Question: Where should I aim defensive shots in baseline rallies?
Answer: In baseline rallies, you should aim defensive shots deep and somewhat, but not too sharply, crosscourt.
Aiming crosscourt gives you several advantages:
- You are hitting over the lowest part of the net.
- You have more depth into which to hit.
- If you hit late, which is often the case in defensive situations, you are less likely to hit wide.
- You are closer to the position you need to take to be ready for the next shot: the middle of the angles your opponent might hit next.
- reducing your risk of hitting wide
- reducing your opponent's ability to hit sharp angles
