Drill

Instructions

1. 1Start at the kitchen line as a partner lobs deep toward the baseline.
2. 2Turn the hips sideways and cross-step backward rather than backpedaling flat-footed.
3. 3Let the ball drop slightly before contact to control the smash.
4. 4Recover forward immediately to the kitchen line after the swing.

What to focus on

Cross-step footwork instead of a flat backpedal.

Common mistake

Backpedaling flat-footed, arriving off-balance and mistiming contact.