deep middledefensereset
When Deep Through the Middle Becomes Your Most Attacking Defense
Closing off the angles and keeping the opponent back buys time to make choices again on the next ball.
Start with this check
Aiming for a narrow sideline target while defending increases errors on the move and gives the opponent an even larger open court.
Try these steps in order
- When you lose balance, gain height and depth and send the ball into a generous area through the middle.
- Immediately after the shot, recover toward the center of the next available angles.
- Restart the crosscourt pattern only after you receive a neutral ball.
Bottom line
A deep ball through the middle does not concede the point; it removes the opponent's angles and buys back time.
Reviewed sources
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Technical evidence
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