Movement to the ball
One of the most common reasons your bandeja bounces too much is poor movement. Many players watch the lob instead of reacting quickly, which leaves them late into position. If you move back with small steps, you end up contacting the ball behind you, opening the racket face and sending the shot high. The fix is anticipation and footwork: split step, pivot, and push off with three strong steps to get behind the ball. Practicing these footwork patterns off court builds muscle memory so that when you see a lob, your reaction is automatic.
Body position at contact
Another key factor is how your body aligns with the ball. Ideally, the racket should meet the ball around forehead height with a slightly open face and a horizontal swing path. If you get underneath the ball, you’re forced to swing upwards, creating a steep trajectory that makes the shot bounce. Keeping your body balanced and meeting the ball at the right height ensures a flatter, lower trajectory that is harder for opponents to attack.
Arm and racket preparation
The third mistake often comes from preparing the racket too low. Players with a tennis background sometimes set up as if for a smash, dropping the racket before swinging up. This upward path naturally sends the ball high. Instead, think of the bandeja as a high forehand volley: start with the racket above the ball, then swing down or horizontally through contact. This keeps the shot controlled and low.
Putting it all together
When you combine quick footwork, correct body alignment, and proper racket preparation, your bandeja becomes a weapon instead of a liability. Repetition is essential—practice with a ball machine, a partner, or shadow drills at home. The goal is consistency: split step, move back fast, keep the racket above the ball, and swing with control. If you can tick off these three fixes, your bandeja will stay low, give you time to recover position, and prevent opponents from turning your net advantage into defense.
