The Lob Artist Training Drills

Recommended drills

1. 1

   Net Retreat Defensive Transition

   intermediate20–30 min

   Master coordinated retreats from the net when lobs force backward movement, transitioning back to baseline play. Net retreats prevent vulnerable positions at net and allow proper defensive setup.

   Why this drill

   Targets the net retreat defensive transition technique, which aligns with The Lob Artist's signature shot: Defensive lob.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Lob Recognition: Identify when opponents are hitting lobs over your head, requiring immediate retreat movement.
   2. 2.Quick Backward Movement: Execute explosive backward movement from the net toward the baseline, tracking the lob's trajectory.
   3. +4 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: Don't fight forced retreats; manage them efficiently and work back to net when opportunities arise.
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2. 2

   Advanced Volley Mastery

   advanced20–30 min

   Execute sophisticated volley strategies including finishing volleys, angled putaways, and tactical net play under pressure. Advanced volleys combine court positioning with shot selection to dominate at the net and close out points decisively.

   Why this drill

   Targets the advanced volley mastery technique, which aligns with The Lob Artist's signature shot: Offensive lob.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Aggressive Net Positioning: Position yourself closer to the net (12-18 inches from the net tape) to cut off angles and force higher-bouncing returns.
   2. 2.Multi-Directional Anticipation: Read opponent setup and court gaps, positioning your body to force forehand or backhand volley opportunities.
   3. +4 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: Advanced volleys are about court geometry and finishing position, not power. A well-placed volley to the sideline is unreturnable.
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3. 3

   Transition Volley Mid-Court Shot

   intermediate20–30 min

   Master the transition volley, executed from mid-court during baseline-to-net movement. Transition volleys shorten the ball and set up finishing positions at the net.

   Why this drill

   Targets the transition volley mid-court shot technique, which aligns with The Lob Artist's signature shot: Offensive lob.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Mid-Court Positioning: Recognize the opportunity to move forward from baseline toward net, positioning yourself in mid-court.
   2. 2.Early Ball Contact: Intercept the opponent's shot in mid-court with a volley before retreating to baseline again.
   3. +4 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: Transition volleys are offensive tools; use them to shorten rallies and move toward net dominance.
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4. 4

   First Volley After Serve Execution

   beginner20–30 min

   Master the critical first volley after serving, setting the tone for the point with aggressive positioning. Strong first volleys finish points quickly and prevent opponents from recovering.

   Why this drill

   Targets the first volley after serve execution technique, which aligns with The Lob Artist's signature shot: Offensive lob.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Serve Execution: Execute your serve and begin moving immediately toward net as the ball crosses the net.
   2. 2.Net Positioning: Advance to approximately 6-8 feet from the net, preparing for the opponent's return.
   3. +4 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: The first volley sets the point's tone; attack aggressively to finish before the opponent settles.
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5. 5

   Baseline-to-Net Transition Movement

   intermediate20–30 min

   Develop efficient movement from baseline to net position, converting defensive shots into aggressive positioning. Baseline-to-net transitions are fundamental for point construction and control.

   Why this drill

   Targets the baseline-to-net transition movement technique, which aligns with The Lob Artist's signature shot: Offensive lob.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Offensive Shot Execution: Execute an offensive baseline shot (drive, approach, or transition shot) that allows forward movement.
   2. 2.Quick Footwork: Use small, quick steps to move from baseline toward net immediately after striking the shot.
   3. +4 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: Efficient transitions close out points; move forward decisively once you hit an offensive shot.
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6. 6

   Chiquita

   intermediate20–30 min

   The chiquita is a low passing shot that passes below the net player's reach, usually cross-court. The primary weapon against a net-dominating pair.

   Why this drill

   Addresses a key gap for The Lob Artist: vulnerable to aggressive net play.

   Key steps

   1. 1.Identify the opportunity: The chiquita works when net players are too close to the net (reaching for volleys) or out of position. A pair settled at 1m from the net with good coverage is harder to chiquita.
   2. 2.Swing low-to-high, sharp angle: Generate topspin with a low-to-high swing. The ball must dip below the net player's racket (around 0.8m from the ground as it crosses the net). Sharp cross-court angle makes the target corridor wider.
   3. +3 more steps on the drill page
   Tip: The chiquita is harder than it looks — don't attempt it under pressure until you have 30+ clean practice repetitions at medium pace. A chiquita that pops up is an easy put-away for the net pair.
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FAQs

Other intermediate archetypes

• → The Wall training drills
• → The Counter Puncher training drills
• → The Smash Monster training drills
• → The Finisher training drills