Drills & Skills 

Here I have just come through the transition zone.  My paddle was in front of me as I transitioned. As I approached the kitchen I changed my paddle position to the underhand position; ready for a soft shot over the net.  Note my eyes are on the ball.  Just before I made contact, my right foot shifted back and I brought the paddle lower. As the ball made contact, I lifted the ball with just a small amount of push from the knees.  

I will teach you when and where to hit a hard driven ball.  There are players who only like to hit hard (called bangers) and I see many beginners smash high-hit balls straight into the net.  The ball I've just hit here has a trajectory that will just clear the top of the net.  Note that I am at the back of the court.  We will work on court position for all the shots you will learn during your lessons.

In this drill we set the cones in a line to practice low, soft dinks over the net that land so close to the net (opponent's side) that the shot can not be attacked.

Susan perfectly executes this drill by sending the ball over the net, close to my side of the net.  I see that the ball will land close to the net so I ready for a step into the kitchen with the intention of a soft dink to Susan's right.  Susan, after dinking the ball begins her step back to the kitchen line.  Notice how we are both looking at the ball.  Well done Susan!

A soft dinking exercise is the best way to start drills!  Note that my eyes are on the ball as the ball approaches. Look at my paddle position; there is no back swing. I'm simply going to lift the ball with my knees with a slight amount of shoulder rotation.  

Two hours of drills, lessons and play.  From left to right, Laura G. Coach Mike, Lisa H. and Denise H.  Great job ladies!