Down-the-line passing shot

The decision

Decision: The net player leaves a line. How will you pass?

You are behind the baseline. The defender is near the middle, near the net.

• Lift through the line — Use net clearance — GOOD READ: Your shot gives the defender a target they can reach without a long sideways run. The ball lands 0.8 m inside the sideline. The defender travels 7.1 m back and returns deep in this example.
• Flat low pass — Force a winner — TOUGH CHOICE: Behind the baseline, this low path leaves little room for error. The ball lands 1.2 m inside the sideline. The defender travels 6.8 m back and returns deep in this example.

What to take into the next point

A line pass needs a target inside the sideline.

What a good read looks like

The read this lesson trains: Choose enough clearance for a down-line passing shot. Decisions where the defender’s visible position decides which side of the court is open, and whether changing direction is worth it. In the interactive lesson you play the rally, make the call, and then read why it worked or did not. The coaching grades the decision, not just the point outcome — a good read can still lose the rally, and the lesson says why.

Part of the Direction change and open court pattern

Every lesson that trains this pattern is collected on the Direction change and open court pattern page.

Related lessons in this pattern

• Pulled wide. What do you play? — SIMULATION-BUILT LESSON · lesson 1 of 50
• Return away from the server — ORIGINAL LESSON · lesson 15 of 50
• Crosscourt passing shot under pressure — ORIGINAL LESSON · lesson 21 of 50

Free to play

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