Reset
Backhand reset
A soft backhand block that neutralises pace and helps you resume your approach to the kitchen.
Technique
Keep the paddle in front of your chest with a light grip.
Leave your elbow free to absorb pace.
Contact while still, with minimal follow-through.
Common errors
Moving the paddle away too early.
Stiffening the arm when receiving pace.
Opening the face without controlling height.
Tactics
The middle reduces the next angle.
Avoid running through contact.
Use the reset to earn another ball, rather than finish the point.
Progression
Backhand block from a fixed position.
Reset after a split step.
Full transition under pressure.
Drills
Take it onto court
Backhand shield
Protect the body and middle
Receive ten fast balls at your torso and absorb them with the same compact movement.
Stop, reset, advance
Organise your movement
Split step, play the reset and advance only when the ball stays low.
Educational reference · Rubric v1
What each score means
This rubric explains what to look for in a shot; reading it is not an individual assessment. Its descriptors do not certify your level and are not PPP Performance Assessment results, which retain each assessment’s source and results separately.
Technique
Cannot yet keep the paddle in front, the elbow free and backhand absorption stable; outcomes are unpredictable.
Can keep the paddle in front, the elbow free and backhand absorption stable occasionally, but cannot sustain it through a series.
Can keep the paddle in front, the elbow free and backhand absorption stable at moderate pace with predictable difficulty.
Can sustain the ability to keep the paddle in front, the elbow free and backhand absorption stable under pressure, with variation and small adjustments.
Can consistently keep the paddle in front, the elbow free and backhand absorption stable in real, competitive play.
Consistency
Cannot yet repeat low backhand resets under sustained pressure; outcomes are unpredictable.
Can repeat low backhand resets under sustained pressure occasionally, but cannot sustain it through a series.
Can repeat low backhand resets under sustained pressure at moderate pace with predictable difficulty.
Can sustain the ability to repeat low backhand resets under sustained pressure under pressure, with variation and small adjustments.
Can consistently repeat low backhand resets under sustained pressure in real, competitive play.
Control
Cannot yet take pace off without losing height or direction; outcomes are unpredictable.
Can take pace off without losing height or direction occasionally, but cannot sustain it through a series.
Can take pace off without losing height or direction at moderate pace with predictable difficulty.
Can sustain the ability to take pace off without losing height or direction under pressure, with variation and small adjustments.
Can consistently take pace off without losing height or direction in real, competitive play.
Placement
Cannot yet return to the middle or feet from a ball at the body; outcomes are unpredictable.
Can return to the middle or feet from a ball at the body occasionally, but cannot sustain it through a series.
Can return to the middle or feet from a ball at the body at moderate pace with predictable difficulty.
Can sustain the ability to return to the middle or feet from a ball at the body under pressure, with variation and small adjustments.
Can consistently return to the middle or feet from a ball at the body in real, competitive play.
Decision-making
Cannot yet choose a reset, firm block or counterattack to suit the ball; outcomes are unpredictable.
Can choose a reset, firm block or counterattack to suit the ball occasionally, but cannot sustain it through a series.
Can choose a reset, firm block or counterattack to suit the ball at moderate pace with predictable difficulty.
Can sustain the ability to choose a reset, firm block or counterattack to suit the ball under pressure, with variation and small adjustments.
Can consistently choose a reset, firm block or counterattack to suit the ball in real, competitive play.
Player Development
Connect this shot to your development
Connect what you learn to your match play: choose a situation, try the practice suggestions and review what you notice afterwards.