Pro Tips/Drills Move It by Kelly Marshall USPTA- Director of Racket Sports at Onion Creek Club
Move it! Common errors for inconsistency are lack of footwork and poor racket preparation! Finding ways to challenge and implement footwork in a drill situation can be a daunting task to make fun. Hit and Switch is one of my favorite drills for encouraging consistency, because lack of footwork in this drill that is not allowed! Objective: Players must hit consistently to a specific area, then move to simulate the recovery. Movement, balance, and recovery are the most important focus in this drill. This is challenging for all levels and allows a chance for the coach to be near the players for corrections. Players: 6 -8
Players are set up as in the diagram above with one player at the net and two players behind one another on the baseline – this makes a team. The players at the net are the feeding players. The point is started by the feeder and played out down the line. Baseline players must hit one shot and “switch” places, the second player in line must hit the ball when it comes back over. A “switch” occurs after every shot. Players will have to hit and move, communicate, and work on their shot preparation. The net player will remain for 3 minutes and the team with the highest consecutive rally wins that round! Variations: • The point can be played out cross court. • This drill can be done with the two-player side starting on the service line and using controlled volleys – great for junior players to learn speed control.
Key points: • Inevitably players will turn in a circle when switching, this is a great opportunity to teach shuffling footwork which allows the player to recover AND still see the ball (plus you won’t get dizzy!). • Do not allow players to stand side by side and not recover! (Trust me they will try!). • The volleyer learns to control the placement and speed of the ball.
Try this one out the next time you are on the court!