Want faster hands at net? Practicing this drill will make it happen.
When playing tennis it’s important to be focused— intent, but not tense. This is particularly beneficial in doubles during quick volley exchanges. You want your body to be relaxed with your eyes looking forward at your opponents—not your partner—as you try to anticipate the next shot. Becoming anxious will slow down your reflexes and feet. If you struggle with these kinds of points, I know a great drill called “Double Vision."
You (P1, in diagram at right) and your partner stand in the middle of each service box on one side of the court while another team mirrors you. Your side hits your volleys down the line while your opponents hit crosscourt. Start the rally by feeding a ball to the player down the line from you (P2). He’ll volley that ball crosscourt to your partner (P3), who will volley down the line to the player opposite him (P4), and so on. It’s as if you’re making a figure eight. Continue the sequence several times around, emphasizing good ball control.
Once you’ve achieved consistency, up the ante. After you hit a volley down the line, immediately feed another ball to that player. Now you’ve got two balls going. If you make a mistake on one, wait until the rotation makes its way around to you and feed another ball to your down-the-line opponent. If you want a bigger challenge, get two more people, spread to the doubles alley, and add a third ball.
Although you’re paired into teams, remember that you’re trying to work together to keep the balls going. Maintain a reasonable pace on your shots so no one is lunging or reaching. Try to move quickly enough so that you’re hitting volleys at about waist-tochest height rather than allowing the ball to bounce. This drill develops hand speed, footwork, a short backswing, teamwork, and peripheral vision.