Video clip Solo Kill Drill
Looking at the technique for a kill shot
Take up a comfortable position, and feel balanced, so as to generate the power necessary in the swing.
Because this shot is usually done when the opponent has hit a defensive shot, there will be time to prepare for the footwork and swing, and usually this position holds the opponent behind until you have in fact executed the shot, leaving little time to recover the ball.
In the video notice:
- Balance and footwork/stance
- Racket preparation
- Open racket face, with the swing coming down at an angle into the front wall, aiming about half a racket length from the corner.
- It is this angle that will take the ball into the nick.
- The swing is relative short and sharp but generating the maximum amount of power to get the ball away quickly.
Learning how to finish off a rally.
It is a big advantage to be able to step in when there is time, and hit the ball with authority. Things to look for in this video:
- The angle of the hit into the nick.
- Hitting the ball at the top of the bounce taking advantage of the height of the bounce.
- Opening the racket face and slicing the ball into the nick.
Video Resources
Video Continuous solo volley practice
Solo volley practice has many benefits:
- It tunes up the reflexes
- It makes the eyes focus on the ball.
- It highlights any flaws in the racket work.
Volley chipping drill.
This would be the best drill to start off learning the volley. If, standing
near the side wall makes it too difficult, step towards the center of the court where there is more room.
Only hit the ball as fast/hard as you can control the ball, starting with one or two continuous volleys until you are able to get ten consecutive hits, then increase the pace.
Volleys Figure of 8
This drill requires a very high level of skill, and patience as well as:
- hand eye co-ordination
- racket work
- ball control
- speed control
- judgement
- anticipation
- fluent swing
- wrist control
Start the exercise slowly, aiming around the cutline.
If you have difficulty with the angle of the figure of 8 volley, commence with the drive figure of 8, and when you feel confident progress to the volley.
Video Resources
Video Drive Length Drives
Drives to Length
Solo practice is the best way to hone in on the swing.
Pick a target on the front wall, say, one racket length from the side wall and between the "tin" and "cut line".
To adjust the length:
- Aim higher to get the ball deeper.
- Aim lower if he ball is over hitting.
To adjust the tightness:
- Aim closer to the corner to take the ball closer along the wall.
- Aim further across to get the ball to carry to the back corner before hitting the side wall.
To hit a soft shot to length:
- Hit the ball high on the front wall.
- Hit the ball softly
This drill requires patience. Start the drill slowly and gradually increase the speed as you become more consistent.
Video Resources
Video clip drop shot drill
A drop shot played well landing right in the corner takes a lot of practice.
Some points to assist:
- Use the open racket face to slow the ball down.
- Use a slicing or cutting action to undercut the ball.
- The backspin makes the ball sit down.
- The best drop shot tends to follow the wall.
Video Resources
Video clip Solo Volley Nick
Self feed solo Volley Nick
The Volley Nick works well from the center court position, particularly if played while intercepting a cross court. Why?
- The wide angle makes it easier to get the ball to sit into the nick.
- The shot is executed very quickly giving the opponent less time to get to the ball.
The main things to think of are:
- Open racket and back spin the ball so it sits down into the nick.
- Move the feet and shoulders into position to get the tight angle into the corner.
- Try to take the ball early, as the height is an advantage in cutting the ball into the nick.
- Move into the shot .
Video Resources
Video Overhead Smash
The overhead smash will limit the amount of time the opponent has to recover to the T.
It can be seen how taking the ball before it hits the back wall can quickly move the opponent away from the T and allowing more control within the court.
The smash is not an easy shot as it required power to get the ball away early and quickly. The next best option would be to volley lob the ball to the back corner allowing recovery to the T and putting the opponent behind.
Start practicing this shot from mid court and gradually move back. Watch the ball carefully to judge the speed, angle and height of the ball will assist timing.
Video Resources
Video Backhand Continuous attacking volley including top spin variety
Attacking volley skills from mid court
Start practicing this drill slowly and gradually increase the speed of the hit. Once in the center of the court volleys hit with authority put a lot of pressure on the opponent and can force errors.
Leave practicing the top spin volley until you are confident with your volleying.
Attacking volleys practice from back court
This is an advanced skill and will take time to develop the racket control and reflex. It is a skill worth persisting with as it will improve many other elements of the game during play.
Video Resources