Placing yourself in an offensive position commits you to playing from positions that are very vulnerable if your opponents get a good swing at the ball. If you don't burn them they are in a very good position to burn you. A deep ball to the baseliner gives you time to adjust your net position into a more defensive mode. It still allows you to stay in the drivers seat by maintaining your net position. It challenges the other team to pass you.
Good defense puts alot a pressure on opponents to try to hit great shots.
If you are able to contact the ball above the net and are well-balanced hit the ball crosscourt towards the intersection of the service line and singles line. Response two allows you to retain your net position and command of the point. Hitting deep down the middle has two effects. It minimizes any angle that your opponent can hit at your team. It also tends to draw both players together so that angled shots are more open.