PLACEMENT Volleys & Drop Shots WEEK 6 In addition to the foot direction and position of the body, the hand direction to the area of the ball you are trying to contact also has a major part in the accuracy and placement of your Volleys and Drop shots. The foot direction and position of the body in reference to the contact position of the ball, greatly improves the accuracy and placement of your shots.
PLACEMENT Volleys & Drop Shots WEEK 6 Backspin or often called under spin helps to increase the feel of the ball to control the distance the ball travels
Drill Details Type: Singles & Doubles Time & Players: 15 min., 1 to 6 Players PLACEMENT Volley Category: Placement BFT Curriculum Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Doubles Placement Volley s Singles Placement Volley s Drill Purpose & Goal 1.) Players learn to develop the Reflex to position and focus on the area of the ball to hit causing the ball to move in the direction intended. 2.) Not getting distracted with the direction or opponent on other side of net. 3.) Learning to be aware of controlling eye and thought movement. Drill Set Up 1.) BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED: Players inside zone one while Pro feeds ball from vertical feeds, same side of net or other side of net aiming for designated target area, or Players rally volleys aiming for designated target area while partner hits groundstroke s either from behind service line or at baseline depending on level of the players. Tactics & Strategy 1.) Due to better placement of all shots you will be able to keep your opponent deeper in the court as well as be able to move them off the court putting them in a defensive position. 2.) Hitting the ball deep to the corners and wide to the angled side will cause the opponent to hit shorter and weaker shots allowing an opportunity to attack and finish the point. 3.) Becoming more comfortable closing for volley s will allow for better opportunities to hit even more accurate volleys.
Illustrations: James Blake setting up for a forehand volley The sequence for an accurate backhand volley Accuracy allows you to put your opponent into difficult situations
Drill Details Type: Singles & Doubles Time & Players: 15 min., 1 to 6 Players PLACEMENT Drop Shot Category: Placement BFT Curriculum Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Doubles Placement Drop Shot Singles Placement Drop Shot Drill Purpose & Goal 1.) Players learn to develop the Reflex to position and focus on the area of the ball to hit causing the ball to move in the direction intended. 2.) Not getting distracted with the direction or opponent on other side of net. 3.) Learning to be aware of controlling eye and thought movement. Drill Set Up 1.) BEGINNER: Players at the service line while Pro feeds ball from vertical feeds, same side of net or other side of net while Players aiming for designated target areas. 2.) INTERMEDIATE: Players at the service line while Pro feeds ball from vertical feeds, same side of net or other side of net while Players aiming for designated target areas. 3.) ADVANCED: Players are at service line or baseline while Pro feeds ball from other side of the net while Players aiming for designated target areas. Tactics & Strategy 1.) Due to better placement of all shots you will be able to keep your opponent deeper in the court and be able to move them off the court creating a defensive position and then using the drop shop to catch them off guard causing them to hit a week shot or not get to the ball at all. 2.) Hitting the drop shot can force your opponent to move in to the net when they are not in control of the point.
Illustrations: The alignment and position for an accurate forehand volley Stephan Edberg prepares for a forehand Drop shot Accuracy allows you to be able to hit a backhand drop shot like Rafael Nadal!