Gain better ball control with the forearm pass and in particular gain experience and confidence in playing the ball with eithe topspin or backspin, especially against the wind.
Set up
# of players : 2 – 12 players
Ideal : 2 players
Equipment : 1 ball per pair
Average duration : 10-15 minutes
Description
- In this drill athletes practice passing the ball back and forth to each other with either backspin or topspin.
Passers goal is to pass the ball as close to straight up and down as possible.
Evaluation : # of good passes – back spin and top spin (ex. 10 each).
Variations
- If there is wind, switch positions
Progression
- Throwing the ball to your partner (5-10x)
- Back and forth (in continue).
- Have athletes call the type of spin they want from their partner directly after they play the ball themselves
- Have passers look at their partner and his call to know the type of spin they want atfer the play the ball themselves.
Key points
- Although forearm passing the ball with either backspin or topspin is not recommended in normal play there are situations where this is beneficial and necessary
- When forearm passing the ball with backspin athletes should be given permission to bend the elbows slightly which will enhance their capacity to impart spin on the ball and may even create a better platform with the forearms.
- When forearm passing the ball with topspin the arms should stay rigid and straight.
- When imparting backspin on the ball athletes will want to ‘move their arms forward under the ball’.
- When imparting backspin on the ball athletes will want to ‘shrug their shoulders back as they contact the ball’.