Attack the short ball

Setup

1. Throw-down lines across each service line mark the short zone.
2. One player on each baseline.

How it runs

1. Start with a feed and rally deep, past the service line.
2. Any ball landing in the short zone must be attacked.
3. The attacker hits to a corner, follows it in and finishes the point at the net.
4. Winning the point after attacking scores 2; any other point scores 1.
5. First to 11, then swap ends.

Coaching points

• Read the short ball early and move in with small steps.
• Hit through the ball and keep moving forward; don't stop to admire it.
• Aim away from the opponent, with margin over the net.
• Split-step as the opponent hits, then close for the volley.

Common mistakes

• Waiting for the ball to drop and hitting it from the knees.
• Attacking the middle of the court.
• Hitting and staying back.