Let’s do a quick review.
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The 3rd Shot is either a drop or a drive.
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The 4th Shot? That’s just your response to whatever they threw at you.
And more often than not, you’ll be hitting your 4th shot from the kitchen line—assuming you made it there after your return of serve (which you should!).
That’s why we drill the 4th shot from the kitchen line—it’s where most of them happen.
Here’s what to do depending on your opponent’s 3rd shot:
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Bad drop attempt? → Punish it with an offensive shot
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Good drop? → Drop it back softly
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Drive? → Hold your ground and fire back a strong volley
Simple decisions—but they need to be trained.