This tactical drill teaches players to maximize their advantage on the volley by playing only on the sides of the court, and not in the middle, to avoid easy balls to the opponent.
Two pairs position themselves on the court, in their usual roles. One stands at the back of the court (the defenders) and the other at the volley (the attackers).
The coach places two vertical lines of markers on the court of the defenders, delimiting the center of the court, where the attackers are not allowed to play.
Only the attackers serve the ball, and volley directly. They must volley only to the sides of the court, and try to put defenders in as much difficulty as possible by looking for double-glasses and with heavy slice.
Defenders are not allowed to lob the ball, so as to remain in the initial attack/defend dynamic. However, they have the right to take the net thanks to a good low defense.
If a ball is played to the center, then point for the defenders.
A tie break can then be played to add a competitive dimension to the exercise.
And then the roles can be reversed.
Here’s a video demonstration of the exercise:
Video credits: Rodri Ovide – EJERCICIO PADEL: CORREGIR TÁCTICA EN LA VOLEA – YouTube
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