Defensive transition: lob and move to the net

What this lesson covers

This drill focuses on the movement between the back of the court and the transition area. The defender hits a lob and immediately moves forward toward the service line. This habit prepares the player to react if the opponent hits a short overhead or to play a chiquita if the ball bounces high off the glass. When the opponent hits an overhead, the defender retreats to create space and prepare for the next lob. The defender keeps eyes on the opponent to anticipate the shot rather than watching only the ball.

The net player aims to keep the defender back by hitting overheads that land deep in the court. The goal is to avoid high-bouncing shots that allow the defender to move forward easily. The net player practices turning the racket toward the court while moving sideways to track the lob. After hitting the overhead, the player performs a split step in the transition area to remain balanced and ready for the next shot. This exercise emphasizes consistency and neutral shot selection over winning the point, making it suitable for players looking to build a reliable defensive and transition game.