Third-Shot Decisions: Inside-In on a Center-Line Return, Middle on a Middle Ball, Aggressive Roll Crosscourt When It’s Wide
Summary
Tanner’s third-shot choices depend on where the return lands. If you get a return that’s over the center line, go inside-in to catch your opponent completely off guard. If you get a middle return, push it middle — you don’t have much to work with. If you get a wide return, hit an aggressive roll crosscourt.
Key takeaways
- Return over the center line → go inside-in to catch the opponent off guard
- Middle return → push middle (you don’t have much angle to work with)
- Wide return → hit an aggressive roll crosscourt
Action items
- In drilling, call the return location (center-line / middle / wide) before you choose the third shot
- Hit 8 of each pattern: inside-in, middle-middle, and an aggressive crosscourt roll