Hi everyone!
Here’s a group drill specially designed to master the backhand volley in difficult situations. It’s aimed at learning how to handle balls at your feet or slightly lobbed when you’re at the net, without needing a coach.
The goal is to develop your ability to play a controlled backhand volley while moving back on a difficult ball, maintaining stability and precision with the help of a ball machine.
How to run the drill:
Player A positions at the net, and players B, C, D line up at the baseline.
Four cones are used as targets: 2 cross-court and 2 in the alley.
- A ball machine is placed at the opposite baseline and sends a rather difficult ball to A’s backhand side (either a low ball at the feet or a small short lob behind).
- A moves back with backward side steps and plays a backhand volley (cross-court or down the line).
- After the volley, A joins the end of the line and B immediately takes their place at the net.
And you keep going with all players rotating through.
Come on!!! Let’s add a bit of challenge:
- 3 points if you hit the cross-court cones
- 2 points if you hit into the alley
- 1 point if you land the ball anywhere in the court
Goal: 10 points per set of 5 attempts!
(Image created with the ETDM software – Download it here)
Pro tip: on balls at your feet, bend your knees more and step your front foot slightly forward to create space for your swing.
Download this drill sheet as a PDF
