I’ve been playing for about a year and a half, and from early on I’ve deliberately taken an “anti-smash” approach for my level. Instead of trying to win points with power, I’ve focused on building a solid base: controlled placement, consistency, correct technique, and making smart decisions. Most of my work has gone into the fundamentals—clean volleys, reliable bandejas, rulo, and generally constructing points rather than forcing them.
That approach has paid off when I play people around my level (or slightly below). I can stay calm, keep the ball in play, put it where I want, and I usually feel like I’m dictating the rhythm.
But the moment I step up against slightly stronger players, I start to feel overwhelmed—mainly because of the difference in power and how easily they generate it. The ball comes faster, heavier, and with more depth, and it instantly compresses the time I have to set up and execute my usual “controlled” game.
When I try to respond by adding pace of my own, it doesn’t translate the same way. My shots often end up floating instead of driving through the court, and under pressure I’ll mistime the contact—missing the sweet spot, feeling the racket twist, or just not getting that clean, solid hit. So the gap feels less about knowing what to do, and more about being able to execute it at a higher speed and intensity
I would really appreciate some input on that.
You need to get the technical part or every type of shot and practice. Most of the power will come from your whole body instead of just your arm. And for this you need to be prepared in advance. Understand the shot you're receiving and position yourself the best possible to allow some preparation.
Use the back glass more than you do, because for sure you're not using it enough.
Look, I've been playing for many years and only taken classes and coaching for the last 5 and the things change a lot when you practice consistently
Don’t fight fire with fire. Hold your defensive position be ready to chase a few more off the glass into the middle of the court and then play nice controlled wins
I mean, better players are better. It's in the word. They're supposed to win. There isn't much you can do against someone who is better than you, but what most definitely won't help is abandoning your own game style to go toe-to-toe on theirs. If what you know is slow and controlled why do you think going for power will make you competitive at a higher level without a large investment in training first? I would think less about trying to rise to their level and more about bringing them down to yours.
Obviously doesn’t work for all shots. But get more confident playing off the back glass. Gives you more time if the shot allows it. But it is just something you will get used to the more you play at a higher level. Just be patient, and try and play at a higher level more often, will soon get used to the added power.
