Exercise execution
In this partner exercise, two players stand opposite each other at a short distance. The task is to feed the ball deliberately high to the partner, either over the shoulder or above head height. The player receiving the ball should not let it drop or take it low first, but should actively “catch” it high and play it back in a controlled way.
After the high contact comes the move into a lower position. This creates a constant rhythm of high and low: control high, then work lower again and be ready for the next ball. The players should return the ball as cleanly, softly and controlled as possible so that a flowing rally develops.
The key here is not hitting power, but control quality. The ball should be played high enough so that the partner is really forced to react above head height or clearly above shoulder height. This exact adjustment is crucial for net play, because players there constantly have to switch between high, medium and low balls.
Training objective
- Improve reaction and adjustment ability in net play
- Perceive high balls early and actively control them overhead
- Become more confident with changing contact zones: high, medium and low
- Stabilize the racket head on contact points above shoulder height
- Develop a controlled, soft volley Feel
- Quickly switch back into a low ready position after the high contact
- Train orientation, balance and upper-body control on high balls
- Promote a partner-based warm up stroke rhythm with precise feeds
Coaching keys
- Deliberately receive the ball high over shoulder or head height
- Do not let the ball drop, but actively “catch” it high
- Move the racket compactly and stably to the ball
- Keep the racket head above the hand
- Do not make a big backswing movement
- Keep the contact short, soft and controlled
- After the high ball, immediately go back into a lower ready position
- Shape the feed so the partner really has to react high
- Play the ball back to the partner in a controlled, playable way
- Keep your eyes and head calm on the ball
- Maintain body tension and do not tip backward
- Put quality and control before pace
Common corrections
The ball is received too low
Many players let the ball drop first before playing it. The correction is: catch the ball high. Contact should happen clearly above shoulder height or above head height.
The feed is not high enough
If the partner can comfortably play the ball at chest height, the training stimulus is missing. The feeding player must deliberately play the ball higher over the shoulder so that a real upward adjustment becomes necessary.
Too big a backswing movement
On high balls, players often swing back too far. That causes a loss of control. Better is a short preparation with a stable racket head and a compact contact in front of or slightly beside the body.
After the high ball, the player stays upright
After the high contact, the player must actively work back down. The switch from high to low is the core of the exercise. After every high ball, the player immediately returns to a stable ready position.
The ball is hit instead of controlled
This exercise is not a power drill. The ball should be played back to the partner softly, precisely and in a controlled way. The goal is a clean control stroke, not a winning shot.
The body tips backward
On high balls, players often lose balance and lean back. The correction: stay stable, actively look for the contact high and keep the upper body controlled.
Progressive build-up in 4 steps
Step 1: Controlled feeds with a calm rhythm
The players feed the ball to each other slowly and in a controlled way. The focus is on receiving the ball above shoulder height and playing it back cleanly. At first, the flight path may be a little slower and higher so the movement is understood.
Step 2: Clear switch between high and low
Now the switch is made more deliberately: after every high contact, the player actively returns to a lower position. The coach makes sure that the players do not stay upright, but are athletically ready again after the overhead contact.
Step 3: More precise feed over the shoulder
The feeding player must play the ball more specifically over the partner’s shoulder. This makes orientation more difficult. The partner has to align better, control the ball high and still play it back cleanly.
Step 4: Variable rhythm with higher tempo
Finally, the tempo can be increased slightly. The balls are no longer played exactly the same every time, but vary a little in height and direction. The players have to react faster, recognize the ball early and still keep control. The key remains: quality before pace.