You don’t have to hit every ball you can reach. Sometimes, the smartest play is to let it go.
When a shot comes toward you, pay attention to its trajectory, speed, and height. A hard drive hit from near the kitchen line, especially one that travels around shoulder height, may be headed out. Instead of reacting immediately, take a split second to judge where the ball is likely to land.
Watch for patterns in your opponents’ shots, and remember that wind can change a ball’s path during outdoor play. Learning to recognize out balls can help you win points without hitting a single shot.