As a methodological introduction to the overhead, the players position themselves side by side just behind the service line. The coach stands on the same side of the court at the net and tosses the ball as a high lob over the players.
The players orient themselves early to the flight path and move into a suitable position under or slightly behind the ball. In doing so, they take up a sideways stance and stretch the left arm diagonally upward toward the ball. This position supports the shoulder tilt that is important for the overhead movement and at the same time makes spatial orientation to the ball easier.
After the bounce, the ball is caught with the right hand at the highest possible contact point and immediately thrown back to the coach. The racket is not used yet. This allows the players to focus fully on positioning, sideways alignment, shoulder tilt and the high contact point.
The exercise is suitable not only for the orange stage, but can generally be used at all playing levels. It is important that the balls used have a sufficiently high bounce. With older or heavily used orange balls, new orange balls or, for this exercise, normal yellow tennis balls can therefore be used.
Training Goal
- Organize a high contact point and actively align to the flight path
- Methodical introduction to the overhead
- Perceive and assess the ball’s flight path early
- Develop timely positioning for the incoming ball
- Prepare a sideways body position for the overhead movement
Coaching Keys
- Recognize the flight path early: Watch the lob from the start and initiate movement to the ball early.
- Move under the ball: Don’t wait for the ball, but continuously adjust the position to its flight path.
- Take up a sideways stance: Align the upper body sideways early and thus prepare the later overhead movement.
- Lead the left arm upward: For right-handers, the left arm points diagonally upward to the ball and supports orientation and shoulder tilt.
- Create shoulder tilt: The shoulder axis is clearly inclined and prepares the typical starting position for the overhead.
- Seek a high contact point: Catch the ball after the bounce with the arm stretched as far upward as possible.
- Smooth transition: Connect catching and throwing back as much as possible into one continuous movement.
Possible Corrections
The players stand facing the net:
Consciously specify the sideways starting position. The coach can initially toss sufficiently high and predictable lobs so that there is enough time for body rotation.
The left arm stays down:
Before catching, consciously point the left hand toward the ball. This supports both orientation to the ball and shoulder tilt.
The players get under or behind the ball:
Have them assess the flight path earlier and work with small adjustment steps. The goal is a position from which the ball can be reached high above with a long arm.
The ball is caught too low:
Explicitly focus on the highest comfortably reachable catching point. The arm should be stretched far upward when catching.
The movement looks hectic:
First feed the lobs higher and more evenly. Only when positioning and body alignment work reliably should the demands on footwork be increased.
Progressive Approach
Position and catch
The coach plays a well-predictable high lob. The players turn sideways, move to the ball, point upward with the free arm and catch the ball at the highest possible point after the bounce. Then it is thrown back to the coach.
Make positioning more dynamic
The lobs are deliberately thrown in different directions and depths. The players must assess the flight path more quickly and adjust their position through active footwork. Sideways stance, shoulder tilt and a high catching point remain the central criteria.
From catching to the overhead movement
Once the basic position is mastered, the racket is added. The positioning worked on beforehand is connected with a simple overhead movement. The coach continues to play controlled, easily reachable lobs so that the quality of the movement remains the focus.
Overhead under game-like conditions
The direction, height and length of the lobs are increasingly varied. The players must independently recognize how to position themselves to the ball and which adjustment steps are necessary. Afterwards, the overhead is played specifically into predetermined or situationally chosen target areas.