Bandeja: Shuffle Back, Slice, Return Forward
The Situation
You are lobbed while at the net. The lob is medium depth — not short enough to attack, not deep enough to let bounce.
What To Do
Use lateral shuffle steps to retreat — do not turn your back to the court. Hold the racket high with wrist cocked as if carrying a tray. Strike at shoulder height with a top-to-bottom slicing motion. Immediately move back to the net after the shot.
Why It Works
The bandeja's slicing motion creates backspin that makes the ball die after bouncing, reducing the opponent's options. As Racket Trip describes: the arm finishes toward the opposite hip to ensure full rotation. The shot is entirely about keeping net position — not winning the point.
Court Positioning
Player shuffles back (sideways, facing court) → racket held high like a tray → contact at shoulder height → sliced arm swing finishes at opposite hip → player steps forward back to net.
Court View
Bird's-eye view — attacking net position
Skill Level
Víbora Only on Short Lobs — Never Deep
The opponent lobs short — the ball is above shoulder height and well inside the service line.
Always Lob to the Backhand Overhead Side
You are choosing where to direct your lobs from the back of the court.
Let the Perfect Lob Bounce — Use the Wall
Your opponent lobs perfectly deep and the ball is heading into the back corner.