The All-Court Player

The all-court player has the strokes to win from the back and to finish at the net.

Source: General coaching reference (playing styles) · recall

With more tools, the all-court player can play the way that works best on the day.

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Too many options can lead to hesitation when a decision is needed fast.

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Net play and touch shots are what separate the all-court player from a baseliner.

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One stroke covers several jobs, which suits a game built on variety.

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Changing the type of ball and the type of point keeps a hitter from finding a groove.

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Baseline, net and touch skills all have to be built and combined.

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The all-court player uses the whole court; the pusher relies on a narrow set of safe shots.

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Testing comes first, then the evidence decides the plan.

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Contacts spread from the baseline to the net show a player using the whole court.

Source: General coaching reference (playing styles) · applied

A stretched opponent can only send back a weaker ball, so coming in pays.

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The player uses the moment the opponent is looking at a hard ball to steal forward.

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An opponent focused on reaching a ball does not see the move until it is too late.

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Off-balance players hit softer, higher balls, which are easier to volley.

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Moving in turns a defensive floater into a volley or swing volley.

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If the opponent knows when the rush is coming, the pass is waiting.

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A low, fast ball is difficult to lift over the net with a dipping pass.

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The weaker the opponent's position, the better the moment to come in.

Source: General coaching reference (playing styles) · applied

The deep ball pushes the opponent back, and the move in is timed while they defend.

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Out of position, player 2 can only send back a weaker ball, so moving in is the right call.

Source: General coaching reference (playing styles) · applied

The player takes a ball out of the air with a normal forehand or backhand swing.

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A slow, high ball gives time for the full swing and a comfortable contact height.

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Without a bounce to settle the ball, a big swing has a small timing window.

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A compact volley needs less time than a full swing.

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A high ball keeps rising after the bounce, so meeting it early keeps the player in position.

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Touch shots win points with feel and placement rather than pace.

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Match volleys come at every height, so each one needs its own technique.

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Taking it early with a big swing is the most aggressive; letting it bounce is the least.

Source: General coaching reference (playing styles) · applied

Early reading and set feet make the full swing possible.

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A full groundstroke swing at a ball that has not bounced is a swing volley.

Source: General coaching reference (playing styles) · applied

Without short balls, the all-court player has to rally from the back instead of using the net.

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Facing a player who comes forward often, the pass and the lob will be needed again and again.

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Every rush leaves space behind the volleyer, and the lob uses it.

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A deep, heavy ball pins the opponent back and takes away the floater they move in on.

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A varied game gives fewer repeated habits to read.

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Chasing every change hands control to the opponent; a clear plan keeps it.

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Kept back, the all-court player loses the part of the game that sets them apart.

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Depth keeps them back; when they come in anyway, the pass or lob answers.

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The shorter and softer the ball, the easier it is to approach on.

Source: General coaching reference (playing styles) · applied

A deep ball pins the player back; short balls invite the approach.

Source: General coaching reference (playing styles) · applied