Purpose: To train flighted services

Procedure: Four players - a team of two in each square - face off in two squares marked off a proper serving distance apart. The size of the squares and the distance between them depend on the skill level and serving ability of the players. For skilled players the squares might be as small as 8 yards long by 8 yards wide and 45 to 60 yards apart, but beginning players will need larger squares with less distance between them. The drill starts with one team serving into the square of the other team. The receiving team has a set number of touches (typically three) between them to settle and serve the ball back to the oppoents's square. Any combination of touches between the players is allowed. A team is awarded a point if the opposing team fails to serve the ball within the required number of touches or if the serve fails to reach the square. Play continues until one team scores a set number of points.

Coaching Points: A proper preparation touch is important to prepare the ball so players can step into the ball for placement of the plant foot and for power. Players must judge the pace of the moving ball when planting the nonstriking foot. Watch for proper placement of the plant foot, which should be slightly behind the ball at the moment of impact and pointed at the target. The contact point and the follow-through are also technical elements to evaluate. The contact point should be below the horizontal middle of the ball to get a flighted service. The follow-through should be toward the target with some upward motion to again assist in giving lift to the service.

Remember when coaching to stress the cause rather that the result. That is, don't say, "Strike the ball higher," or "Get the ball into the square!" Instead, focus on the technical deficiency that's causing the unwanted result. Give such instruction as "Contact slightly lower on the ball for more height" or "Follow through toward the target to avoid the slice you just hit!"

For drill animation, CLICK HERE.