THE COACHING CAMPUS / DRILL LIBRARY
Slinky Drill
A progression from the Underhand Toss that adds the paddle and a moving court position, dropping the ball into the kitchen from every position.
VIEW THE COURT PLAN
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
PLAYERS
2
PRIMARY SHOT TYPE
Drop
TRAINING TYPE
Drill
THE EXERCISE
What you're working on
A progression from the Underhand Toss drill, the Slinky builds on the third shot drop concept by introducing the paddle and a moving court position. Players practice dropping the ball into the kitchen from every position on the court , from the kitchen line all the way back to the baseline and back again. Suitable for upper beginner to intermediate players.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
2 paddles, ball, 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 with paddles, starting at the kitchen line facing each other. One player is the feeder and stays at the kitchen throughout; the other is the mover and works their way back to the baseline.
How to run it
- Both players start at the kitchen line, hitting back and forth softly.
- After 2 to 5 successful shots, the mover takes one step back towards the baseline.
- Continue rallying, then take another step back after another 2 to 5 shots.
- Repeat until the mover reaches the baseline, maintaining consistent drops landing in the kitchen throughout.
- Once at the baseline, reverse the process, work back towards the kitchen one step at a time, again after every 2 to 5 shots.
- Practise drops from both the forehand and backhand sides throughout the drill.
Coaching Points
- The drop must be unattackable, aim for a soft, low arc that forces the feeder to hit upwards.
- Do not get attached to one position, the drill is specifically designed to build comfort dropping from everywhere on the court.
- Practise both forehand and backhand drops as you move back and forward.
- Only step back when the shots are landing consistently in the kitchen, do not rush the progression.
- The transition zone is typically the hardest position to drop from, give it extra attention.