Singles neutral play: straight or cross-court, and moving your opponent
What to do when neither player is attacking in singles: why straight shots keep you in control, when a cross-court shot is worth it, and three games to test them.
The idea
In singles there are stretches of a rally where neither player is clearly attacking. The BWF Level 1 Coaches' Manual (2nd edition, 2017, Module 8) calls this neutral play. The aim is to move your opponent around the court so you can use any space they leave. Patience matters in this phase.
Straight shots keep you closer to home
The manual says straight shots on the whole let you stay more in control, because your base for the next reply is closer to where you hit from. That does not mean never playing cross-court: only do it when you are confident you can position yourself to deal with the reply. Use the corners of the court to move your opponent around.
Two ways to make your opponent work
Against players who recover badly after each stroke, you can make them travel long diagonals. The manual warns that this:
- means you hit cross-court, so you must be sure you can cover the reply;
- may not suit an opponent with good straight-line speed.
Another way to change direction is to turn them through 90 degrees, or to send them back to the same corner again.
Playing tight, or into court
Sometimes playing tight across the net, but slightly more into the court, takes away the chance for your opponent to play a tight, spinning net shot. The manual also suggests playing to the centre of the net on occasion, so you can cover the angles of return equally.
The one thing to change
Choose one habit for a game: mostly straight, or mostly long diagonals, or mostly the same corner. Notice what your opponent does about it.
Three games to try
- Mostly straight. Play rallies using a high share of straight shots, then a period of normal play. Afterwards, talk about the advantages and drawbacks of straight and cross-court strokes.
- Count your depth. A partner watches you and records how many of your lifts and clears would have reached the back tramlines if left. After a game they give you the result (the manual's example: 8 out of 15). Play again and try to improve.
- Mark the corners. Mark the corners of the court. Shots that land outside these corners count as out. Afterwards, talk about when using the corners is not the best choice.
Mistakes to avoid
- Hitting cross-court without being able to cover the reply.
- Hitting to the same place every time: the opponent learns it.
- Hurrying: neutral play rewards patience.
Limits
The manual presents these as tendencies and ideas, not rules. Your opponent, your own speed and the score may change what works.
General practice advice: play within your limits and stop if something hurts.