Many times in a singles match, your opponent will hit a very deep and powerful shot deep into the corner of your court. You are able to get to it, but you panic even more by trying to come out of the predicament by hitting the shot back hard and low. This will give you less time to get back out of the corner. This is a very typical response. But, are you really hurt?
 
You would be "more hurt" if your opponent hits their deep and powerful shot and moved in toward the net to finish the point. Now in this scenario hitting it back hard and low might be a good option. But, most of the time you will find that your opponent who just hurt you with this offensive shot will stay back. In this case, you must say, "He (or she) really didn't hurt me."
 
Then, what shot should you deploy? I call it the "buy me some time shot." This shot will look like a groundstroke, not a lob. It will cross the net approximately 5-8 feet above the net. Hitting it crosscourt makes it more reliable. You must maintain high racket head speed. The height will buy you some time to get back out of the corner and the racket speed will force your opponent to hit a fairly powerful shot on the rise. This can force many unforced errors from your opponent.
 
If you hit it back as a lob, a good player will often attack it in the air, not giving you enough time to get back in the point.
 
Remember, did your opponent hurt you in the corner and come in toward the net or did your opponent hurt you in the corner and stay back? These are the questions you must ask yourself!
 
Good luck on the Courts!