Whether we are a baseliner or a net rusher we need to be able to win points at the net. Alcaraz as an all rounder game style can keep his opponents guessing my net rushing with a serve and volley after attacking a short ball.
2 Step Volley Drill
Stand behind the doubles line. Shadow a forehand volley by stepping over the doubles line with your right foot and then left foot as you turn your shoulders. Progress to hitting the ball and squeeze the grip to hit the ball (no or little swing) . Repeat for Backhand
Crosscourt and down the line
Using a ball machine or partner feeding hit 3 cross courts volleys and then 3 down the line volleys. Progress to rallying cross court baseline to net player and then the vollier can change to the line in which you then rally cross court the other way
Low ball pick up / High Ball put away
Great exercise to develop leg strength or low volley. Lunge diagonally as a shadow to get a partner to feed the ball low. Then whilst close to the net put the ball away with an angle or power shot.
Deep or Angle
Play points cross court and volley deep to move the baseliner back and then angle the ball short
Close the net / Kamikaze Volleys
Stand opposite your doubles partner and hit the ball ferociously at them and move into the net. Get them to do the same !
Stay or Poach
Play Doubles and say to your partner whether you are staying or poaching on your partners serve.
Baseliner V Net Player
Simple 1 baseliner v 1 net player. Feed the ball in and play to 10 points. Swap roles.
Beretini Forehand and Volley challenge
Partner feeds in a short ball and you have to hit your forehand into the space and come to the net. Using array of forehands down the line, cross court or inside out / in forehands. Progress to a drive volley off a high ball feed
Down The Line approach
Same a above but the opponent feeds a weak cross court ball into the service box and you have to play down the line and approach the net. Do a set of topsin, flat and the slive approaches. Repeat on the backhand and perhaps adding a challenge of changing the height of the feed i.e. low bounce / high bounce
Drop volley
Mark off a 1-2 metre line from the net. Have you partner hit drives shots at you and can you drop the ball short in the drop shot area. Progress to a angle drop shot.
