While it’s important to know how to produce a short ball, not many tennis players understand how to avoid hitting a short ball themselves. Most players panic and tend to block the ball when they realize they’re late. This sets up a perfect short ball to their opponent.
Instead of blocking the ball, try to get low and swing all the way through. If you’re too far behind the baseline, and feel like you’re going to hit short, hit the ball as high as you can.