“Soft” Can Opener – Skill Level 3.0.
This PLAY when executed properly, presents the offensive (serving) teams with an opportunity to “surprise” POACH a drop shot return that is either too high or deep. It is best used when moderating its frequency (they never know when you plan to execute it). Alternately, it can be used to place pressure on the receiving team by being “in their face” early, constantly. This requires advance partner communication (“let’s apply some soft pressure”) which lets the offensive partner know to “drop” the 3rd shot cross court to the opponent’s backhand.
Soft Can Opener Drill – This drill requires 2 to 4 players positioned as follows: Server, Serve Partner (poacher), and receiver (essentially a backboard). Start by serving the ball to the receiver. Receiver returns the ball to either offensive partner. Offensive partner who receives the return MUST execute a drop shot to the backhand of the opposing player who has followed his return to the NVZ. The non drop shot partner must execute the following: Take up a position to watch partner’s drop shot to the backhand. If good, head toward the NVZ EARLY in anticipation of a POACH OPPORTUNITY (slam to the back court). If the drop shot is too high, remain in place and play as normal (stay with your partner).
Soft Can Opener Drill – This drill requires 2 to 4 players positioned as follows: Server, Serve Partner (poacher), and receiver (essentially a backboard). Start by serving the ball to the receiver. Receiver returns the ball to either offensive partner. Offensive partner who receives the return MUST execute a drop shot to the backhand of the opposing player who has followed his return to the NVZ. The non drop shot partner must execute the following: Take up a position to watch partner’s drop shot to the backhand. If good, head toward the NVZ EARLY in anticipation of a POACH OPPORTUNITY (slam to the back court). If the drop shot is too high, remain in place and play as normal (stay with your partner).