Third Shot Drop

Spot a Savage

December 18 2023


How do you know if someone is savage when visiting new courts?

A good signal to look for is a strong transition backhand volley.

When they're in no man's land reaching for a low backhand and still hit a winner, you can be confident that the rest of their game is solid, too.

Example: Greg hits a third and approaches the kitchen line. I do my best to keep him back by aiming my fourth at his feet. Specifically, his left foot, if he’s a righty.

He has a choice:

  • Either step back and play the ball off the bounce - the safe option
  • Or, step into the court and play the ball as a low backhand volley - the high-risk option

The takeaway: if you see someone execute the transition backhand volley with ease, they're most likely a savage.

If you find yourself on the court with a savage, don't be concerned about wins and losses. Note which of your shots are Major League material and which ones belong in the Busch League.

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