Lob, defend and recover

Setup

1. Coach stands at the net on the far side as the net player.
2. Cones mark a deep target zone between the far service line and baseline.
3. Player starts on the centre mark of the near baseline.

How it runs

1. Coach feeds a wide ball to one side; player runs it down and lobs over the coach.
2. Player recovers to the centre mark while the lob is in the air.
3. Coach feeds to the other side; repeat.
4. Sets of 6 balls; score 1 for a lob landing in the deep zone.

Coaching points

• Open the racket face and lift low to high with a long, slow finish.
• Aim high: well above the net player's reach, landing past the service line.
• Lob crosscourt when possible; there is more court to land in.
• Use the lob's hang time to recover with crossover steps.

Common mistakes

• Lobbing short so the net player can smash it.
• Stopping to watch the lob instead of recovering.
• Wristy flick instead of lifting with the legs and shoulder.