Playing against bangers can be incredibly frustrating. Their powerful drives can keep you on your heels and make it difficult to play your game. However, with the right tactics, you can turn their strength into their weakness and take control of the match.
Here’s how to do it, with insights from both experienced players and coaches.
Why So Many Players Can’t Beat Bangers
Most players struggle against bangers because they try to match their opponents’ power instead of countering it with smart, controlled play.
As one player put it, “During that game, I got so frustrated and ended up making a ton of sloppy shots. It felt like my game was falling apart with every point.”
5 Technical Reasons Players Struggle with Bangers
- Lack of Control: Many players focus on hitting the ball hard, leading to a lack of control. This results in unforced errors and missed opportunities to place the ball effectively.
- Poor Ready Position: Without a solid ready position, players find it challenging to react quickly to fast, powerful shots. Standing too upright or having the paddle in the wrong position can slow down reaction time and reduce accuracy.
- Ineffective Footwork: Proper footwork is crucial when facing bangers. Players often struggle to move quickly and get into the right position to counter fast drives, leading to off-balance shots and mistakes.
- Insufficient Blocking Technique: Many players lack the technique to effectively block hard shots. Instead of using a firm wrist and minimal backswing, they try to swing at the ball, which can result in mishits and pop-ups.
- Over-Reliance on Power: Attempting to out-hit a banger can be counterproductive. Instead of focusing on power, players should aim for precision and placement to disrupt their opponent’s rhythm.
Skill Levels That Typically Struggle
Beginner players (1.0 – 2.5) often struggle with fast, aggressive shots as they are still learning the basic mechanics of the game.
Intermediate players (3.0 – 3.5) start to understand strategy but might still fall into the trap of trying to match power with power. They may have some control and placement skills but lack consistency in executing these techniques against hard hitters.
Even advanced players (4.0 – 4.5) can struggle with bangers if they haven’t fully mastered the techniques to counter hard shots. While they have a better grasp of strategy and control, the speed and unpredictability of bangers can still catch them off guard if they aren’t prepared.
The Only Tactics that Work Against Bangers
1. Perfect Your Ready Position
Having a solid ready position is key to reacting quickly to those fast shots. Stand with your feet wide apart, knees slightly bent, and keep your weight on the balls of your feet.
Hold your paddle up and in front of you, with a slight tilt toward your backhand. This stance helps you respond quickly and stay in control.
Watch our friend and coach Will East as he demonstrates how to perfect your paddle return position (PRP).
2. Master the Block Volley
Instead of swinging at hard shots, use a block volley. Hold your paddle firm and keep your wrist stable. Simply block the ball back over the net with minimal movement. This technique absorbs the power of the banger’s shot and returns it low, making it difficult for them to continue their aggressive play.
Player Insight: “Bangers can’t stand it when you block volley and dink. And don’t forget to let some of their hard drives go—they usually sail out about half the time.”
Take a look at pro player Dylan Goldman’s tips for mastering perfect block and punch volleys.
3. Target Their Feet with Drop Shot
A well-placed drop shot can neutralize a banger’s power. Aim to land the ball just over the net into the NVZ, targeting either the center or the opponent’s feet.
This forces the banger to move forward and take the ball low, disrupting their rhythm and reducing their ability to hit powerful shots.
4. Keep the Ball Low
Hitting low shots prevents bangers from driving the ball easily. Whether you’re at the baseline or at the net, aim to keep the ball close to the net. This limits their ability to generate powerful shots and increases the chance of them hitting into the net.
Player Insight: “Hard to bang a dink that just barely clears the net.”
5. Wait for It, They’ll Make a Mistake
Bangers often lack patience and make errors when they can’t overpower you. Focus on returning the ball consistently and keeping the point alive. They will likely make mistakes if they can’t end the rally quickly.
Player Insight: “The easiest way to beat a banger is to let them mess up on their own. Just keep returning the ball and keep the rally going.”
6. Use the “The Chest-High, Let It Fly“ Rule
Learn to recognize which shots to avoid hitting. If the ball is above your chest, it’s often better to let it go. Many of these high shots will go out, and trying to hit them can lead to errors.
Player Insight: “Work on resets and chest-high, let it fly. This is the way to beat bangers.”
7. Target Their Backhand
Many bangers have weaker backhands compared to their forehands. Aim your shots at their backhand, especially on the player whose backhand can’t be poached by their partner’s forehand.
This will force them into less comfortable shots.
Should You Counterattack Bangers?
First off, it’s crucial to assess the situation. If a banger’s shot is high and lacks control, it’s the perfect opportunity to counterattack. Aim for their feet or the open spaces on the court. This forces them into awkward positions and disrupts their rhythm. As one seasoned player shared, “If their drive is off or high, take advantage and strike back with precision..”
However, don’t counterattack just for the sake of it. If the ball is low and coming at you fast, focus on blocking or resetting the shot instead. Counterattacking in these scenarios can lead to mistakes and give the banger an easy point.
Also, pay attention to your position. If you’re in the transition zone or moving up to the net, it’s often better to play it safe and keep the ball low. Save the counterattack for when you’re stable and ready to make an accurate shot.
In essence, counterattack bangers when you see an opportunity for a clean, controlled shot. This will keep them off balance and give you the upper hand in the rally.
So hit the court, practice these strategies, and watch as you become every banger’s nightmare!
