Forehand drive from a feed

Setup

1. Target on the forehand 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 on a chair or the table edge, not on the floor where players move.
3. Waiting players stand well back from the hitter and collect balls between turns.

How it runs

1. The player starts in the ready stance in the middle of their end.
2. The coach feeds a gentle ball with a little topspin to the player's forehand, about the same height and pace every time.
3. The player steps so the ball is beside the right hip (for a right-hander), turns the waist, and drives the ball crosscourt to the target.
4. Back to ready after each shot; the coach waits until the player is set before the next feed.
5. Sets of ten feeds, then rotate. Collect the balls together before the next set.

Coaching points

• Start with the bat at about table height, slightly closed (angled forward).
• Turn the waist and shoulders back, then forward; the arm follows the body.
• Contact the ball in front of the body, at or just before the top of the bounce.
• Finish with the bat in front of the forehead, as if saluting, then relax back to ready.

Common mistakes

• Hitting with the arm only, with no turn of the body.
• Letting the ball get too close, which cramps the stroke.
• Open bat face, so the ball floats long.
• Swinging too hard; at this stage control comes before speed.