Transition play: moving from defence to net

What this lesson covers

This lesson focuses on the transition phase between defensive play and net aggression. The coach demonstrates a drill requiring a deep groundstroke followed by an immediate move to the mid-court for a half-volley before retreating. The rhythm for a groundstroke is a one-two count, allowing the ball to rise, while the half-volley requires an aggressive move toward the contact point to intercept the ball early.

Moving forward to shrink the court and pressure the opponent is essential, but players must be prepared to retreat if the approach is not effective. When approaching the net, the contact point must be in front of the body to ensure a flat, fast volley. Keeping the elbow high is crucial; dropping the elbow below the ball leads to a sliced, floating shot that loses speed and control. This drill is for players looking to improve their court coverage and decision-making during the transition from the back of the court to the net.