Boast

1. Approach: During this rally I have exerted a huge amount of pressure on my opponent and he has over hit a straight drive on my forehand side. I approach the shot casually but still in a position where I can play any number of shots. racquet raised, shoulder turned and in a solid position.

2. Delivery: Not an ideal delivery position in this clip. As I am playing a slightly unconventional shot, my position adds to the deception. You can see that my opponent is moving forward but has no idea of what shot I am about to play.

3. Impact: At impact my arm and racquet are fully extended and from the front camera view (roughly my opponent's view) it still appears that I am hitting straight at impact. At this point my opponent stops his movement, expecting to have to go deep to retrieve a drive. I am still hitting the ball relatively hard. I am hitting it into the side wall just above tin level but upwards to give me margin for error on the front wall.

4. Follow Through: I let the follow through continue, ensuring the ball reaches the front wall. It is more important that the angle of the boast is correct, rather than the height on the front wall.

1. Approach: I am aware at this early stage that my opponent is on the T and almost too ready, waiting for me to play my shot. So, as I get in position, I delay the approach and start to slow my movement down. However, the basic principles still apply: good position, weight on the back foot, racquet up and ready.

2. Delivery: I am back level with the ball and I am just starting to sink my body into the delivery of the shot. I know my opponent has already hit the T and his weight is already starting to fall backwards towards the rear of the court. A little delay before impact is all it then takes to wrong foot my opponent and gain a huge advantage.

3. Impact: At impact my arm and racquet are fully extended to ensure a consistent shot as with all strokes. As I have slightly wrong footed my opponent, the need for the boast to be ultra precise has diminished. A higher and softer boast is sufficient to really pull my opponent into the front corner. Once again, not every shot has to be an outright winner.

4. Follow Through: I let the follow through continue. On this occasion I exaggerate the follow through to take the ball on a slow and looping path to the front corner. On this occasion it is crucial that the angle of the boast is correct and the height on the front wall is almost insignificant (preferably below the cut line!).