Catch and Drop , Volley Intro
Net Game
Legend
- player
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Introduce the volley concept by teaching young players to stop the ball at the net with a firm, short motion rather than swinging.
What you need
- tennis racket
- foam tennis balls
- court
Your focus
Young players naturally want to swing at every ball; the volley requires the opposite instinct , a block or punch motion , which must be learned separately. Using the 'catch' metaphor creates the correct wrist-firm, short-contact image without technical overload. Early correct volley patterns prevent the full-swing volley habit that is very difficult to break later.
Player stands at the service line holding the racket out in front with a continental grip; coach stands 3 meters away.
Coach tosses a soft foam ball slowly at the racket face; player's job is to 'catch' the ball on the strings, stop it from bouncing off, without swinging.
Once the catch feeling is established, coach tosses the ball and player 'punches' it firmly back with a short motion, keeping the wrist firm.
Move to actual volleys at the net after 5 successful punch returns.
Goal
You've got it when you stop the ball at the net without swinging, it's a short firm touch, not a full swing, and the ball still goes over.
Helpful cues
- Firm wrist, no wobble
- Short punch, not a big swing
- Hold the racket like you're shaking hands with it
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Player starts with a paddle or hand to practice the block feeling before using a racket.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Coach varies height (low, medium, high) so the player must adjust to volley at different levels.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.