THE COACHING CAMPUS / DRILL LIBRARY
Handling a Drive off an Un-stack
Simulates unstacking in doubles: handle a fast drive down the line while moving to the kitchen, then play out the point.
VIEW THE COURT PLAN
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
PLAYERS
2
PRIMARY SHOT TYPE
Drive
TRAINING TYPE
Game
THE EXERCISE
What you're working on
A drill that simulates the specific moment of unstacking in doubles, when a player runs to the kitchen after the return and must immediately handle a fast drive down the line. It develops the ability to volley aggressively under pressure mid-transition, and then compete in a live kitchen line exchange. A highly match-specific drill that builds both movement and fast hands in a realistic sequence.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
2 paddles, balls, full court with net
01 / COURT PLAN
See how the drill works
Follow the player positions and numbered sequence in the diagram.
CLICK TO ENLARGE THE DIAGRAM
02 / ON COURT
Run the drill
Drill Set Up
Two players, one on each side of the court. Standard court positions, one player serving, one returning.
How to run it
- One player serves crosscourt.
- The returner returns the serve and immediately runs to the kitchen line.
- The server drives the ball down the line at the transitioning player.
- The transitioning player handles the drive with a volley as if unstacking, absorbing or attacking the ball at the kitchen.
- Both players play out the point aggressively from the kitchen line.
- Rotate roles after a set number of repetitions.
Coaching Points
- The player running to the kitchen must stay alert, the drive is coming immediately after the return.
- Handle the drive with intention, do not just block it back, look to be aggressive with the volley.
- After handling the drive, both players should compete hard at the kitchen, maintain game-like intensity.
- The drill simulates a real doubles unstack scenario, treat the movement and the volley as one connected sequence, not two separate actions.