Defence is just as important as offence. Knowing how to handle an aggressive opponent can change the direction of a match. When you’re under pressure, giving yourself more time can help you reset and get back into position. Remember, hitting the ball slower with more shape can provide more time in comparison to hitting the ball faster and straight, which can take away time. A soft reset shot is one of the best ways to regain control and break their momentum. By taking the pace off the ball and dropping it into the non-volley zone, you force your opponent to move from attacking to dinking, giving yourself time to recover.
Why Good Defence Matters
You’ve seen it happen: a strong opponent attacking over and over while the other team scrambles, making mistakes. Good defensive skills can disrupt that pattern. A calm, controlled reset can take the sting out of an opponent’s power, forcing them to play your style instead. The best defenders know how to stay balanced, read the attack, and buy time until they can get back on even ground.
Defence isn’t just about surviving — it’s about giving yourself a chance to turn things around.
The Reset Shot: Your Defensive Safety Net
One of the simplest but most powerful defensive tools is the reset. By playing a soft, low shot into the kitchen, you take away your opponent’s angles and force them to hit up on the next ball. This levels the playing field and stops them from keeping the pressure on.
It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should be soft and controlled. That way you avoid feeding them another attackable ball.
Tips for Better Resets:
Keep your paddle soft, with a gentle grip
Aim for the middle of the kitchen to reduce angles
Stay balanced and avoid backing up while resetting
Focus on absorbing pace rather than counterattacking
Using the Defensive Lob
The lob can also be a valuable defensive play, especially against teams crowding the net. A high, deep lob can push opponents back, giving you time to reposition and reset your court coverage. But keep in mind that a short or low lob can be punished with an easy overhead.
Tips for Better Defensive Lobs:
Get under the ball and lift with a smooth motion
Aim high and deep, well over your opponents’ heads
Use the lob sparingly so it’s not predictable
Recover quickly to your ready position after you lob
Defending Body Shots
When opponents target your body, stay compact. Swinging too much can turn defence into an error. Instead, use a short, controlled motion and angle your paddle to block the ball back into play. This keeps you safe and can help you remain in the point.
Tips for Defending Body Attacks:
Keep your paddle close to your torso
Stay light on your feet so you can adjust quickly
Angle the paddle to soften and redirect shots
Avoid reaching too far — move instead
Turn DefenCe into Offence
A solid defensive mindset helps you weather the storm. Think about how you can give yourself more time to reset, get into position and be ready for the next shot before your opponents have a chance to attack the ball. The next time your opponents go on the attack, focus on resets, smart lobs, and calm blocks to stay in the point. Once you’ve neutralized their power, you can look for opportunities to turn the tables and go on the offensive yourself.
Good defence is more than survival — it’s a way to take back control of the game.