The objective of this individual session for an advanced player is to reinforce technical and tactical solutions to regain the net without relying on the lob, particularly against opponents with a strong smash.
This is achieved through a combination of developing and varying low defensive shots, as well as working on the chiquita (a soft ball played to the opponent’s feet at the net) and quick forward movement to transition into attack.
The session concludes with 1-on-1 rallies with the coach and a conditioned match scenario, allowing the player to apply all the concepts developed during the session.
1. Warm-up
This warm-up, structured in two drills, allows the player to find his rhythm in low defensive play, both with and without the rebound off the glass. The first drill requires the defender to return volleys only with low shots, with lobs not allowed.
2. Technical work
This drill is divided into two exercises. The first focuses on improving defensive technique on balls rebounding off the side fence, which often produce unpredictable bounces. The second introduces variation and movement…
The objective of this coach-fed drill is to develop the player’s movement and footwork, both at the net and in defensive situations. The player must aim to volley as many balls as possible, but will sometimes be forced to let the ball pass, quickly…
3. Tactical work and match sequence
To be used at the end of the session, this drill revisits the key concepts developed earlier, combining rallies and a competitive phase with the coach. The player must aim to regain the net from a defensive position, using only low defensive shots…
