside the exit path instead of behind it.
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.