Get high repetitions of difficult serves. Because the balls are coming from inside the service line balls come at the passer faster than normal which helps to improve reaction time.
Set up
# of players : 2 – 8 players
Ideal : 3 players
Equipment : 4+
Average duration : 15-25 minutes
Description
- Standing on a box a small distance in from the baseline the athlete or coach drives topspin serves (or float serves) to the passers who then either play the ball out.
- If the objective of the drill is solely passing then having the balls caught will allow for better focus on the pass.
Passers goal is to pass the ball as close to straight up and down as possible.
Evaluation : # of good passes or # of reps ( ex. 2 sets of 10-12 reps)
Variations
- Switch servers and passers
- Switch side
- Switch left and right
Progression
- The server should move to different positions on the court to simulate varying serves.
- The passers start facing the baseline and turn when the serve is made in order to reduce the reaction time.
Key points
- The athletes should commit to the pass. It is often better for athletes to end up on the ground after a good pass than make a bad pass and stay on their feet.
- Athletes should communicate early and confidently with their partner as to who has the ball.
- Athletes should watch the ball out of the servers hand and watch the server to attempt to anticipate where the ball is likely to go.