COACH MARY’S TIP FOR THE WEEK

by Mary Barseleau [email protected]

Wall Drills for Fast Hands! At my first indoor Round Robin for the summer, I noticed many players struggling with reaction time at the NVZ. They would get the first ball, but then were not prepared to respond to the next ball. One of the best ways to drill on fast hands is on a wall. You can create a wall in a spare room, in your garage, on a wall outside, on a local backboard, or purchase a DinkMaster drilling wall. Check out the attached videos and try to set this up for yourself! Bonus – you do not need a partner to do these drills!

1. Tanner demos a short wall drill, alternating forehand, backhand. Notice the elbow is down! https://youtube.com/shorts/oTpJJJ2O6Do?si=I7CvtdIyG41O3Erp \
2. Ed Ju demos these great wall drills: https://youtube.com/shorts/ZcoPWxInfq0?si=8AivfQRoYiGiCilN · Speed Up, then block. · Bump, then cross. · Smash, then deflect. · Note: he is using a small training paddle!
3. Caden Cox demos some tougher wall drills: https://youtu.be/dMo-b97_QqE?si=X3Ebky-srEnKQQPN · Walking up and back volleys. Alternating FH/BH. Creates more power when back, and better reaction time when close. · Two forehands, two backhands. Take Control! · Reset your paddle after every hit! · Speed Up counter patterns. Feed soft to the wall, then speed up, and either reset or counter. ·

Be sure to watch the video several times! I often have students say, “No one wants to drill, they only want to play!” Wall drills solve this problem.

We had over 50 players at the May 17th Indoor Round Robin last Sunday! Thank you for playing. Next Event: June 28th. Email me at: [email protected] for more information.