300 Series: Skills & Drills Lab
Drop Shots & Approach IQ
Takeaways & Training Tasks
Keep the momentum rolling with these quick steps:
- Refresh your memory with the 2 skills, 2 drills, and training video.
- Knock out the drills 2ā€“3x before we meet again.
- Each time you play, pick one skill and make it your mission to useĀ it often and on purpose.
Drop Shot
- Grip: Continental or Eastern Forehand/Backhand
- Stance: Open or Semi Open based on set up to the ball
- Paddle Prep: 1/2 back swing with a low to high swing planeĀ
- Contact Point: Out in front of body and off to the side with weight transferring forward through the shot
- Follow Through: Out in front
Progressive Drop Shot: Ball to Paddle
- Players both start about 3-4 feet behind NVZ straight on.
- 1 player tosses the ball using the drop shot mechanic - toss underhand to
hitting partner. - Hitting player hits drop shot and then takes 2 steps back.
- Tosser then tosses another and hitter executes drop shot and then takes 2
steps back. - Once hitter reaches baseline they reverse it - hit drop and then take 2 steps forward, repeat.
- Hitter arrives back at starting point - players switch roles of tossing and
hitting.
When to Approach the Net
- Observe the Opponent Receiving the 3rd Shot:
- Red Light = Ball is high and they are prepping for smash. DO NOT move
forward. - Yellow Light = Ball is slightly above the net and they are prepping for a
swinging volley. Proceed forward with caution ready to defend. - Green Light = Ball is low and opponent is contacting below the net. Proceed
forward with focus and intent hunting for an attackable pop up!
Transition Zone Neutralizer
- Set up 3 cones on the sideline as guides: 1 at baseline, 1 mid-court, 1 at NVL.
- 1 player at baseline and 1 at NVZ (straight on or cross court). NVZ player hits slightly challenging ball to each cone depth. Baseline player must hit a drop
shot or reset ball at each cone - staying at each cone until they land one in
the NVZ. - Make it harder with more pressure from feeder. Keep positions for timed
rounds then switch roles.
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