defensive shot
Guarding the wicket
A defensive shot in sports like tennis, basketball, or billiards is one played primarily to avoid losing ground rather than to gain advantage—blocking, clearing, or simply keeping the ball in play.
She hit a defensive shot to buy time and reset the point.
In pool, a defensive shot might leave the cue ball in a difficult position for the opponent rather than attempting a risky pocket.
- blockSolid mass, or impede
- parryDefensive blade deflection
- volleySimultaneous firing burst
- lobHigh-arcing throw or hit
- slicePortion cut off
backhand · return · counter · under pressure · on the run · baseline · racket · tennis · squash · rally · footwork · reflexes · net · court · scramble · back foot · split step · retrieve
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