Notes & Homework

Skill: Volley

• Contact Point: Contact Point out in front, approx 12-15” in front of toes. Push forward through the ball with a guiding motion. 
• Weight Transfer: Allow weight to flow into your shot Body Positioning: Good Ready Position: elbows out in front of body, paddle in front of sternum, weight in balls of the feet. 
• Hands: Continental grip with medium strength. 
• Swing: Follow through pointing your paddle out in front directed at where you placed the ball. Do not over follow through - keep it compact and out in front.

Drill: Ball to Paddle Volley

• Players stand straight on skinny to each other at the NVZ. 
• One player underhand tosses a ball to partner that will hit a volley back to them.
•  Toss 1 forehand, 1 at body and 1 backhand. 
• Tossing player emphasis on good ready position to receive the ball after volley and good release forward when tossing.
• Hitting player emphasis on good volley mechanic. 
• Tactical Takeaways:
•  Improved ready position. 
• Improved volley control.

Drill:  Wall Volleys

• Player stands 5-6 feet away from wall.
• Hit volley against the wall.
• 1 min forehand.
• 1 min backhand.
• 1 min alternating.
• Tactical Takeaways: 
• Improved volley consistency and ball control.

Skill: Defending the Pop Up

• Contact Point: Out in front, and typically low.
• Weight Transfer: Allow weight to flow into shot. Use weight to direct the ball rather than swing at it.
• Body Positioning: Athletic stance with weight forward.
• Hands: Soft hands and wrist to provide shock absorber for ball.
• Swing: Push this ball forward. Avoid swinging up at this ball.