Volley Reaction/Movement Drills

[Amone]

I've been slowly discovering a talent for approaching the net mid-game, it seems rather easy for me. But I realise that I have to capitalize on that comfort (if not a talent, given my lack of faith in my skill level) though I don't have the most solid of net games. It's not especially weak, and it's increasing quickly enough to make me want to pursue it, but I want to know how to make it increase faster.

I heard one of the members (I apologize for forgetting whom, I'm so terrible about that stuff) mention a drill their coach had them do, with two players feeding balls to them at once while they were at net, which made their reactions quite a bit faster, but that's the only thing I can think of. So, I put it to you guys:

Obviously, I need to practice my footwork (I rarely if ever split step, which is a real problem I am sure; I never really learned how to apply it even in practice matches, because I am not focusing on it for some reason when I have the chance) but what can I do to speed up my reaction time on volleys, and what can I do to get to things like passing shots and lobs with more efficiency (I can get to most lobs, but not only how do I get there, but what's the shortest path between me and the ball?)

Obviously, this is mostly just a general question, as I don't have any real anecdotes to use as explainations and even if I did, they would not be very clear. I just want to know how to gain the agility and reaction speed.

[Bungalo Bill]

I've been slowly discovering a talent for approaching the net mid-game, it seems rather easy for me. But I realise that I have to capitalize on that comfort (if not a talent, given my lack of faith in my skill level) though I don't have the most solid of net games. It's not especially weak, and it's increasing quickly enough to make me want to pursue it, but I want to know how to make it increase faster.

I heard one of the members (I apologize for forgetting whom, I'm so terrible about that stuff) mention a drill their coach had them do, with two players feeding balls to them at once while they were at net, which made their reactions quite a bit faster, but that's the only thing I can think of. So, I put it to you guys:

Obviously, I need to practice my footwork (I rarely if ever split step, which is a real problem I am sure; I never really learned how to apply it even in practice matches, because I am not focusing on it for some reason when I have the chance) but what can I do to speed up my reaction time on volleys, and what can I do to get to things like passing shots and lobs with more efficiency (I can get to most lobs, but not only how do I get there, but what's the shortest path between me and the ball?)

Obviously, this is mostly just a general question, as I don't have any real anecdotes to use as explainations and even if I did, they would not be very clear. I just want to know how to gain the agility and reaction speed.

Amone,

I just posted the Chang drill on the "bend your knees" post. Might want to take a look at it. It is one of the best drills to improve anticipation, conditioning, quickness, and proper footwork all in one. Must warn you though it is a tough drill and will elevate your heart rate very quickly, so take it easier if you are out of shape or old like me. :) Dont want any heart attacks out there.

[Rickson]

I've been slowly discovering a talent for approaching the net mid-game, it seems rather easy for me. But I realise that I have to capitalize on that comfort (if not a talent, given my lack of faith in my skill level) though I don't have the most solid of net games. It's not especially weak, and it's increasing quickly enough to make me want to pursue it, but I want to know how to make it increase faster.

This reminds me of someone who all of a sudden decided to play the net. Carlos thought he had developed good net skill, but when I played him with his new weapon, I found many holes in his new net game. Carlos played the net way too close so I beat him easily with lobs. Carlos also had poor approach shots so I was able to lob him at will. Remember, playing the net isn't just about volleying, it's about hitting good approach shots and playing from the right distance so hit your approach shots deep and don't hug the net.

[Amone]

I take tennis lessons about once a week, trying to get into good shape for a push at a second year on the varsity team. They started a week or two ago, it was fun stuff, and I really kinda had trouble keeping at the baseline at all. Which is why I want to learn all that, Rickson, so any advice you've got, I'd love.