Drill library · Partner

Approach, Volley, Overhead

PartnerNTRP 3.0–4.015 minvolleyfootwork

Why this drill

Turns the three shots of a net attack into one rehearsed sequence. Most club players have hit thousands of volleys but almost never the approach, the first volley, and the overhead consecutively — which is exactly how matches present them.

Setup

Feeder at one baseline with a basket of balls; hitter starts at the opposite baseline center. The feeder will throw or hit three balls per repetition: a short ball around the service line, then a dipping ball at the incoming player, then a lob.

The drill

The hitter drives the short ball down the line and follows it in, punches the first volley deep crosscourt, then turns and finishes the lob with an overhead. That is one repetition. Run eight, then swap roles. Score each rep out of three balls in play; track how many of your eight reps go three-for-three.

One thought to take on court

Split-step the instant the feeder's racquet meets the ball — every shot in the sequence starts with your feet, not your hands.