Session 2 — Volley Pressure — drill poster

Right Court SCVolley Pressure — drill 1 of 4

Drill 1: Volley Rail Pressure

FRONT WALL123FeederAHitterB
Drill 1: Volley Rail Pressure
  1. A drives straight down the line at medium pace
  2. B volleys straight back down the same wall before it bounces
  3. B recovers toward the T
Setup
2 players. One feeds continuous straight drives, the other volleys them straight back. If a third player joins, they come in as a second feeder alternating feeds every 5 reps, so the volleyer faces continuous pressure while both feeders rest in turn — swap the volleyer role every 2 sets. If a fourth player is available, run two simultaneous pairs on split ends of the same court (front half / back half working straight rails only, to avoid collisions), swapping pairs to the other half every 8 minutes.
Pattern
Feeder drives straight down the line at medium pace; Hitter takes the ball on the volley (before it bounces) and volleys it straight back down the same wall, aiming to keep length and press the feeder back. Run 8–10 reps forehand, then backhand, then swap roles.
Coaching points
  • Contact the ball out in front and above waist height when possible.
  • Short compact swing, no big backswing.
  • Step in to meet the ball rather than waiting for it.
Success criterion
7 of 10 volleys land behind the service line and within a racket-length of the sidewall without bouncing first.
Regression
Feeder tosses/underarm-feeds slower and higher; widen the volley target to the whole back third.
Progression
Feeder alternates depth and pace to force the hitter to adjust volley height and timing.
Duration
20 min.
Right Court SCVolley Pressure — drill 2 of 4

Drill 2: Volley-to-the-T Pressure

FRONT WALL123FeederAHitterB
Drill 2: Volley-to-the-T Pressure
  1. A feeds a loose ball cross-court from the back
  2. B steps in and volleys cross-court into the opposite back corner
  3. B holds the T, ready for the next ball
Setup
Same 2 players. If a third player joins, they come in as a second feeder alternating feeds every 5 reps, so the volleyer faces continuous pressure while both feeders rest in turn — swap the volleyer role every 2 sets. If a fourth player is available, run two simultaneous pairs on split ends of the same court (front half / back half working straight rails only, to avoid collisions), swapping pairs to the other half every 8 minutes.
Pattern
Feeder feeds a loose ball cross-court from the back; Hitter steps in and volleys it cross-court into the opposite back corner, then immediately holds/recovers to the T, ready for the next ball. Cycle continues for 6–8 reps before swapping roles.
Coaching points
  • Volley with intent to move the opponent, not just keep it in play.
  • Recover to the T immediately, racket up in ready position.
  • Read the feeder's shot early to close in.
Success criterion
Hitter completes 6 of 8 reps holding the T (not retreating behind it) between volleys.
Regression
Feeder feeds straighter, more predictable pace.
Progression
Feeder mixes cross-court and straight feeds randomly; hitter must read and choose volley direction.
Duration
20 min.
Right Court SCVolley Pressure — drill 3 of 4

Games 1: Volleys Only (conditioned, 15 min)

Condition
The ball may not bounce before being played inside the front half of the court — if it bounces there first, replay. Drives from the back are still allowed to bounce once. Forces volley opportunities to be taken.
Scoring
Straight games to 9, win by 2.
Rotation
2 players: straight match. 3 players: winner stays, loser rotates every game. 4 players: pairs, swap partners every game.
Duration
15 min.
Right Court SCVolley Pressure — drill 4 of 4

Games 2: Open Play (normal, 15 min)

Condition
None — full rules.
Scoring
Games to 11, PAR scoring.
Rotation
Same rotation pattern as Games 1.
Duration
15 min.