Parallel lob drill: court coverage and anticipation

What this lesson covers

This drill focuses on defensive court coverage when the opposition hits a parallel lob. Players at the net must anticipate the parallel trajectory by pointing their toes toward the opponent hitting the ball. This stance allows for quick movement to close the middle or cover the line. When the lob is hit parallel, the court becomes wider for the defending pair, creating more space to cover.

Communication between partners is essential to identify when a player remains stuck in the back of the court. Instead of shouting instructions to move up, players should call out the situation, such as stating that a partner is left behind. This allows the team to adjust their positioning to defend the open space. The drill encourages players to avoid waiting for the ball to come off the back glass and instead move to intercept the ball early. It is most useful for pairs looking to improve their defensive coordination and court awareness during transition phases.