Hi!

Here’s a drill to learn how to come to the net at the right time.

When a slightly shorter or slower ball comes, it’s often the perfect moment to move forward and finish the rally. This drill helps you recognize that situation, commit to your approach, and play an effective volley to close the point.

The goal is to identify an attacking ball from the baseline, move quickly up to the net, then finish the rally in one or two volleys without going back to the baseline.

How to run the drill:

• Two players (A and B) stand at the baseline. In front of them, two players (C and D) are positioned inside the court, close to the service line, ready to defend.
• The coach alternately feeds a ball to A or B.
• The targeted player hits a deep ball to the back of the opposite court to create an opening, then immediately moves forward to the net.
• The defenders C and D, on the other side, aim to anticipate A or B’s approach and send back a slightly shorter ball to force the approaching player to hit a first volley, and possibly a second one.
• The player who has come to the net must finish the rally in one or two volleys maximum, without retreating.
• Then you start again, alternating between A and B on each fed ball.

When A and B have each come to the net three times, switch roles: they move into defensive positions near the net, and players C and D drop back to the baseline to take on the role of attackers.

(Image created with the ETDM software – Download it here)

This drill helps you work on the timing of your approach, your reactivity at the net, and your ability to finish the rally quickly.

Download this drill sheet as a PDF