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Match point for you, you are at the net. Where does the volley go?
Match point up: hit the shot that got you there. Firmly to the feet, then finish the next one if you have to.
You have match point and a comfortable volley above the net. Both opponents are at the back. Where do you hit it?
Match point up: hit the shot that got you there. Firmly to the feet, then finish the next one if you have to.
Why
Match point up is the point most often lost to a change of habit: a player who has volleyed to the feet all match suddenly tries the angle or the drop, misses, and the match goes on. The correct shot is the one that has been working: a firm volley to the feet of the deeper opponent, forcing the lift, and the readiness to hit one more volley if the first does not end it. The match is won by the pattern, not by the flourish, and the pair that plays the last point exactly like the previous fifty closes it far more often.
What this means at your level
Beginner
On match point, do not try anything new. Hit the volley you have hit all afternoon, to their feet, and be ready for one more.
Intermediate
Aim at the player who has made more errors. Pressure finds the weaker hands on the last point.
Advanced
If the first volley comes back, the second one goes to the same place. Repetition under pressure is a skill; variety is a risk.
Common questions
You have match point and a comfortable volley above the net. Both opponents are at the back. Where do you hit it?
The same volley as all match: firmly to the feet. Match point up: hit the shot that got you there. Firmly to the feet, then finish the next one if you have to. Match point up is the point most often lost to a change of habit: a player who has volleyed to the feet all match suddenly tries the angle or the drop, misses, and the match goes on. The correct shot is the one that has been working: a firm volley to the feet of the deeper opponent, forcing the lift, and the readiness to hit one more volley if the first does not end it. The match is won by the pattern, not by the flourish, and the pair that plays the last point exactly like the previous fifty closes it far more often.
Why not a sharp angle to finish in style?
The angle reaches the side glass and comes back. Style is what loses match points.
What should a beginner do here?
On match point, do not try anything new. Hit the volley you have hit all afternoon, to their feet, and be ready for one more.
How does this change for an advanced player?
If the first volley comes back, the second one goes to the same place. Repetition under pressure is a skill; variety is a risk.
Puzzles like this one
Both of them are at the net. What is the highest-percentage ball?
Only the lob moves a net pair backwards. Everything else invites them forward.
intermediateWhat do you do with the return of serve?
The return lob is how the receiving pair steals the net. Aim over the player who is still moving.
advancedThey are camped at the net and you cannot lob. What now?
If you cannot lift it over them, make them lift it for you. The chiquita is a slow ball at their feet.