Counter-attack from defence

Setup

1. Pair A attacks in front-and-back formation; pair B defends side by side.
2. Rallies start with B lifting to A's rear court.

How it runs

1. A1 smashes or plays a steep drop; B defends.
2. When the smash comes at body height or flatter, the defender drives it flat and fast past A2 into the mid or rear court, instead of lifting.
3. If A1 has to play the drive from below the tape, the ball comes up: the B player nearest the net steps in to the front and the partner drops back. B now attacks.
4. Play the rally out. B scores 2 for winning a rally after a counter-attack, 1 for any other win; A scores 1 per rally.
5. Five-minute blocks, then pairs swap roles.

Coaching points

• Read the smash early: steep and wide means lift or block; flat and at the body means counter.
• Short, punchy drive with the racket in front; aim past the front player's shoulder or down the sideline.
• Move forward straight after the counter: the shot only works if the pair follows it in.
• Talk: the player who counters goes forward, the partner takes the back.

Common mistakes

• Driving straight at the front player, who simply intercepts.
• Countering from a steep smash below the knees and lifting it short.
• Hitting a good counter and then staying back in defence.