Hard Game Drill – Skill Level 3.0. HARD HITTING
This drill helps players let a passing shot go out of bounds and reinforces NOT hitting an OUT ball. The drill also develops a response to the hard game (very hard shot, hit just over the net), by teaching the receiver to either let it go, or orient the return shot (deflecting the return shot) to the open court. Developing a comfort level with a low, hard shot is essential to avoid popping up the ball (hard can opener) for an opponent’s slam.
Drill Execution – Have players (2 per half court) take up positions as follows: Shooter (player hitting the hard low shots) takes up a position ¾ court, receiver (deflector) takes up a position at the opposing NVZ line. Have the shooter hit 10 hard balls directly at the receiver, while the receiver MOVES out of the way, watching where the ball lands. This allows the receiver to get a feel for how high (“shoulder high, let it fly”) over the net the ball can be hit before it should be considered an “out ball”. Avoiding the impulse to hit an out ball is essential (it’s your point until you touch the ball). Repeat the exercise, but this time have the receiver use their “judgement” and DEFLECT (low energy) the balls to the opposite corner (toward the shooter, away from the poaching partner). This shot (deflection) should be low energy and land in the opposite NVZ corner, if possible.
Drill Execution – Have players (2 per half court) take up positions as follows: Shooter (player hitting the hard low shots) takes up a position ¾ court, receiver (deflector) takes up a position at the opposing NVZ line. Have the shooter hit 10 hard balls directly at the receiver, while the receiver MOVES out of the way, watching where the ball lands. This allows the receiver to get a feel for how high (“shoulder high, let it fly”) over the net the ball can be hit before it should be considered an “out ball”. Avoiding the impulse to hit an out ball is essential (it’s your point until you touch the ball). Repeat the exercise, but this time have the receiver use their “judgement” and DEFLECT (low energy) the balls to the opposite corner (toward the shooter, away from the poaching partner). This shot (deflection) should be low energy and land in the opposite NVZ corner, if possible.