Net Defence (Part-3)
The ball is returned from point A, Figure 1. The average player makes his mistake in defense by standing at point B, where there are twenty-eight feet to cover, fourteen feet on each side -- more than he can cover. There he could easily be passed at right or left. He should stand at X. Then he can defend either side by volley, for there are only twenty-five feet to cover, or 121/2 feet on each side of him. Experience shows that this width can be protected. In this plate A is on the left. If it were on the other side, or right, the directions would be reversed, but the principle is the same.
A, Figure 2, represents a ball driven from a shorter distance from the net. Take note of the X and you will see that your position would be about eight feet from the net, but about two feet from the center of the court. Notice the larger angle your opponent has to pass you on your backhand, therefore take position a little to left of center line. A in this plate is on the left. If it were on the other side, or to your right, reverse the directions. The principle is the same. Note this: At the point X you have only twenty-one feet to protect; at B you would have twenty-four feet to cover.
A, Figure 3, represents a ball driven from as close to the net as a player would care to place it. He has to be very quick, and active to volley a return from this part of the court. Your position would be at X, but try to fore guess your opponent's intention as to the side he expects to return the ball or as to his favorite shol from that part of the court. The point X is the position to take, giving you sixteen feet only to protect. At B you would have twenty feet to protect. The point B is too far back. The principle is the same if your opponent is on the other side of the court. A volleyer should al-ways remember to volley deep in order to force his opponent to the back of the court and give himself more time on the next return.
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