Bounce-and-hit forehands and backhands

Setup

1. Hitters stand in the transition zone, a few steps behind their kitchen line, each with a few balls.
2. A partner waits across the net just behind the far kitchen line to catch or collect.
3. Younger juniors start right behind the kitchen line with a foam or low-bounce ball.

How it runs

1. Turn side-on, drop the ball from the free hand a little in front of the body, let it bounce once and swing low to high over the net.
2. Ten forehands, then ten backhands, aiming at the partner's paddle.
3. The partner then sends back a gentle bounced feed; the hitter moves to it and plays the same stroke.
4. Swap roles after each set of ten. Call 'ball on court' and stop if a loose ball rolls into play.

Coaching points

• Turn the shoulders early so the paddle is already back when the ball bounces.
• Meet the ball out in front, somewhere between knee and waist height.
• Finish with the paddle pointing where the ball should go.
• On the backhand, lead with the paddle-side shoulder and keep the wrist firm.

Common mistakes

• Facing the net square-on and swinging with the arm only.
• Swinging hard; control matters far more than power at this stage.
• Dropping the ball too close to the body and getting cramped.