Short & Low Approach Down the Middle
Posted on Dec 17, 2007 under Drills |This drill demonstrates that the short and low ball in the middle results in a very difficult passing shot attempt.
#1 feeds #2 a ball in the middle of the court, and #2 must either hit a short approach in the middle or slice down the line. In the above diagram, #2 has chosen to go short and up the middle. Often this approach catches #1 too far back in the court in anticipation of taking a full swing at the passing shot. The object will be to force #1 to move forward and hit up on the ball.
#1 must now try to pass #2 from a very difficult position. If #2 can read #1’s racket face well, #2 can usually get a chance to put away a volley. #1 cannot take a full swing for fear of missing long. Therefore, the ball must hit much softer, allowing more time for the volley.