Drill

Setup

Begin with shadow/rehearsal or controlled feed appropriate to the action.

Instructions

1. 1Toss slightly behind and above the head instead of out in front.
2. 2Brush up and across the back of the ball from low-left to high-right (righties).
3. 3Arch slightly through the back and let the tossing shoulder drop.
4. 4Land ten balls in a row inside the service box before increasing pace.

Key feel

Brushing contact that creates topspin rotation, not a flat strike.

Success cue

The targeted behavior becomes more repeatable on comparable balls without creating a new visible breakdown.

Recommended reps

4 sets of 8

Progression

Shadow/rehearsal → controlled feed → directional live ball → variable feed → point-based constraint → match-like execution.

Common mistake

Tossing out in front and hitting flat, which removes the safety margin.