Keep it straight. A mainly straight game gives a good
basic pattern and is open to variation.
Return the service straight. Make it an automatic
response so your opponent is in the back and you're winning the T.
Look for opportunities to cross-court. Be careful, as
the cross-court is the loosest shot played in the game.
Pick opportunities carefully.
Lob to create time. If you're out of position
and under pressure, create time to recover the T. Don't be
tempted to attack.
Volley away from the opponent. Volley chances
give you little time so position yourself well to volley
away from an opponent.
Volley drop the loose cross-court. Always try
to work your opponent by moving him through the diagonal.
Volley boast the loose straight ball. Be early
on the T to have this opportunity to move your opponent through
the diagonal.
Straight drop the loose cross court ball. Before you
play the drop, you must ask yourself: Do you have an easy
ball and is your opponent out of position?
Boast the short ball. When your opponent is behind
you and his drive is too short, play a working boast.
Drop off the boast. Force a boast and counter with
a straight drop.