This drill teaches players how to turn a defensive situation into a winning point. It develops the perfect transition from a defensive backhand lob to a quick approach to the net and a decisive volley.

The objective is to execute a defensive backhand lob with fluidity and aggression, followed by an approach to the net and a winning volley, switching from defense to attack.

How to Run the Drill:

Player A starts near the baseline. The coach stands at the net on the opposite side of the court, ready to feed balls and respond to the lob. The other players wait behind the baseline for their turn and collect balls.

The coach feeds a ball to Player A’s backhand. Player A hits a defensive backhand lob, looking for height and depth to gain time to recover.
Immediately after the lob, Player A makes a quick and committed approach to the net. The player anticipates the coach’s reply and finishes the rally with a clean, well-placed winning volley.

Coaching Points:

• The defensive lob must be accurate and deep enough to unsettle the coach and prevent an easy overhead.
• The approach to the net must be explosive and well anticipated, with no pause after the lob.
• The winning volley must be placed with purpose into the open court or behind the opponent.
• Each player completes 4 to 6 full sequences, then gives up the spot to the next player. Emphasize execution quality before quantity.

This drill develops the ability to switch instantly from a defensive to an offensive position, improves lob-approach-volley coordination, and builds confidence when attacking after a defensive phase. Master this sequence and it can become a free point in a match.