Backhand drive from a feed

Setup

1. Target on the backhand diagonal of the coach's half, near the end line.
2. Coach stands to the side of the far end, outside the sideline, with the bucket raised off the floor.
3. Waiting players stand back and out of the hitter's way; they gather loose balls between sets.

How it runs

1. The player starts in ready, slightly towards the backhand side of the middle.
2. The coach feeds a gentle, medium-height ball to the backhand half.
3. The player keeps the ball in front of the body, the bat starting near the stomach, and pushes it forward and slightly up to the target.
4. Back to ready after each shot; ten feeds per set, then rotate.
5. Once the stroke is steady, the coach mixes in an occasional feed a little wider so the player has to shuffle.

Coaching points

• Stand fairly square, with the right foot level or slightly forward for a right-hander.
• Elbow in front of the body and relaxed, acting as the hinge.
• Forearm moves forward from the elbow; the bat finishes pointing towards the target.
• Meet the ball in front of the body, at the top of the bounce.

Common mistakes

• Elbow tucked tight against the side, which leaves no room to swing.
• Letting the ball come beside the body instead of in front of it.
• Flicking from the wrist so the ball sprays.
• Swinging across the body instead of towards the target.