The player stands really close to the net and the coach feeds high balls to the backhand side. The player hits high backhand volley without touching the net.
High volleys are really difficult for many young players. Higher point of contact demands good technique and strong arm to be able to finish the point. Players who have weaknesses in one of these areas are vulnerable at the net and the opponent can use this information to get advantage every time player comes to the net. That is why it is really important to always work on and off the court because physical skills have a big influence on learning new skills.
In this drill, the player works on technical aspects of high backhand volley. Close position to the net forces player to shorten the hitting phase of the shot because many players tend to make this motion too long and they lose power and control. Additional part that the coach should emphasise is higher than usual backswing. If we want to learn how to hit effectively the high volley, we have to also prepare the racquet face higher that will allow us to hit ball with proper trajectory. These skills can be used in singles but it is of utmost importance in doubles.
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