Defensive position
The defensive position is the back of the court, behind the service line, where a pair plays from when they have lost the net. From defensive position, the priorities are keeping the rally alive, reading the walls, and lobbing well to push the opposing pair back so your pair can move forward to the net.
What is the defensive position?
Defensive position is where the back-court pair stands - both players roughly a metre to a metre and a half behind their own service line, level with each other, covering the back of the court. From there the pair reads the opponents’ shots, plays groundstrokes and wall recoveries, and looks for chances to lob the opposing net pair and approach the net themselves.
When does it come into play?
You are in defensive position any time the opposing pair is at the net and your pair is at the back. This is the dominant position for the receiving pair after a strong serve, and for any pair that has been pushed back by aggressive net play. The aim is not to win points from here - it is to keep the rally alive and look for a lob opportunity.
How to stand
Both partners stand level with each other, a metre to a metre and a half behind the service line, covering their half of the court. The non-dominant shoulder points slightly inward so backhand wall recoveries are easier. The racket head is held in front of the body at chest height so the player can react in either direction.
Coach tip: Defensive position is patience training. You will not win the point from the back of the court in most rallies - the win comes from a well-placed lob that forces the opposing pair to retreat, after which your pair moves up. Resist the urge to over-hit from the back.
Common mistakes
Two patterns hurt amateur back-court pairs. First, trying to win the point from the back with hard cross-court drives - the opposing net pair will volley them off for an easy winner. Second, abandoning the back position to chase the ball forward, which leaves the court open. Hold position, lob, then move.
