- Rally - the continuous sequence of shots that occurs from the moment the ball is served until a point is scored or a fault is committed.
- Volley - any shot hit out of the air before the ball hits the ground.
- Dink - a soft, controlled shot hit from the Non-Volley Zone (NVZ) that is intended to land in the opponent's kitchen.
- Lob - a high, arching shot intended to go over the heads of opponents who are positioned at the kitchen line, forcing them to retreat to the baseline.
- Smash - a high-velocity, downward hit executed when the ball is high in the air, usually in response to an opponent’s weak lob or a high "pop-up."
- Drive - a hard, fast, low-trajectory shot hit with pace and often topspin.
- Drop - a soft, arched shot hit from the baseline or transition area that is intended to land in the opponent’s kitchen.
- Reset - a defensive maneuver used to kill the momentum of a fast-paced rally by hitting a soft, controlled shot that lands in the opponent's kitchen.
- Split Step - a foundational footwork maneuver used to transition from a state of movement to a state of readiness.
- Kitchen / No-Volley Zone (NVZ)
- Banger - a player who relies almost exclusively on power, hitting nearly every shot with maximum velocity and pace.
- Get to kitchen quickly. In doubles, non-receiving player should be closer or at kitchen line.
- Practice ready position - Paddle up, bent knees, wide feet, on balls of feet.
- Split Step - do a little hop right as the other player hits the ball. Land with low center of gravity on balls of feet, knees bent, feet slightly wider than shoulders.
- If opponents paddle is low, consider raising yours in order to anticipate a more ready response. And vice versa.
- Use "You" and "Me" to call claim or pass on incoming balls.
- Be prepared to move, don't reach.
- Aim low and at opponents shins.
- Aim toward opponents offhand, forcing a backhand shot.
- Aim toward where they are leaving from (if they are moving left responding to last hit, aim right).
- Attempt to keep a flat trajectory on the ball, as low as possible but over the net.
- Recover to ready position quickly after hits, even if you suspect a point score.
- Develop and keep a calming ritual before serving.
- Stay legal - Contact ball upward, below waist, and below highest part of wrist.
- Aim deep, like last 1 ft of service box.
- Aim to opponents offhand, forcing a backhand swing.
- Vary your aim location to keep opponent on their toes.
- Aim 3rd shot at person coming in, they will have a more difficult time.
- Get to kitchen quickly after 3rd shot.
- Stand a few steps behind back court line.
- Send the ball back as deep as possible to keep servers backed up.
Note: banger is not a great strategy above low skill level.
- Stay calm.
- Don't bang back.
- Watch carefully for out-shots - they are far more likely. Consider ball height, back swing, positioning, momentum, history.
- Slightly raise your paddle height in ready position.
- Keep a firm wrist and compact swing.
- Extra consideration for aiming lower, toward offhand, and down middle of court.
- If they bang consistently, often 2nd bang will go out.