Notes & Homework

Skill: Offensive Drop Shot

• Contact Point: Out in front. Push forward through the ball.
• Weight Transfer: Weight transfer focusing on forward and low.
• Hands: Soft relaxed hand, lay back wrist.
• Swing: Smooth, slow, even swing tempo. Follow through pointing out in front. Emphasis on forward and low with swing and weight transfer. Place this cross court.

Drill: 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.

Skill: 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!

Drill: Approach Game

• Players stand either straight on or cross court. 1 player at NVZ and 1 player at the baseline.
• NVZ player initiates the rally with a cooperative feed to baseline player.
• Rally now becomes competitive with baseline player trying to move forward and NVZ player keeping them back.
• Scoring: Possession scoring where baseline player is in possession. Side out if baseline player loses rally. Rally scoring and alternate positions each round.