Standing Down-ball Hitting
A partner drill where one player tosses to themself and hits a controlled down-ball at a partner, who digs it back. Builds the arm swing without the jump.
- Focus
- Arm swing and contact on top of the ball
- Level
- Beginner
- Players
- 2 per ball
- Equipment
- 1 ball per pair
- Time
- 8 min
Side view
Side view: the hitter hits a down-ball, the partner digs it up high, and the hitter goes again.
📍 Setup
Partners stand 6–7 m apart on the same side of the net.
🪜 How to run it
- The hitter tosses the ball in front of the hitting shoulder.
- Bow-and-arrow: the non-hitting arm points up, the hitting elbow pulls back high.
- Snap the wrist over the top of the ball so it travels down and forward to the partner.
- The partner digs it back high, and the hitter catches or sets it and repeats.
- After 10 hits, switch.
🏆 Scoring
One point for each hit that lands in front of the partner and is dug back.
🧑🏫 Coaching this drill
What success looks like
The ball comes off the hand with topspin and dips toward the partner.
Coaching cues
“Elbow high”“Reach, then snap”“Hit the top of the ball”
Common mistakes
- Dropped elbow (pushing the ball). Fix: Keep the hitting elbow at ear height or above before the swing.
- Contact behind the head. Fix: Toss further in front so contact is in front of the hitting shoulder.
➖ Make it easier
Hit against a wall first, aiming at a mark on the floor in front of it.
➕ Make it harder
Partners stand further apart, or hit at targets left and right of the partner.
When to move on
When 8 of 10 hits are controllable, move on to approach hitting.