Squash is often compared to a game of chess at 180 beats per minute. At the heart of this tactical battle lies an intersection of lines on the floor: the "T". For pro players, the "T" is not just a visual marker; it is a control point from which the game is directed. Here is why this zone is the secret to every victory.Being at an Equal Distance from All DangersSquash is played in the four corners of the court. The "T" is located precisely at the center of these four danger zones.Energy Economy: By systematically returning to the "T" after each shot, you ensure you are at the shortest possible
The pendulum serve is the benchmark serve at the highest level. Its name comes from the swinging motion of the arm, similar to that of a clock. Its strength lies in its versatility: with exactly the same toss and starting motion, a player can produce three or four completely different spins, making the return extremely difficult for the receiver to read.The Technique of the Swinging MotionTo succeed with a good pendulum serve, everything starts with body position and the racket grip.The Racket Grip: Most players release the handle with the last three fingers to hold the racket only with the th
Padel is often played at high intensity at the net, but the best players know when to slow down the rally to better punish. The rulo and the chiquita are two essential shots for breaking the rhythm and forcing opponents, even when well-positioned, to commit an error or play a defensive shot that is easy to intercept.The Chiquita: The Offensive Drop Shot in Mid-CourtThe chiquita is a slow and short shot, often executed from the baseline or mid-court, whose objective is to land just behind the opponent's service line.The Concept: The chiquita is a short ball with little power and, most important
The second serve is the moment of truth in tennis. If the first serve is a weapon of destruction, the second is a tool for survival and strategy. The objective is not just to put the ball in play, but to place it in such a way that the opponent is forced into a defensive stroke. The two main options for the second serve are the kick serve and the slice serve.Option 1: The Kick Serve (Topspin)The kick serve is the default choice for the majority of professionals because of its safety and its ability to bother the receiver.Technique: The strike is made on the back-left part of the ball (for a ri
Singles badminton is a sport of extreme movement. A match is won not only by the quality of the shots but, above all, by the player's ability to effectively cover the four corners of the court and consistently return to an optimal central position. The 6-Corner System is the fundamental method used by coaches to teach the footwork necessary to transform defense into attack.The Principle of the 6 Corners and Their ObjectivesThe six corners are the targets the player must reach to hit the shuttlecock. They consist of the four outer corners of the court and the two intermediate points at the net.
Pickleball is often perceived as a game of volleys and dinks at the kitchen. However, the serve is the first shot of the rally, the one that dictates the subsequent strategy. With the evolution of rules and the introduction of the drop serve, the serve has become a subtle weapon used not to win the point directly, but to set up the attack and put the opponent in difficulty before their return.The Drop Serve: A Technical RevolutionHistorically, the serve was executed underhand with an upward motion. The introduction of the drop serve has given the server more control.The Drop Serve Rule: The se
Beach tennis is a fast, dynamic, and demanding sport. Its particularity? The absence of bounce! Unlike tennis or Padel, all shots are hit in the air (volley) or after an overhead smash. This constraint requires the adoption of specific techniques and positioning. Mastering these fundamentals is the key to transforming fun into performance on the sand.The Racket Grip: The Continental StandardIn beach tennis, the speed of the game and the necessity of hitting overhead require the use of a versatile grip.The Continental Grip (Hammer): This is the grip of choice. It is achieved by holding the rack
In table tennis, the racket is the extension of the player, but it is the rubber that dictates the style of play. The rubber is not just a simple rubber surface; it is a tool for transmission, reception, and, above all, spin generation. Understanding the differences between the types of rubbers is essential for optimizing your style of play.Smooth Rubbers (Inverted Rubbers): The Offensive StandardSmooth rubbers are, by far, the most used by players of all levels. They consist of a sponge and a rubber sheet whose pips are turned inwards.The Topspin MechanismSpin Generation: The gripping surface
