Drop-feed backhands

Setup

1. Use red balls and the service boxes for 5–8s, orange balls and the ¾ court for 8–10s.
2. The hitter stands side-on near the service line, front shoulder towards the net; the feeder stands to the backhand side, well out of the swing.
3. Cones mark a target box in the opposite service box.

How it runs

1. The feeder drops the ball at arm's-length plus a racket in front of the hitter's front foot.
2. Let it bounce once, then swing low to high with two hands and hit over the net into the target.
3. Six balls each, then the hitter becomes the collector and the next player steps in.
4. Score 1 for over the net, 2 for the target box.

Coaching points

• Turn the shoulders so the front shoulder points at the target.
• Two hands on the grip, bottom hand at the end, top hand touching it.
• Contact in front of the front foot, then swing up and finish over the shoulder.
• Feeder: drop from waist height, the same spot every time.

Common mistakes

• Feet square to the net, so the ball is hit with the arms only.
• Letting go with the top hand and slapping at the ball.
• Ball too close to the body.