Drill 1 : Sometimes you get trapped after a weak third shot drop . The transition volley is the shot you make to neutralize the opponent ’ s hard shot .
Drill 2 : Katie Dyer is working her way to the net after a weak third shot drop by hitting a neutralizing transition block . She scrambled to hit it softly into the opponent ’ s kitchen , giving her time to get to the NVZ line . up , and practicing that concept is a necessity in the pros . Just knowing what and how to practice is a step in the right direction . You ’ re transitioning ; no need to panic — just get down and dig .
REDIRECTION AND MISDIRECTION AND THE DRILL THAT GIVES YOU THE SHOT
A redirect is the shot you hit to change the direction of the exchange and add an element of surprise . If you are in a crosscourt dinking sequence and you see a high , attackable ball , you hit the shot down the line instead of continuing the crosscourt pattern .
When you add the element of deception , the shot is called a misdirect . Your feet , hips , shoulders , head , and eyes are focused on hitting the crosscourt dink , but instead you hit the ball down the line . Your opponents are watching your body language , but you are speaking a different tongue ! A ball cap or visor is helpful in preventing your opponent from reading your eyes .
With either a redirect or a misdirect you can also go down the middle rather than down the line . A key element for this shot is being able to recognize an attackable ball . A good dink keeps the ball low and requires you to hit safely and softly back into the kitchen . A ball you can take in the air above the net , or that bounces high , is an attackable ball . Do not let the opportunity pass you by ; it may not come again . You need to practice looking for the opportunity and then making the shot . A good redirect drill only requires two people , but a third person can practice his / her defense while standing at the kitchen line .
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OCTOBER / NOVEMBER 2020 | MAGAZINE 31