The Continental Grip is achieved by holding the racket like a hammer, with the base of the index finger on the top rear of the handle. This is also why it is sometimes called the Hammer Grip.Why Only One Grip?Net Reactivity: In Padel, speed at the net is paramount. The Continental Grip allows for instantaneous switching from forehand to backhand volley without changing grips, minimizing reaction time.Managing Overhead Shots: This grip is ideal for overhead shots, particularly the Smash, the Bandeja, and the Víbora. It allows the player to "slice" the ball to control the height and direction of
In modern Tennis, the serve is the most powerful weapon. However, the rally truly begins with the service return. Knowing how to neutralize a fast first serve and attack a second serve is the mark of great champions. Improving your return of serve is not just about blocking the ball, but about finding an opportunity right from the start of the point.Adjusting Positioning: The Time FactorThe first step for an effective return is to control your reaction time by adjusting your position.Against PowerStep Back to Gain Time: Against a powerful server, moving back a few steps behind the baseline giv
Badminton is the fastest racket sport, but rallies are rarely won by pure strength alone. The real advantage belongs to the player who knows how to manipulate time and space by playing with the opponent's perception. Deception is the ultimate weapon: it consists of giving the illusion of executing one shot to then execute another, thereby frustrating the opponent's anticipation.The Wrist: The Central Tool of DissimulationThe secret of deception lies in the ability to generate a change of direction or speed at the last moment, using minimal movement.The Role of Grip and WristThe Loose Grip: The
The Topspin is an iconic shot in table tennis. It is not just a powerful stroke; it is the tool that allows the best players to seize the initiative and control the ball even at high speed. It gives the ball forward rotation which causes it to dive quickly after the net and accelerate upon hitting the table. Mastering the Topspin gives you the ability to attack while regaining control of the point.The Mechanics of the Topspin: Friction and SpeedThe secret of the Topspin does not lie in brute force, but in the acceleration and friction of the rubber on the ball.The Body MovementPreparation: Sta
Doubles is often considered the most social discipline in tennis, but it is also a game of great tactical demand. Unlike singles, doubles is won at the net, thanks to seamless communication and perfect coordination of movements. Adopting the right positioning and knowing when to attack are the two secrets to turning your pair into a winning machine.The Fundamentals of Doubles PositioningThe main objective of doubles is to maintain an aggressive and coordinated presence at the net to intercept balls.Basic PositioningThe Server: Stands near the baseline. After the serve, they must follow their b
Badminton is often described as a speed sport. Yet, the true key to victory lies not in arm power, but in the fluidity and efficiency of footwork. A mobile player is a player who always reaches the shuttlecock early and can execute any shot. Combined with mastery of the Clear (the deep court clear), footwork becomes the most powerful tactical tool.The Fundamental Principles of Badminton MovementThe main objective of movement is to hit the shuttlecock at the highest possible point, while maintaining balance to immediately return to the center of the court.The Reference Position: The CenterThe C
Squash is an endurance sport, but matches are won through tactical intelligence and the efficiency of finishing shots. Once you master returning to the "T" and baseline drives, it's time to integrate the weapons of finesse. The Drop, the Boast, and the Kill are these three essential shots that break the opponent's rhythm and turn a neutral situation into a winning point.The Drop: The Art of the Fatal Volley DropThe Drop is a drop shot played directly onto the front wall, aiming to make the ball die just behind the opponent's service line. Its main objective is to force the opponent to run forw
The "Kitchen" (or Non-Volley Zone) is the most unique element of pickleball. It is both the place where the point is won and the line you must never cross in the air. Understanding and mastering this zone is key to transitioning from a beginner to a tactical player. Here is a complete guide to dominating net rallies.What is the "Kitchen" and Its Vital Rule?The "Kitchen" is the area defined by the net tape and the non-volley lines, extending 7 feet (approximately 2.13 meters) on each side of the net.Its purpose is to prevent players from sticking to the net to smash every ball received, which w