The short version. Let the ball hit the glass. Stand further forward than you think, turn side-on, let the ball come out past you, then lift it deep or low. Patience here is the difference between beginners and club players.
Why waiting works
A ball that bounces on your side and carries into the back glass loses speed twice: on the bounce and on the wall. When it comes back out it is slower, higher, and heading towards the net, which is the direction you want to hit it. Rushing it before the wall means hitting a faster, lower ball. The glass is doing you a favour; accept it.
Where to stand
Most beginners stand with their backs almost touching the glass, then find the ball has nowhere to go. Start two to three metres in front of the back wall. As the ball goes past you towards the glass, turn side-on and move back with it, keeping it in front of you as it comes off.
Timing
- Let it come past your hip. Hit the ball as it comes back level with you or slightly in front, not as it hits the glass.
- Short backswing. The ball arrives at its own pace. A long swing makes you late.
- Low to high. Most balls off the glass are lifted, so finish high.
The three replies
- The lob. Your default. Deep over the net players, ideally to the backhand side, so you and your partner can take the net back.
- The chiquita. Low and soft to the net players’ feet, when they are close to the net and you want to move forward. See the chiquita.
- The bajada. If the ball comes off the glass high and slow, attack it downwards with a firm, flat shot. Use sparingly until you can control it.
Double walls
When the ball hits the side glass and then the back glass (or the other way round), it changes direction twice. The rule is the same: wait, turn, let it come out. We cover it in the side glass and double walls.
Drills
- Feed and wait. A partner feeds balls deep from the net. You must let every one hit the glass before playing it. Twenty in a row before you are allowed to hit one early.
- Lob only. Play points where the back pair may only lob. It teaches height, depth and patience at the same time.
Quick answers
Should I hit the ball before or after the back wall?
If it is going to reach the glass at a comfortable height, after. The wall takes pace off the ball and gives you time. Hitting it early is usually rushing.
Why do I keep missing balls off the back glass?
Usually because you stand too close to the wall. Start further forward than feels natural and move back with the ball.