THE COACHING CAMPUS / DRILL LIBRARY
Volley Target Drill
A volley placement drill where the feeder calls a coloured target and the volleying player places the shot there.
VIEW THE COURT PLAN
SKILL LEVEL
All Levels
PLAYERS
3
PRIMARY SHOT TYPE
Volley
TRAINING TYPE
Drill
THE EXERCISE
What you're working on
A volley placement drill that develops control, decision-making, and shot selection under direction. By calling a colour target just before feeding the ball, the feeder forces the volleying player to place the shot with intention rather than simply returning it. The drill works on both forehand and backhand volleys and can be run with 2 or 4 players.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
5 coloured targets, paddles, balls, 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
Place 5 coloured targets in different positions across the court, some in the kitchen on the sides, others deep in the court. Two players at the kitchen line volleying, two players at the baseline feeding. For the 2-player version, one player feeds and one volleys.
How to run it
- One feeder calls a colour to indicate the target zone for the next shot.
- The same feeder hits the ball to the volleying player or players.
- The volleying players place the volley towards the called target.
- The feeder calls a new colour and feeds the next ball immediately.
- Continue for a sequence of 10 volleys or a set number of repetitions.
- Rotate positions after each sequence so all players practise volleying.
Coaching Points
- Only one feeder calls the colours, both volleying players aim for the same target on each ball.
- Do not overhit, control and placement are the priorities, not power.
- Use good footwork to get into position before making contact.
- Both forehand and backhand volleys are in play, stay ready for either side.
- Make good decisions on shot selection, some targets are short, some are deep, adjust the volley accordingly.