THE COACHING CAMPUS / DRILL LIBRARY
Slowdown Reset
Recreates defensive situations by resetting a hard, fast ball softly into the kitchen to regain control of the point.
VIEW THE COURT PLAN
SKILL LEVEL
Intermediate
PLAYERS
2
PRIMARY SHOT TYPE
Reset
TRAINING TYPE
Technique/Skill
THE EXERCISE
What you're working on
This drill recreates real-time defensive scenarios where a player is under pressure from a fast shot and needs to reset the play to regain control of the point and hold their position at the kitchen line.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
2 paddles, 1 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
- Requires 2 players, paddles, and a ball.
- Both players position on either side of the court at the kitchen line, facing each other.
How to run it
- One player hits the ball hard and fast at the other player.
- The receiving player's objective is to reset the ball back gently and softly into the kitchen, rather than matching the pace.
- Repeat a few times before switching roles.
Coaching Points
- Stay soft-handed under pressure - the goal is control and touch, not matching the incoming pace.
- A successful reset should land gently in the kitchen, taking the speed out of the exchange and neutralising the attacker's advantage.