SETTLING AND RETURNING

Settling is a crucial element of the game. Getting the ball properly placed and neutrally bouncing is key to precise returns. A bad header or a ball sneaking past you can lead to big trouble. Once a ball escapes a player, usually two bounces are down. At that point, the player only has one settling bounce left. A liitle juggling is necessary to prepare the ball to be launched back at an opponent. More points are lost from poor settles than from winning shots. A quick settle, or a surprise

Andrew Settles a Serve Deep in the Pocket, Making Sure to Keep it in Front of Him

of only one or two bounces can surprise opponents. However, it is never good to force shots. Another good techinique is the press settle. Here, a player with good position, but deep in the pocket, uses his settling bounces to charge the net. The closer a player is the net, the more options for returning and greater flexibiltity can be achieved. However, press settles give the opponent time to reset and may be a help, rather than a burden, to an out-of-position player.

Will Settles a Ball with His Head, Close to the Net, Trying to Set up A Cross Shot

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