P123 PHASE

P3 · Finish only when earned

P3 is the finish phase of P123 point building: use the opening the attack created, and only finish when the space is genuinely there.

Decision: The reply floats back. Where is the opening?

Check the defender’s side of the court before your next shot.

• Place to open court — GOOD READ: A controlled placement into the exposed half forces a long recovery run. A controlled placement into the exposed half forces a long recovery run. The target stays inside the singles sideline.
• Toward defender’s side — FAIR OPTION: The defender already occupies this half. The defender already occupies this half. Another target may make them move farther.
• Flatten near sideline — TOUGH CHOICE: A flat ball close to the line removes your margin. A flat ball close to the line removes your margin. A clean winner is possible, but it is not required by this opening.

Part of the P123 point-building pattern. The full P123 route is lesson 002: P1 → P2 → P3: Build, attack, finish.